Is restoring my piano worth it?
Restoring a piano can be a rewarding investment in sound, appearance, and historical value—but not every instrument is worth the time and expense. Here’s how to decide which types of pianos are generally worth restoring.
High-quality grands and baby grands
Well-built American, European, and Japanese grands from reputable makers (Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin, Yamaha, Kawai, Bösendorfer, Bechstein, etc.) often justify restoration.
Uprights from established makers (Baldwin, Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway-derived consoles, etc.) can be worth restoring if the case, pinblock, and soundboard are intact.
Higher-end uprights from the 20th century often respond well to full action work, restringing, and soundboard repairs.
Well-made vintage pianos with original parts
Older instruments built with solid hardwood cases, original soundboards, and heavy cast-iron plates have restoration potential.
Vintage American and European pianos with good provenance or unique historical/esthetic value may be restored for collectors or performance.
Rare, historically significant, or sentimental instruments
Instruments with historical importance, rare models, or strong sentimental value (family heirlooms) are frequently restored regardless of market value.
Restoration decisions often factor nonfinancial value.
Quality Japanese pianos (post-1950s)
Yamaha, Kawai, and other Japanese makers produced many reliable, well-built instruments that take restoration well and can approach modern performance after work.
When restoration is usually NOT worth it
Pianos with severe structural damage: cracked or delaminated soundboards, broken rims, or a warped cast-iron plate.
Low-end or mass-produced uprights with thin casework, poor pinblocks, or extensive previous amateur repairs.
Instruments where required work (full rebuilding of pinblock, extensive soundboard replacement, or major frame repairs) costs more than the piano’s market value unless sentimental or historical reasons apply.
Practical advice
Get in contact with our technicians to follow up with a Piano Appraisal. Is best to make an informed decision about your piano
Consider staged repairs: prioritize structural stability (soundboard, pinblock, plate) and tuning stability, then action regulation, voicing, and cosmetic work.
