Business Details
47 Years
experience
Trusted Piano Restoration Experts in Orange County
Piano Artisans has dedicated over five decades to perfecting the art of piano restoration, specializing in museum-quality work for antique and vintage instruments. Our expertise extends to player pianos from America's golden age, combining historical reverence with modern performance enhancements. With a team of specialists including Brian, the founder and master refinisher; Amber, president and client relations expert; John, our player piano master; and Cora, a skilled restoration specialist, we deliver unparalleled craftsmanship. Our curated selection process ensures each project receives meticulous attention, preserving musical heritage while meeting contemporary standards. Clients trust us for transparent communication, detailed documentation, and a commitment to revealing each piano's true voice. From in-home appraisals to climate-controlled storage, we provide comprehensive solutions for preserving family legacies and rare instruments.
Services
Grand Piano Restoration
Player Piano Rebuilding
Climate-Controlled Storage
Piano Appraisals
In-Home Repair
Piano Refinishing
Digital Player Installation
Antique Piano Services
Served areas
- Servicing Orange County CA and the rest of the USA
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We specialize in museum-quality restoration of antique player pianos
- Our team includes certified experts with decades of combined experience
- We offer climate-controlled, insured piano storage facilities
- We provide in-home appraisals and repairs with transparent pricing
- Our curated selection process ensures dedicated attention to each project
What people say
Unparalleled craftsmanship
Exceeded every expectation
World-class expertise
Museum-quality results
Transparent communication
Services
Grand Piano Restoration
Specializing in museum-quality restoration of grand pianos, we combine historical preservation with modern performance enhancements. Our process includes complete disassembly, structural repairs, soundboard restoration, and finish refinishing. Clients receive detailed documentation throughout the restoration journey, ensuring transparency and connection to their instrument's rebirth.
Player Piano Rebuilding
Reviving antique player pianos requires specialized expertise in complex mechanical systems. Our master technicians restore original mechanisms while ensuring reliable operation. We research historical materials and techniques to maintain authenticity, with documented processes showing every stage of mechanical rehabilitation and system optimization.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Our secure, climate-controlled facilities protect valuable instruments from environmental damage. The storage process includes detailed intake documentation, regular condition monitoring, and specialized handling procedures. Clients receive online access for easy management and status updates during their instrument's safekeeping period.
Piano Appraisals
Professional appraisals combine technical assessment with historical research to determine accurate valuations. Our certified experts provide detailed written reports with photographic documentation, covering condition analysis, historical context, and market value estimates for insurance or sale purposes.
In-Home Services
We offer convenient in-home assessments, repairs, and appraisals for pianos in situ. Our technicians bring specialized tools and expertise directly to clients' locations, minimizing instrument movement while providing immediate condition evaluations and service recommendations tailored to each piano's needs.
Questions
What types of pianos do you specialize in restoring?
We specialize in grand pianos, player pianos, and antique instruments from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including rare reproducing systems like Duo-Art and Ampico.
How long does a typical restoration take?
Full restorations generally take 6-12 months depending on complexity, with regular progress updates provided throughout the documented restoration process.
Do you offer storage for restored pianos?
Yes, our climate-controlled storage facilities provide secure, temperature-regulated environments with detailed intake documentation and online management access for stored instruments.
Can you assess my piano's value remotely?
While we recommend in-person appraisals for accurate valuation, we can provide preliminary assessments based on detailed photos and descriptions through our online portal.
Do you service modern digital pianos?
Our expertise focuses on acoustic and player pianos from the 19th and early 20th centuries, preserving mechanical systems rather than digital electronics.
What areas do you serve for in-home services?
We provide in-home services throughout Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego, with travel arrangements possible for special projects.
Reviews (26)
Kay M.
May 11, 2021
Report
Just had John replace broken/missing wheels with heavy duty ones and the service couldn't have been better! John was on time, and very pleasant. He offered advice for some other repairs needed and I was happy to hear about the options that could work. Looking forward to more work being done on my antique piano from Piano Artisans.
Chip D.
Mar 17, 2021
Report
Brian and Piano Artisans re-built our 100 year old player piano recently. Brian's service was great and the finished product more than met our expectations. There have been a couple of follow-up issues, as can be expected, and Brian was right there to address them. Brian has always been on time and communicated effectively. He recently tuned the piano, so now even my husband likes listening to it!
Irene Boger
Apr 21, 2020
Report
I brought in my (YLOD) PS3 here and they said that they could try to fix it. If they couldn't, then it was free. But after 2 hours, they got it working again. I got a step by step on what they had found wrong with it and some preventive options from overheating. These guys are the best. Very respectful and great customer service. They have my future business.
Lloyd W.
