Unique Piano Customizations: Embracing Innovation and Tradition

We recently shared a video highlighting one of our most exciting projects: the restoration of an 1890s Schubert piano with a nostalgic “banjo bar” feature. This unique project is a great look at some of the unique customizations people like to outfit their pianos with. Not only are piano customizations fun projects to work on, but I love that they give us an opportunity to retain a piano’s history and character while gaining a unique personalized touch. 

One fascinating customization we’ve worked on, as seen in the video, is the banjo bar. Adding the banjo bar to this 1890s Shubert gives the piano a distinctive rinky-tink sound, like what you’d see at an old-time saloon or music hall. The result is a unique sound that sets this piano apart from any other like it!

We’ve also had the pleasure of working on pianos where the owners wanted custom inlays and art designs. Whether it’s intricate wood inlays that depict family crests or scenic landscapes painted on the inside of the lid, these customizations are a great way to add some personalization to a piano and turn it into a true work of art. 

Projects like these have been fun to work on, but are by no means the end all of piano customizations. There are tons of fun customizations one might consider requesting to help their piano stand out. For example: 

• Exotic Wood Finishes: Using veneers like bubinga, macassar ebony, and koa can give your piano a luxurious and unique appearance.
• LED Lighting: Adding LED lighting to the underside of the lid or around the keyboard can create a dramatic effect, especially in dimly lit environments.
• Hybrid Acoustic-Digital Pianos: Integrating digital components into acoustic pianos allows for the best of both worlds, offering rich acoustic sound with modern digital features.
• Climate Control Systems: Installing climate control systems helps maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels, preserving the piano’s integrity.

Customization allows us to preserve the unique history of each piano while adding features that make it truly special. It’s a way to honor the instrument’s past while making it relevant and enjoyable for today’s musicians. The joy of playing a piano that has been tailored to your preferences and style is unmatched, and it’s something we’re passionate about providing at Brigham Larson Pianos.