Some pianos wait in silence for years—in a corner of the living room, in an inherited house, or a forgotten auditorium. Their sound has faded, but their story remains intact. Restoring them is not just a technical process: it’s about reviving an instrument full of memory and bringing back its ability to move people.
At Jorquera Pianos, we have been restoring pianos in Barcelona for over 170 years. Each case is unique, and we always begin with a clear premise: we listen to both the piano and the client. Sometimes, a fine-tuning is enough; in other cases, a full restoration is needed. But in all situations, we adapt to the client’s real needs and budget.
What does it mean to restore a piano?
Restoring a piano doesn’t always mean making it “like new.” Sometimes it’s simply about making it playable again with dignity—recovering its functionality without altering its essence. Other times, it involves a complete overhaul: updating components, regulating the mechanics, refurbishing the cabinet, and restoring the instrument’s original voice.
In many cases, the result is so profound that the piano ends up even better than when it left the factory—with more maturity in the wood, a well-settled vibration, and a unique tonal character.
Why restore instead of buying a new piano?
It’s a common and valid question. A new professional grand piano can easily cost €200,000 to €250,000, while a well-executed restoration may cost around €25,000, preserving the structural quality and soul of the original instrument.
Avoiding low-quality new instruments and choosing to restore a high-quality piano is a smart and increasingly popular decision.
Before we begin: evaluation and proposa
Our team always starts with an in-home visit to assess the instrument’s real condition. We evaluate whether it needs to be transported to our workshop or if it can be serviced on-site. Not every piano requires major investment—many only need a partial review.
During this visit, we prepare a personalized diagnostic and provide a restoration proposal tailored to what the instrument truly needs. We listen to the piano—but above all, we listen to the client.
Types of restoration at Jorquera
There are three levels of restoration, and the most complex is not always necessary:
- Basic Service
- Minor mechanical adjustments
- Tuning
- Light regulation
- Perfect for pianos needing a quick review
- Partial Restoration
- Replacement of specific parts (felts, pins, strings)
- Repair of mechanical elements
- Selective acoustic improvements
- Cabinet or varnish intervention if needed
- Full Restoration
- Complete disassembly of the piano
- Restoration or replacement of all major components
- Repair of cabinet, soundboard, action, and pedals
- Full voicing and tuning
- The piano may sound better than brand new
Craftsmanship in our Barcelona workshop
When necessary and desired by the client, the piano is brought to our own workshop in Barcelona, where it is cared for by master woodworkers and specialized technicians. We use original parts whenever possible and top-quality components when replacements are needed.
We apply traditional techniques like French polish, woodworm treatments, noble wood restoration, and handmade finishes. Each piano is unique—and we treat it that way.
A restored piano… with more soul
One of the great advantages of restoring a good piano is that it often sounds better than a new one. The wood has matured, the vibrations have settled over time, and new components add stability and precision.
This balance between maturity and renewal often gives a restored piano more soul than a freshly manufactured one.
Have an old piano and not sure what to do?
There’s no need to move it immediately or commit to a full restoration. At Jorquera Pianos, our first step is a no-obligation home visit to help you decide.
The final decision is always yours. We simply offer you 170 years of experience and the passion of a team that lives for the piano.
Follow us on Instagram
Would you like to see more videos like this, before-and-after photos, and real-life restoration stories?
Follow us on Instagram: @jorquerapianos