Feb 19, 2019
Report
Brian (the owner) tuned my piano to perfection. OK, that is a great review. However the experience didn't stop there. As I am not familiar with the workings of a piano and being a technical person I hung around to watch him work and ask questions. Brian was more than congenial and didn't seem to mind; he was actually excited that someone was interested in his work. We had a great time sharing experiences and talking tech while he tuned.
He told me how he grew his business offering quality work restoring, tuning and servicing pianos to very special people who love and cherish their instruments. I must agree. Amber, his friendly coordinator, was quick to call me back and arrange my appointment. You can feel very confident that your piano will be treated with love and care.
He told me how he grew his business offering quality work restoring, tuning and servicing pianos to very special people who love and cherish their instruments. I must agree. Amber, his friendly coordinator, was quick to call me back and arrange my appointment. You can feel very confident that your piano will be treated with love and care.
John R.
Mar 24, 2018
Report
Up front - Amber provided excellent customer service. Good communication for initial scheduling and etc. and was transparent with pricing from the get-go. (Which I truly appreciate!) When Brian arrived, we learned my piano was so out of tune from a previous tuner that some serious adjustment was needed - Brian sailed right through getting my piano sounding really really nice. Then he spent a fair amount of time fine tuning, then cleaning the hard to access soundboard and strings (he knew it was important to me that it be cleaned as good as possible).
He really cares about and takes pride in his craft - unquestionably one of the most astute and assiduously detailed guys out there. I will be happy to continue working with him as future tuning and adjustments are needed. Thank you guys so much!
He really cares about and takes pride in his craft - unquestionably one of the most astute and assiduously detailed guys out there. I will be happy to continue working with him as future tuning and adjustments are needed. Thank you guys so much!
Amy S.
Oct 16, 2017
Report
5 stars for this business! Brian, who is the owner, is a pleasure to work with. He has tuned and pitch raised our grand piano for the past few years, as well as done repairs when needed. He is also an expert on the PianoDisc system, and helped us to upgrade our speakers to a Bluetooth one that allows the best sound in our living room. Ask him how he came into the business of pianos, and you will come to understand why he is so passionate about what he does for a living.
He and his team also restore pianos as part of their business. They are masters of their craft. If you need tuning, restoration, repairs or piano moving, Brian and his team can do it all. This is why I will continue to support family-owned businesses.they treat every customer like they are their only customer.
He and his team also restore pianos as part of their business. They are masters of their craft. If you need tuning, restoration, repairs or piano moving, Brian and his team can do it all. This is why I will continue to support family-owned businesses.they treat every customer like they are their only customer.
Andrea J.
Sep 03, 2017
Report
I requested an appraisal for my piano. I was given an appraisal based on The donation value. Why would they write the donation value into a formal appraisal? They also gave me a value for resale which was lower than the donation value, I don't get that at all. However. The owner seems responsive so I recommend communication before doing the appraisal. I'm sure she'll help out.
Mopsmv
Jun 27, 2017
Report
I moved recently and had heard from word-of-mouth that Piano Artisans would be the way to go with moving our baby grand. Professionalism was top notch and they were in and out of the house without a scratch. Incredibly personable and easy to work with. I would recommend them time and time again! I'll be looking for a tune-up soon and Piano Artisans will be my one and only call. Thanks.
Bret Griffiths
May 17, 2017
Report
Brian at Piano Artisans has only one mindset when it comes to his customers. His mind is set for providing the best quality for each and every customer no matter how long or quick the job may take. He made my gf' s grandma's piano come back to life just like it looked when it was purchased over 50 years ago. Thanks Brian and the techs who work there.
Laura Salveson
Jan 22, 2017
Report
Extremely easy and user friendly. Not only do I have complete confidence that our beloved piano is well cared for, Piano Artisans' easy online monthly billing system is a breeze.
Roger N.
Nov 07, 2016
Report
Amber was very prompt with replying and provided great information. Francisco and his crew were highly professional. would highly recommend, and will use again when the time comes.
Susan M.
Sep 23, 2016
Report
Brian was prompt in responding and came out quickly to take care of an older piano that was going to be moved. Not only did it sound great when he was done, but his recommended movers were on time, courteous and took great care in moving the instrument as well as the not damaging the home! Thank you Piano Artisans
Florette Grado
May 08, 2016
Report
I referred several of my friends to Piano Artisans after purchasing and utilizing their services for my piano restoration and tuning. I am completely satisfied and feel that their quality of work was great and very nicely done and their pricing was very fair. I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing high level restorations, tuning and player piano servicing. Great experience!
Debbie Zimmerman
Mar 02, 2016
Report
Brian did a phenomenal job of tuning my piano. He came the day before an important party when my previous tuner of 10 years cancelled his appt. The quality of the sound that Brian was able to achieve surpassed any previous professional's ability. There were several pianists at my party, many of whom had played my piano before, and each commented on how great the piano sounded. Additionally, Brian has an almost encyclopedic knowledge about pianos and was able to give me some wonderful information about its construction and manufacturer. Never again will I use anybody but Piano Artisans for my piano. Debbie Z June 2016
Martine Heffernan
Jan 12, 2016
Report
What a wonderful experience! They restored my piano beautifully. Such an amazing skill their team has. Kudos and thank you!
