Refurbished Piano (?)

I am for substance. We can use both terms....we need to see what is done and how!!!! Especially after the restoration or reconditioning, whatever you want to call it, it is crucial that the instrument does not change its identity!!! Identical hammers, identical springs, ....felt strips of the same shape and color, dampers of the same thickness and length, etc.....

There are identities that affect functioning and others that concern the look (for example the color of the felts and skins....certainly not their quality!!)

For example, it is important to reproduce the same shape of the original hammer rail and the same drilling.....if possible, also the same color of the underfelt.

It is evident that if one acts on the replacement of certain materials, it means they were worn out and consequently, even though having an instrument made efficient again, it must be considered used.

In any case, it is very important to demand to see the removed materials (e.g., seeing how the old hammer rail was made!). Even a minimal difference can cause the instrument to lose its identity

Joesecondo wrote:

What differences can there be between a RESTORED and RECONDITIONED piano? Are they two equivalent terms? In the end, would it be like buying a used piano or a piano different from the original one?? Let me know what you think 😆

It's an old story. Generally, the term "remanufactured" refers to Japanese pianos that are brought back to life by replacing "compromised" components such as strings, pins, felts, etc.

How invasive the "remanufacturing" is depends on the state of the instrument before the repair. There are remanufactured pianos on the market produced from the 50s onwards; you have to look at the serial number to understand which production it is.

It is important to know that there are different channels for sourcing these instruments; the most expensive instruments are generally those "remanufactured" under the control of the parent company and come with certificates attesting to the authenticity of the recovery process. Less expensive and older instruments are collected from who knows where, remanufactured in who knows which workshop without the recovery process being traceable.

As with a restoration, success depends on:

- the state of conservation of the instrument

- the quality of the instrument when new

- the skills of the craftsman

for this reason, you can find good, bad, terrible and, sometimes, excellent remanufactured or restored ones around. The latter are rarer and have a price 20 or 30% lower than an equivalent new one (I am referring to remanufactured ones).

A restored piano, meaning not just "remanufactured" or "repaired" but brought back to its former glory without altering its factory characteristics, can cost much more than an "equivalent" new one. Obviously, the charm of a restored piano is satisfying and makes you forget all the technical limitations inherent in the age of the instrument: let's not forget, in fact, that a certain model X built today will have technical improvements compared to the same model X built thirty years ago. This is why, for example, a U3 built today has nothing to do with a U3 built 30 years ago....

When choosing to purchase a remanufactured instrument, you must have your eyes and ears wide open when evaluating it, along with a certain experience in understanding if an instrument is good or if it needs further technical interventions... unfortunately, advice given on the internet is never sufficient in these cases and it is advisable, after having performed a screening based on our senses, our tastes and our needs, to ask someone more experienced to help us in the choice to avoid unpleasant surprises.

To answer your question, a restored piano has certainly been reconditioned, but not vice versa.

Ciao

Attention. We can change everything and improve everything, but the condition of the soundboard and its "charge" is important. One must also see what kind of seasoning the board itself has undergone. The loss of its vibration capacity and then cracks....shrinkage...swelling etc... as well as the condition of the bridges.

Thank you so much for these answers! Very detailed! Alas, perhaps only a quarter of the technical terms used to list the instrument's technical components are known to me. In short, if you were in a situation where you had to choose a piano of this kind, you would disassemble it and analyze it thoroughly. Unfortunately, I don't know to what extent I could do the same. I could, however, ask to have everything shown to the hypothetical dealer if you told me exactly what to look for, that would be perfect! But I don't want to abuse your time and availability, much less Fra's, whom I thank. It would take years of experience, after all. To cut a long story short, I ask you... If there is a certification from the manufacturer, are you on safe ground?

If the piano has been restored by the Manufacturer, one could not ask for more.

Another piece of advice: You must try and try the piano again. Alone. Calmly. I believe that if that is our instrument... we will hear it "speak". It must please us, those of us who play it.

Best wishes

(technical advice: Listen to the sound of chords in different regions of the keyboard. Feel their duration. Try repeated notes. Try octaves. Try a cantabile phrase that we know well. Try staccatos. Try six sounds in the colors pianissimo, piano, mezzoforte, forte, and fortissimo. Listen to how the sound changes and evaluate the pleasantness of this change.)

(Obviously, with the Manufacturer's warranty, one can neglect checking any condition of the soundboard, the hammers, the strings, or the entire action.)

What one must never do, in my opinion, is let oneself be carried away by haste and enthusiasm... we can be blinded by our euphoria because purchasing an acoustic instrument for someone who wants it so much is a joyful event and it is difficult (as happens with all first times) to "control" it... it takes a lot of patience ...

Bro, how much patience did you have?

regards

saverio

Bro, how much patience did you have? greetings saverio

I tend to be not very reflective and to act on impulse, which is why I have often made mistakes... I must say, all of them learned the hard way! That's why today I feel I can give some advice...

Greetings

I fully agree with Fra. The euphoria of having a new acoustic piano, the first one in my case, could lead me to make a bad choice since playing any of them is exciting for me anyway; being used to always playing on a digital piano (except for various lessons), I might not notice its flaws. It takes patience. Let's hope for the best. In any case, I will keep you updated for any further advice. Thank you all. And thank you, maestro.

Anyway, if you want, also take into consideration the two pianos we proposed in the used section. Keep in mind that the SAMICK is as if it had just come out of the shop. The grand piano is also brand new and sounds good, but you have to go see it in the outskirts of Rome. This one is also a real bargain.

We know both people and we never accept to promote instruments of which we are not sure of their success. It is a matter of seeing what kind of instrument you are looking for.

I am looking for an upright piano for study... no more than 5000 euros I would say... The fact is that I live in Sardinia, I don't know how feasible the whole thing is

Then you have to find it on site. I agree.