We own a Yamaha G3 grand piano with a polished black finish that was purchased new back in 1987. While the piano has been tuned regularly over the years, the case was clearly showing its age after 30+ years in our living room (i.e., lots of small scratches and the like). In other words, this once beautiful instrument had lost much of its luster! As the result of a referral from a respected friend, I contacted Piano Artisans and spoke with Amber. We also traded e-mails with me sending her photos of our piano and she explaining the options and process for restoring the finish. She was able to schedule an appointment to have the work done in our home within about a week from initial contact. The piano technician Jon showed up precisely on time and went to work polishing every inch of the piano case for a good 5 hours! At the end of the day, I almost couldn't believe my eyes. The result was nothing short of miraculous! Our piano looked like the day it was purchased over 30 years ago. No exageration. Jon was the penultimate craftsman, taking his time and making sure it was as perfect as it could be. And he was polite, courteous and professional. In other words, Piano Artisans far exceeded my already very high expectations. I would trust them with any and all piano related work that needs to be done. And I felt the cost was very reasonable considering the level of effort involved. Well done Piano Artisans!! read more

I have never been so impressed with the first class, 2nd to none details that this company {Brian, the owner} puts forth. I am now in my 3rd year of a used Steinway Piano that I purchased from this company. The fine craftsmanship that was put forth by this company leaves nothing more to ask for. if you want a piano to enhance the beauty of your house, both style and sound, this is the place to go. Thank you Piano Artisans !!!!! Gary Monnig, Fullerton, CA read more

Brian's workmanship is the ultimate detail you will ever experience in any piano restoration in your life! His work is a masterpiece not just a restoration! After he's done with your piano, it will look like as if you just bought a brand new piano straight from the factory with all the custom work you wanted on it. Love your work Piano Artisans read more

See all

I can't even begin to express how happy I am that I found Piano Artisans to restore our family's 1912 player piano. The player piano hadn't worked in about 12 years. It was a long wait to get to the front of the waitlist, but so glad we did it. The piano plays beautifully once again. My parents would be so happy that it is playing for the future generations since it was such a big part of our home and memories. Thank you Brian, Amber and team. read more

Good piano restoration work, exceptionally long wait time to start a project, combined with a troubling "no refunds" retainer policy. In short, if you're willing to wait 20+ months for a piano restoration, then Piano Artisans may be the right option for you. If you don't have the patience for that time frame, you may need to look elsewhere. Piano Artisans has about 9 full time employees that specializes in high quality piano restoration work. I visited their shop and they do appear to do quality work. Unfortunately they have a huge backlog of work combined with unfriendly retainer practice, which I will detail below for you to make your own judgment. Piano Artisans bid on a complete restoration of my 1929 Kurtzmann Grand piano. Was initially told it would be 9-12 months before starting, and around 6 months to complete the restoration. Price was good, but because of the backlog, you're asked to pay a retainer to hold your spot in their queue. I paid the requested retainer of $2500 to hold my spot in their queue. After 9 months passed, I hadn't heard from them, so I emailed. Amber replied that they were experiencing supply delays and their queue was now around 12-15 months, meaning Ito wait another 3-6 months. At the 12 month mark (around 3 months later), hadn't heard from them, so at the 13 month mark (still no contact), it felt like the backlog was going to be problematic and it shook my faith in their ability to do the work in a timely manner. I decided to move forward with a different restoration company out of state who was able to get started right away. I spoke with Brian on 5/16/23 to ask for a refund of my retainer and the answer was a flat no refunds policy, which was unfortunate considering that no work had been done on piano at all. I asked if we could apply those funds toward other services they offered, like tuning or something else, and the answer was also no. While I can understand his disappointment in losing the business, I'm pretty disappointed he's chosen to keep the funds considering there were no services provided, and no consideration given to using the funds toward other services they offer. To be clear, there is language on their invoice that states that the retainer is not refundable after 5 days, so they would argue that I knew what I was getting into. In my view they broke the terms of that agreement by not meeting the timeline to start work. If you couldn't perform the service a customer was paying you for in the time you'd agreed on, then returning their money would be the right thing to do. Taking a customer's money meant for a service, and then keeping that money without performing any services would simply be the wrong thing to do from a business ethics perspective. They disagree with me on this one, based on the fact that the invoice states their "no refunds" policy. Brian stated he had quite a backlog and that while he was looking for a way to update his customers on their status in queue, it would be impractical for him to contact all his customers all the time on their pianos status in queue as it would take away focus from the restoration work. He also mentioned that sometimes restorations can take longer than initially expected because customers will change their scope and want more work done, which lengthens the queue for those in the backlog. In my opinion, if you choose to work with them, understand their backlog, their workload, and what it will take before getting to you. Brian has stated numbers ranging from 60 pianos in backlog to "over 250 pianos in our shop." It's unclear to me what their actual workload is, but I'd recommend you get good insight into this before doing business with a place that takes a non-refundable retainer and estimates project start times of 12-15 months out, which could slip. In general, if you have to wait 12-15 months to start a project with any contractor, be aware of the possible challenges: Brian mentioned additional delay came when customers changed the scope of his work. Parts availability may also create delays, since what is widely available today may not be as available 12-15 months from now. If you run into the situation that I did, where the delay became too great, or some other situation changes where you need to cancel or go elsewhere, then you face the loss your down payment retainer as I did. I started off really excited to work with Brian and team, but became disappointed at the significant delay in starting the project, the lack of communication while waiting in queue, and then exceptionally disappointed by their decision to keep my money after having done no work toward the project. Unfortunately waiting near two years for a restoration was too long for me to wait, especially with professional restoration shops out there that don't carry the same delays or unfriendly "no refunds" retainer practices. read more