Robert Fontes
Dec 11, 2015
Report
So glad I met Brian Grado a couple of years ago! The most enthusiastic, talented, and knowledgeable piano tech I've ever met. My 1865 Kranich & Bach Square Grand is in great hands! My 40 year old Kawai Grand is scheduled for some freshening up! After Brian spent some time on it yesterday, its NEVER sounded better.
Thomas J.
Mar 19, 2015
Report
I requested a last minute move and Brian responded quickly and said he could get the job done the next day. Brian and his moving partner picked the piano up at my mom's house, she loved them, and delivered it to my apartment on the 5th floor. They were professional, nice, and got the job done in a timely fashion. I'll see them in 2 weeks to get my piano tuned. Pricing was great too.
Julia P.
Dec 09, 2014
Report
I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am with the experience that Brian and Piano Artisans gave me a few months ago. Brian was very helpful in helping me purchase a piano at a very reasonable price. I was then told to get in contact with his mover Francisco. Francisco was great as well, the piano was delivered promptly and at a great price. I highly recommend Piano Artisans for anything piano-related. Thanks again Brian!
Stu G.
Nov 12, 2014
Report
My experience was different than the other writers. I called about an old player piano that I own and was wondering how much it was worth or if I should donate it. I got Brian on the phone right away. He understood what advice I was looking for. He offered to give me an email appraisal for donation purposes, at a reasonable price of $40, and also offered to look at pictures to see if he would be interested in buying the piano.
I sent the pictures right away and within 1/2 hour he wrote me back and told me what he thought I could sell it for and what he thought it would appraise for. I have someone coming to look at the piano and I now have the information I need to determine if I am getting a fair offer.
I sent the pictures right away and within 1/2 hour he wrote me back and told me what he thought I could sell it for and what he thought it would appraise for. I have someone coming to look at the piano and I now have the information I need to determine if I am getting a fair offer.
Lynn L.
Nov 08, 2014
Report
I would like to thank Brian and the crew at Artisans for a great job with storing my piano for over a year, at a low fee. When it came time to relocate from California to Oregon, Brian negotiated fees and planned the move for me! He also cleaned and polished my piano prior to my move. It arrived looking gorgeous! Thank you so much! I will recommend your company to anyone in need of Piano services!
Amy Y.
Oct 27, 2014
Report
Highly do not recommend. Unclear scope of services unclear pricing. No opportunity to review the work before they place the piano in third party hands that require thousands of dollars or they offload the piano. Inaccurate information. No follow up as promised to review the work. Poor communication. Beware.
Mark Evans
Apr 27, 2014
Report
I contacted Piano Artisans to move my Kawai baby grand piano. This was a move of 60 miles and I needed someone who could move my beautiful piano safely at a reasonable price. I was concerned about getting this done because the piano was in perfect condition and I needed to move it a significant distance. The movers handled my piano with tender loving care and set it up in place perfectly without a scratch. Further, they did the move at a very reasonable price. I highly recommend Piano Artisans for piano moving.
Josh M.
Dec 17, 2013
Report
Came to them to have my grandfather's Steinway restored as it had sustained some cosmetic damage from moving and general wear and tear. They do amazing work and Brian was a pleasure to work with. Very knowledgeable and price was very fair.
Kyle P.
Nov 23, 2013
Report
Extremely unprofessional experience. Would not use them again for piano moving services. Unclear pricing strategy. Difficult to coordinate delivery. Should have just moved it myself.
Tyler R.
Dec 02, 2011
Report
Piano artisans specializes in piano and player piano restoration. They restore the finest pianos available to better than brand new condition, and certainly better sound than most modern pianos have today. I purchased my 1931 Francis Bacon from them at the beginning of this year and I could not be happier. Brian and John have helped every step of the way. From sales, delivery, set-up, and initial tuning, they have been there every step of the way. I highly recommend Piano Artisans. Thanks Guys!
G.L.E.
Mar 15, 2011
Report
Piano Artisans provided me outstanding service on a number of occasions related to the rebuilding and restoration of my antique Mason and Hamlin with Ampico player.
Brian Grado is a master technician and historical expert related to antique pianos and players. His fees are reasonable comparatively and he provided me with detailed, on call support 7 days a week. I highly recommend piano artisans for any work related to new or antique pianos, rebuilding, tuning or general restoration (including new and antique player pianos).
Brian Grado is a master technician and historical expert related to antique pianos and players. His fees are reasonable comparatively and he provided me with detailed, on call support 7 days a week. I highly recommend piano artisans for any work related to new or antique pianos, rebuilding, tuning or general restoration (including new and antique player pianos).