One of the best-kept-secrets within the piano trade in Southern California is Past Perfect Piano's restoration shop, Piano Solutions. Guennadi Korolev is a master piano technician and rebuilder with over 30 years of experience in every aspect of piano service and restoration. Some of his most notable accounts have included the St. Petersberg Philharmonic, Rimsky Korsakov Conservatory and Moussoursky Music College, and many foreign consulates in St. Petersberg, Russia. He currently services the pianos at Loyola University in Los Angeles. While in St. Petersberg, Guennadi underwent extensive training from some of the most notable Old Word craftsmen of Russia and Eastern Europe. For more photos and information on Piano Solutions, you can also go to www.pianosxxi.com.

Soundboard, Bridge and Ribs Because of the characteristics of aged mountain spruce, the soundboards on vintage pianos are extremely valuable, and all efforts are taken to repair (if necessary) any flaws or cracks in the original board. In rare cases where the soundboard cannot be saved, a new board is meticulously remanufactured and installed. Most importantly, the soundboard must be structurally secured to the ribs on the underside of the piano. Bridges are also inspected for cracks and solidity. If beyond repair, a damaged bridge can be recapped, carved and notched.

Harp Modern Pianos (since the late 1800's) are under a tremendous amount of string and structural tension. The condition of the harp is critical to the sound and performance of the instrument. A total piano restoration STARTS with a harp inspection, stripping and refinishing.

Pinblock In restoring a Grand Piano, chances are the tuning pins have been replaced at least once, increasing the size of the holes in the pinblock itself, and weakening its structure and "grip." We usually replace the pinblock, manufacturing a new one identical to the original (or better). Our pinblocks are then both glued and bolted into the case.

Piano Action The performance of the piano, especially the touch weight of the action, is itself very personal and subjective to the individual pianist. Whenever possible, Piano Solutions uses factory original action parts. Custom replacement of upgraded parts (such as Renner or Abell, standard for Hamburg Steinways) are also an available option for the pianist.

Restringing The replacement of the proper gauge of strings, along with correctly reintroducing tension to the harp and pinblock without damaging the instrument, are important skills for the experienced piano rebuilder. Piano Solutions utilizes a patented, custom-built system to store, measure and dispense the correct gauge and length of strings during this process. Most instruments simply require new strings to bring them back to life. In some instances, based on improvements in string manufacture and client choices for adjustments to the instrument sound and playability, different gauge strings (from the factory specs) can be placed on the restored instruments.

Piano Assembly The craft and art of piano restoration comes into play when the instrument is ready for final assembly, which requires the most amount of skill and expertise. The character of each individual instrument is realized through final tuning and voicing. A great Steinway, for instance, can be regulated and voiced to sound and play based on the taste and style of the pianist. Your instrument CAN and WILL sound and play the way you expect - or better!

Case Refinishing and Buffing Many restoration shops place all their emphasis on the case, but very little on the interior of the instrument. Our clients are not just looking for a pretty piano - they are looking for a fine musical instrument that pleases aesthetically in every way. Some cases simply need minor repair and buffing, while others need complete stripping and refinishing. Regardless, by the time a restored piano leaves our shop, it looks as good as it plays and sounds.

We welcome your phone calls and questions about repairing, refinishing and/or restoring your piano, and we invite you to come and tour the shop, where we can better explain the process and discuss your needs. We can also come out to your location to help evaluate your instrument for refinishing and/or restoration. Once you have seen our facilities and talked with our craftsmen, you will be secure in the knowledge that Piano Solutions, and Past Perfect Pianos, can help bring your valuable heirloom or concert piano back to - or better than - pristine, as-new condition. We also rebuild choice instruments, for view and sale in our Features Piano Gallery, and welcome your inquiries on these or any other piano we have in stock.