Up front - Amber provided excellent customer service. Good communication for initial scheduling and etc. and was transparent with pricing from the get-go. (Which I truly appreciate!) When Brian arrived, we learned my piano was so out of tune from a previous tuner that some serious adjustment was needed - Brian sailed right through getting my piano sounding really really nice. Then he spent a fair amount of time fine tuning, then cleaning the hard to access soundboard and strings (he knew it was important to me that it be cleaned as good as possible). He really cares about and takes pride in his craft - unquestionably one of the most astute and assiduously detailed guys out there. I will be happy to continue working with him as future tuning and adjustments are needed. Thank you guys so much!!!! read more

Brian (the owner) tuned my piano to perfection. OK, that is a great review. However the experience didn't stop there. As I am not familiar with the workings of a piano and being a technical person I hung around to watch him work and ask questions. Brian was more than congenial and didn't seem to mind; he was actually excited that someone was interested in his work. We had a great time sharing experiences and talking tech while he tuned. He told me how he grew his business offering quality work restoring, tuning and servicing pianos to very special people who love and cherish their instruments. I must agree. Amber, his friendly coordinator, was quick to call me back and arrange my appointment. You can feel very confident that your piano will be treated with love and care. read more

The Last Straw! I am writing this review with a tremendous amount of confusion still swimming in my head. How can a company survive, much less thrive, when, after 6 phone messages and 2 text messages, I have gotten NO response at all?! I left the first message with a live receptionist over a week ago, who promised to forward information to Brian for action, and subsequently left 5 more voice mail messages on the business answering machine. I begged, pleaded, even got "snippy" in my messages, hoping something would prod someone to call me back. Here's the sitch... I have a Steinway grand that Piano Artisans moved to my workplace last Spring that is now having problems with the pedals and a few keys. Since they were the last pros who handled the instrument, I figured they might want to take advantage of the potential for continued revenue by servicing the piano when needed. But I can't get them to come to the instrument (even with a confirmed text message to be there at 2:30 today - an no call to cancel or change the appt.), or even communicate with me with some sort of explanation of their seeming lack of interest. I won't go on about how frustrating each successive message I left made me feel, but suffice it to say that I couldn't be more disappointed in their level of service. Fortunately, I have a different tuner/technician who works on my personal piano at home and don't have to rely on Piano Artisans for that. Who knows if they would treat that situation any differently? Is ANYBODY working there????!!! read more

Piano Artisans is a very fitting name for Brian, John, and Anthony: the artisans who restored the action of my antique piano to sound just as good (if not better) as the day it was made 150 years ago. I am very happy with the improved playability and sound. The team at Piano Artisans takes their time to address everything that goes into restoring a piano, and I always appreciated that they kept me well informed throughout the restoration process. I am glad to have found such a knowledgeable and trustworthy team of craftsmen who take pride in their fine work and respect the integrity and history of each unique instrument that comes through their door. Thank you to everyone at Piano Artisans! read more

Brian and Piano Artisans re-built our 100 year old player piano recently. Brian's service was great and the finished product more than met our expectations. There have been a couple of follow-up issues, as can be expected, and Brian was right there to address them. Brian has always been on time and communicated effectively. He recently tuned the piano, so now even my husband likes listening to it! read more

Just had John replace broken/missing wheels with heavy duty ones and the service couldn't have been better! John was on time, and very pleasant. He offered advice for some other repairs needed and I was happy to hear about the options that could work. Looking forward to more work being done on my antique piano from Piano Artisans. read more

Brian was prompt in responding and came out quickly to take care of an older piano that was going to be moved. Not only did it sound great when he was done, but his recommended movers were on time, courteous and took great care in moving the instrument as well as the not damaging the home! Thank you Piano Artisans read more

