If you’re in the market for a piano, you might be weighing up the pros and cons of buying a brand-new instrument versus investing in a restored piano. While the allure of something new is tempting, a beautifully restored piano can offer far more value, character and quality than many new models on the market today.

Piano restoration is the process of bringing an ageing or damaged piano back to optimal playing condition—structurally, mechanically, and visually. It’s more than a tune-up or minor repair. A full piano restoration is often reserved for quality instruments that are worn down but have great potential, whether sentimental, musical, or historical.