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Hitting the right note
Yorkshire Life - June 2007
Deep in the heart of Sowerby Bridge lies a converted mill complex containing
one of Yorkshire's hidden gems: Piano Workshop. In approximately 2000 sq ft a
fully equipped workshop breathes life back into some of the world's best pianos.
Names like Bluthner, Steinway and Bechstein regularly pass through the workshop
doors, coming out as completely rebuilt instruments ready to give pleasure once
again. The workshop is owned and run by Paul Rayner, who has a lifelong interest
in keyboard instruments. Paul has trained and worked in some of the best music
houses in the country and has been in business since 1989.
Many of the instruments that come into the workshop are completely stripped
down and rebuilt using the best quality components, including completely new
Renner actions and new German soundboards. On many older instruments some parts
are now unobtainable from the trade so these are manufactured in the workshop.
Such parts range from odd size brass agraffes, which hold the strings of the
piano in place. to the many wooden parts that comprise a piano action. Many
commissions require repairs and re-polishing to the case, which is also carried
out in-house, and one of the Workshop's specialities is veneer work.
Special instruments can be sourced for clients, as well as offering carefully
selected rebuilt instruments to new homes. Most of the Workshop's reconditioned
instruments are offered for sale with new tuning planks as standard.
During a typical rebuild instruments go through a series of intricate
processes. On arrival many important items on the instrument are measured, then
the tension is carefully taken off the strings and cast iron frame. After noting
all the original string sizes, the strings and all the felts are removed and the
frame is sent for cleaning to provide a good foundation for the carefully
matched new paint. The original tuning pin planks are taken from the piano and
used to make an exact copy, which is made from specially laminated timber. At
this stage if any work is required on the case, it is carried out using one of a
variety of refinishing products on offer.
The clear wood finishes can range from satin to high gloss, or a solid colour
can be applied, as usually seen on the concert platform. To restore the original
sound of the instrument work is carried out on the soundboard, which is then
polished and new tuning pins and strings are fitted. The original bass strings
are used as a pattern for new one, which rejuvenate the sound of the instrument
and look stunning as they are wound with copper.
Piano actions may be rebuilt, replacing any worn parts with the finest
materials, or simply replaced with completely new parts throughout. After many
hours of work the instrument is then ready to be tuned and voiced. Customers of
the Workshop frequently want their piano repaired but are not sure of what can
be done to instruments. Having seen or heard the improvement to one particular
section of the piano, they often ask for further work to be carried out.
Customers are encouraged to visit the Workshop to see work in progress on their
instruments.
The last word goes to Paul: "Keyboard instruments are my life's passion,
especially pianos. I want nothing more than to delight an owner with the sound
and feel of their revitalised instrument once it's left my workshop."
For More Information Contact:
Piano Workshop
Unit 24, Asquith Bottom Mills, SOWERBY BRIDGE, West Yorkshire, HX6 3BT
Tel: 01422 835 155
Fax: 01422 835 155
Internet:
raynerpaul06@aol.com
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