5 stars for this business! Brian, who is the owner, is a pleasure to work with. He has tuned and pitch raised our grand piano for the past few years, as well as done repairs when needed. He is also an expert on the PianoDisc system, and helped us to upgrade our speakers to a Bluetooth one that allows the best sound in our living room. Ask him how he came into the business of pianos, and you will come to understand why he is so passionate about what he does for a living. He and his team also restore pianos as part of their business. They are masters of their craft. If you need tuning, restoration, repairs or piano moving, Brian and his team can do it all. This is why I will continue to support family-owned businesses...they treat every customer like they are their only customer. read more

I am so thankful for having found Piano Artisans when I did. I had been overwhelmed trying to find a new home for my family's beloved Steinway Grand, which I was unable to take with me to my new home. Amber's genuine compassion for my plight and her help with moving and storage arrangements was both gratifying and of huge relief, as I was coming down to the wire. With that kind of attention and concern, I feel completely confident that my century-old Steinway will be carefully restored with the same care. Working with your company turned a tough, personal task into a remarkable, joint effort that has more than earned the 5-star review I write here. Again, thank you so very much for all your help and I will certainly recommend your services. read more

Piano artisans specializes in piano and player piano restoration. They restore the finest pianos available to better than brand new condition, and certainly better sound than most modern pianos have today. I purchased my 1931 Francis Bacon from them at the beginning of this year and I could not be happier. Brian and John have helped every step of the way. From sales, delivery, set-up, and initial tuning, they have been there every step of the way. I highly recommend Piano Artisans. Thanks Guys! read more

Came to them to have my grandfather's Steinway restored as it had sustained some cosmetic damage from moving and general wear and tear. They do amazing work and Brian was a pleasure to work with. Very knowledgeable and price was very fair. read more

Amber was very prompt with replying and provided great information. Francisco and his crew were highly professional. would highly recommend, and will use again when the time comes. read more

I would like to thank Brian and the crew at Artisans for a great job with storing my piano for over a year, at a low fee. When it came time to relocate from California to Oregon, Brian negotiated fees and planned the move for me! He also cleaned and polished my piano prior to my move. It arrived looking gorgeous! Thank you so much! I will recommend your company to anyone in need of Piano services! read more

I am a recent customer, and very satisfied with the workmanship and value received. The evaluation of my piano was thorough, the scope of work and pricing were very detailed, and competitive with others. The scope was a complete restoration of an 1864 Steinway grand piano including scraping the soundboard, re-glaze the harp, full re-stringing, re-felting, total stripping and refinish of the rosewood case to a high gloss, all new hammers and bushings ... every moving part. We only retained the original ivory keys and the backstops. The piano movers showed up on time, and delivered the piano back on time. There were no changes or additions to the fixed price. It was supposed to take 6-7 months and took 8 months, but I have no problem with that. Brian Grado spent a half day doing a follow-up tuning and fixing minor issues. We now have a piano that is stunning visually, and quite contemporary and powerful in its sound, and very solid in its action (keys and mechanics). I visited the shop twice during the refurbishment, and came to appreciate the broad skills of his team. Nothing is subcontracted out except the moving! Ours was a very satisfying customer experience. Without reservation, I recommend Brian Grado and Piano Artisans. read more

I requested a last minute move and Brian responded quickly and said he could get the job done the next day. Brian and his moving partner picked the piano up at my mom's house, she loved them, and delivered it to my apartment on the 5th floor. They were professional, nice, and got the job done in a timely fashion. I'll see them in 2 weeks to get my piano tuned. Pricing was great too. read more

I requested an appraisal for my piano. I was given an appraisal based on The donation value. Why would they write the donation value into a formal appraisal? They also gave me a value for resale which was lower than the donation value, I don't get that at all. However...The owner seems responsive so I recommend communication before doing the appraisal . I'm sure she'll help out . read more

I selected Piano Artisans to restore my mother's 1950's vintage Lester upright piano which was pretty weathered and water damaged. It was very important that the job be done right as the piano is a family heirloom. My entire experience with this company was excellent, ranging from initial phone call to piano pickup and delivery, all within the time-frame originally promised. The restored piano looks absolutely amazing (probably better than when brand new) and plays beautifully! read more

I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am with the experience that Brian and Piano Artisans gave me a few months ago. Brian was very helpful in helping me purchase a piano at a very reasonable price. I was then told to get in contact with his mover Francisco. Francisco was great as well, the piano was delivered promptly and at a great price. I highly recommend Piano Artisans for anything piano-related. Thanks again Brian! read more

