Piano Services
Cambridge Pianoforte started in the University City of Cambridge over 30 years ago. The aims and objectives of the firm are exactly the same today as they were then, to provide a first class service to pianists and musicians both amateur and professional. Over the years we have promoted and actively supported countless concerts, musical festivals, and other music events, many with international artists such as Radu Lupu, Mitsuko Uchida, Natalie Klien and Tom Poster.
Our staff are responsible for the preperation and tuning of the instruments in the main concert venues in Cambridge. These include the Cambridge Corn Exchange, The West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge Arts Theatre, and the majority of the Cambridge Colleges. Our work is not just restricted to the Cambridge area, we maintain instruments as far as Kings College London and the Norfolk coast.
One of our highly knowledgeable members of staff will always be available to give information and advice based upon ourextensive experience in the piano industry.
Piano Tuning & Servicing
Keeping a piano in good tune is a fundamental ingredient of getting the best from the instrument.
Poor tuning will spoil the finest piano by inhibiting resonance and clarity. Our tuner/technicians are of the highest calibre and have been formally and professionally trained.
They have many years experience and almost all of the concert tuning in Cambridge is carried out by our tuners, particularly for high profile international artists and venues. For regular tuning and maintenance work in the home, we operate a reminder system at the office here to help you to keep your piano in first class condition.
As well as carrying out major restorations, the workshop is also on hand as a backup for the tuner/technicians out on the road when they encounter technical challenges. When a task is too lengthy or complex to carry out on a half day visit, or if parts need to be specially made, then the workshop is on hand to take over. However large or small the task, the emphasis is on our attention to detail.
Restoration
Our superbly equipped workshop is staffed by a select team of highly skilled craftsmen. The work is focused mainly on the restoration of high quality pianos, particularly specialising in those made by Steinway & Sons. The restoration of a piano is a complex and lengthy process which takes skill, knowledge, experience and patience. We strive to restore the condition so that it is comparable to a new instrument, whilst retaining its integrity and character. This requires a combination of craftsmanship and artistic sensitivity. We take pride in the fact that we employ local craftsmen and any work which is outsourced goes to local people.
The construction and working parts of a piano may seem mysterious and intriguing, and we are very happy to give potential restoration clients an explanatory tour of the workshops to explain the process involved. Customers are also invited to see their instruments as ‘work in progress’.
Support Services
Removals
Our delivery team is highly competent in all types of piano moving and they revel in the seemingly impossible jobs. They are experienced and trained in the use of special lifting equipment and cranes so that pianos can be taken through upstairs windows and other difficult locations.
Piano Hire
We offer piano hire for all events. We provide high-quality grand and upright pianos and tuning, delivery and collection is included.
Hire-to-Buy
For many people, especially parents with young beginner pianists in the family, the financial outlay for their first piano can seem daunting. Our ‘Hire-to-Buy’ plan enables you to enjoy all the benefits of a brand new piano at a prudently modest cost.
Storage
We offer an ideal controlled environment for the storage of all types of pianos for very reasonable cost. The storage unit is cared for by specialists, who organise easy and straightfoward collection and delivery of your piano.
Valuation
We offer a professional valuation service whether it be for insurance, probate or for resale purposes. We can provide you with extensive information and advice. Valuation of a piano will depend on various factors, including maker, age and condition.
Digital Piano Repairs
We are able to offer digital piano repairs and servicing on Yamaha, Kawai and Roland digital pianos.