Hartzler Pianos, LLC

This important step in the process will determine the tone and performance characteristics of the finished instrument. Proper action parts will provide good touch and will allow the artist to connect with the piano. Hammers are selected to match the instrument's character and intended use. For maximum performance and tonal beauty, Bryan selects the proper custom bass strings, a high quality maple pin block, quarter sawn bridge caps, and premium spruce soundboards. 

The leg detail at right is from an 1891 Steinway grand piano. The finish has deteriorated and there are many chips in the wood. Bryan began the restoration process by removing all of the old finish. Bryan then makes repairs on the case by filling cracks and scratches by hand. In places where the case is badly damaged, Bryan will meticulously re-sculpt the original contours, a time-intensive process that yields amazing results. Pore filler provides a smooth surface for the finish, which is applied in several coats. The lacquer is then given ample time to cure. Finally, the lacquer is leveled and hand rubbed to a beautiful satin sheen. On this particular piano the refinishing process took four months because of the fine details in the intricate case.

Below is the same leg, after restoration

We send the original hardware (screws, hinges, pedals, etc.) to another company to be dipped and re-plated to the original specifications.

The "belly" of the piano consists of the soundboard, bridges, and pin block. This is the heart and soul of your instrument and must be carefully rebuilt. Bryan recaps the bridges with quarter sawn hard maple and hand drills and notches them. This takes a steady hand is identical to the process used by craftsmen in the 19th century. The soundboard is repaired when possible or replaced, refinished, and the bearing is re-set.

Whenever possible, we try to restore original ivories. When this is not an option we explore other choices like high quality plastic, bone, and new ivory key tops. Original ivory can be bleached with ultraviolet light, resurfaced, and buffed to a translucent white. Any chips in the ivories are repaired and dyed to match. The ebony keys are gently sanded and sealed with multiple coats of tung oil or shellac.

Throughout the tone building process, Bryan tunes and retunes the instrument. As the strings stretch, Bryan continues to develop a game plan for the final sound. Evening out the touchweight is an important part of the tone design process. Each key is weighed, measured, and adjusted to ensure an even feel along the entire keyboard. Voicing is the final step in the rebuilding process. Bryan spends days going over the instrument, hardening or softening the hammers as needed to ensure an absolutely even response from note to note. After the tone building is complete the piano speaks with one clear and resonant voice that is easy for the pianist to control. When you sit down to play one of these amazing instruments, you will hear and feel the care and craftsmanship that Bryan Hartzler brings to every piano. The past is brought back to life, ready to make beautiful music with you.