Restoring History: 1902 Shaw Upright Family Heirloom Player Piano Restoration

December 17, 2024 Brigham Larson Pianos

As a piano technician with over 30 years of experience, I’ve worked on thousands of pianos, but projects like the restoration of this 1902 Shaw upright #15614 are what truly fuel my passion. This family heirloom piano came to us from New Mexico in dire need of care—120 years of wear and tear had taken its toll. Through expert refinishing, a complete restoration, and the addition of a modern player system, we’ve brought this historic instrument back to life for generations to come!

In this blog, I’ll share the highlights of this project and introduce you to our national piano moving and restoration services, making high-quality piano care accessible wherever you are in the United States.

Before Restoration

From New Mexico to Utah! This upright piano embodies the craftsmanship of the early 20th century. When it arrived, the finish was dull, the soundboard lacked tension, and its mechanics were far from playable.

Here’s what we did:
1. Full Restoration: We rebuilt every mechanical component, from the action to the keys, ensuring flawless performance; replacing strings, hammers, and dampers. This piano also received extensive soundboard and bridge repairs, adding tension to the soundboard to enhance tonal richness.

2. Refinishing: The cabinet was stripped, sanded, and finished to highlight the natural beauty of the wood. Even the back of the piano received attention, as we blasted and lacquered it for a professional finish.

3. Player Installation: We installed a cutting-edge player system, allowing the piano to play itself with precision and expression. A modern player system added to an antique piano is one of the most exciting upgrades we offer. It combines the charm of vintage craftsmanship with the convenience of today’s technology, letting your piano play beautiful music with the touch of a button.

The result is nothing short of breathtaking! This is a piano that looks, feels, and sounds world-class!