Our Services

Refinishing a Hobart M. Cable Upright

The project described below iwas completed on a 1908 Hobart M. Cable 57" upright piano. This was a fairly complete restoration, involving restringing the piano in addition to a complete recondition of the the action and sustain systems, so we were able to access all parts of the piano. Our evaluation of the existing wood surfaces and finish indicated areas of damage and also the presence of a variety of finishes from previous applications. Stripping, repairing, and refinishing the veneer and other wood surfaces on this piano was a time-consuming process. We are confident that the outcome will be a musical instrument that looks and plays like new.

1908 Hobart M. Cable 57" Upright
Pictures of the Evaluation, Repair, & Refinishing Process
taken in our shop

1 – This piano was previously owned by a neighbor who "grew up" with this piano and took lessons on it as a child. She needed to find a new home for it because of plans to downsize. We saw potential in this piano. It was very tall, solid, and played quite well. The soundboard and bridges were still in great shape.

2 – The original ivories were still in great shape, well worth saving.

3 – The piano was missing one caster and had some veneer damage, especially on the corners and the sidewalls. During this restoration project, we will install new casters and repair veneer damage.

4 – This piano has huge back posts, contributing to its very solid construction and deep, rich tone. Most glue joints continue to be solid and will not require repair.

5 – Examination of the action and the "harp" showed this piano to be in great shape, well worth restoring. We will install new larger-size tuning pins in restringing, without needing to replace the pinblock.

6 – We dismantled the piano, storing the panels on our special shelving unit.

7 – Dismantling including removal of the keybed, strings, pins, and plate--for full access to the soundboard, bridges and inside walls.

8 – We stripped all veneered and solid wood surfaces, removing the old finish and some of the original stain.

9 – We stripped the board and bridges.

10 – We used a toothbrush and a knife to remove the old finish from the beautiful wood carvings on the music rest.

11 – We scrubbed the plate with detergent.

12 – We refinished the soundboard and bridges with sealer and two coats of satin spar urethane, sanding between coats.

13 – Before refinishing the piano, we re-installed the plate and installed new strings and tuning pins.

14 – After repairing damaged areas, we refinished the veneered surfaces with stain, sealer, and three coats of lacquer, sanding between coats.

15 – Before reassembly, we reconditioned the action and pedal mechanisms, re-installed the keybed and pedal board, and conducted a complete regulation.

16 – During reassembly, we installed new rubber buttons and knobs. Since there was no bench, we purchased a new unfinished bench and refinished it using the same materials. Ready for delivery!