This has been the worst experience I've ever had with a company and owner. It started great. Brian the owner came out and I was impressed. He know what he was talking about, and talked a good game. As we got into it, try calling and no return call. A refinishing job that should have taken 3 months took 9, In the end, my biggest fear was that my one of a kind Steinway $150,000 grand piano would not be returned. Poor follow up if at all, Excuse after excuse on timing. Lots of "these things take time because of the environmental laws in California" and you wouldn't want me to rush. Also, "the lid of the piano didn't turn out so it needs to be redone", When the piano was finally delivered, it looked horrible. The lid had fine scratch marks and in some areas was just plain ugly. Brian the owner was nowhere to be seen. "we always have our tuner come out a few weeks after delivery" but no tuner appeared. All in all, the worst experience I have ever had dealing with a business. I am having their work redone by Steinway themselves and before this is over I will have spend 3 times the amount for the original job. Yet Brian continues to drive his new BMW. read more

Brian, the President of Piano Artisans, has an encyclopedic knowledge of pianos and a skill level that was unprecedented in my previous experience with others who took care of my 75 year old baby grand piano. My piano had no name on it, yet he could tell me its maker and its history of repairs that was uncanny. A true professional. My piano has never sounded better. Debbie Zimmerman read more

Time for an update! I left a review in June when they helped us move to a new location. Maybe a month ago we had them come out twice more for additional help, first moving a piano up a short stage and then back down. We were trying to figure out if it was too big, and the best angle, all while the owners were on the phone so we had to take pictures, and the guys were patient while we tried different set-ups. We've seen them three separate times, and they were always helpful and great communicators from the office to the movers themselves. Thanks again guys. read more

I called to get two pianos fixed. One of them was fixed and I was waiting for a quote for the other one. A month later I finally sent a message. The quote I got was ridiculously high and I found some one cheeper. Wasn't to happy read more

There's always a story...Mine started with a free grand piano given to me by my school Principal because it 'was never used' and 'took up too much room'. So I arranged to have the piano moved to my house. Did my research and although the Piano Artisans moving quote was a little higher than other quotes, I was most impressed with their website and available services. Afterward, I arranged for Brian to come and provide me with a restoration quote, because this free piano badly needed a makeover. Long story short, I rid myself of that free piano and purchased a 101 year old restored Steinway from Brian, and Piano Artisans. The piano is absolutely beautiful and sounds of perfection when played. This is my 'forever piano'! Brian and his crew have provided exceptional service, and Brian himself spent all the necessary time to make sure tuning, and everything was just right. Knowledgable, personable, and a great conversationalist, Brian is what the piano world needs! My wife and I highly recommend Brian and his crew to take care of all things piano! Look no further, Piano Artisans is all you will need. read more

Highly do not recommend. Unclear scope of services unclear pricing. No opportunity to review the work before they place the piano in third party hands that require thousands of dollars or they offload the piano. Inaccurate information. No follow up as promised to review the work. Poor communication. Beware. read more

Extremely unprofessional experience. Would not use them again for piano moving services. Unclear pricing strategy. Difficult to coordinate delivery. Should have just moved it myself. read more

My experience was different than the other writers. I called about an old player piano that I own and was wondering how much it was worth or if I should donate it. I got Brian on the phone right away. He understood what advice I was looking for. He offered to give me an email appraisal for donation purposes, at a reasonable price of $40, and also offered to look at pictures to see if he would be interested in buying the piano. I sent the pictures right away and within 1/2 hour he wrote me back and told me what he thought I could sell it for and what he thought it would appraise for. I have someone coming to look at the piano and I now have the information I need to determine if I am getting a fair offer. read more

These guys were great! We had to load an old upright piano from one house and transport it to our new house. They were on-time, professional, and very informative as to what needed to be done and gave us great tips on how to care for the piano moving forward. Brian and his helper were extremely careful of not only the piano but the walls and floor when they were taking it out and bringing it in. I thought the entire process would be very difficult but these guys handled it perfectly. I would recommend them to anyone ever looking to move/transfer a piano. Thanks guys! read more

This place is amazing!! They are so professional and caring for your valuable pianos. The staff refinished my Steinway that was severely water damaged and were able to make it look and sound good as new! After they refinished it, they stored it for me until I was able to move into my new home. I didn't even know they had a white glove service piano storage until Amber mentioned it while giving me my quote. Everyone is so sweet. This is a must use business for all your the piano enthusiasts out there!!!!! read more

I moved recently and had heard from word-of-mouth that Piano Artisans would be the way to go with moving our baby grand. Professionalism was top notch and they were in and out of the house without a scratch. Incredibly personable and easy to work with. I would recommend them time and time again! I'll be looking for a tune-up soon and Piano Artisans will be my one and only call. Thanks. read more

Brian completely refurbished my Rudolph upright. The service I received was professional and stayed within the estimate. I was completely satisfied with the results. read more