The American Garage- How to Restring a Piano

This is a revisit of an old project before The American Garage went on the air. This project happened before I started video taping and producing projects online, so take a step back with me as I recap the process I went through when I restrung the piano. I did take photos of the project along the way, and I do share those with you. This is a daunting project, and took a lot of research and study in order to accomplish successfully. I think it took me nearly 4 months to complete. Can a beginner do a project like this? Well, let's put it this way- I have torn cars apart and put them back together, so I have some experience with complex machines- that being said, a piano is a delicate piece to machinery that is part art-form and part machine. So as long as you go in with open eyes and good research- well- I did it! I know the piano technicians do not want first timers and youtubers and DIY folks like me to even touch the thing, but let's face it. If you are going to learn, then there has to be a first time. My piano was one I bought off Craig's List for $200, and I spent about $5,000 to bring it to what you see here. I found this project very rewarding as I learned how to tune a piano, how to take it apart and put it together, and all the math and engineering that go into making it sound sweet. Now, even though I can tune a piano myself, there is something magical about a good tuner that makes it sound just right. I developed a good relationship with my tuner, and I do the rough tuning and he comes and finishes it off- and what a difference! (it still costs the same) But, each time I get better.



At some point, I will do a second project on the piano- re-felt the action, put new key covers on, and put in new hammers. Look for it in the future!


I did find a musician/engineer who makes new string plans for pianos to make them sound better, and since I could not find a plan for my piano, and so many strings were replaced with the wrong size that it really messed up the whole sound. He made a new string plan for me and it made the piano awesome! When I dig up his information, I will put a link in here.


Note to the piano technicians- I know the correct name of what I am calling the harp is the plate. At the beginning, I called it a harp out of ignorance, but also, most people will understand what I am talking about when I say 'harp'. On the next piano video, I will make sure to call it by the correct name. Deal?