French Polishing: Before
French Polishing: After
About Complete Piano Care
Many older pianos need a special kind of TLC that most piano technicians
are unable to deliver very well or cost effectively . This is what I do best. I
consider myself a “versatile piano technician” (more mechanically inclined.) I find
most piano technicians look to mostly or primarily tune pianos (perhaps 70% or
higher.) I can tune very well like many who mostly tune are very good at
resolving “non tuning “ issues. A very high percentage of tuners are NOT very
good (at all) at many repairs, regulation or restorations. Their strongest
aptitudes or experience could be much different than mine. If you like your
current Piano Tuner for regular tuning work you can still keep using their services
. I’ve worked together with many Tuners over the years. I find we can compliment
each other and deliver the highest level of service.
A very small percentage of piano technicians are “true” concert
technicians or Rebuilders. I don’t tune for any prestigious concert halls or make
and install new bridges and soundboards myself as these technicians do. As a
versatile piano technician I am very good at most specialised skills these
particular specialised technicians have. If I am not the ideal fit for your piano
care needs ,I will recommend someone who IS or perhaps collaborate with them.
I use the services of “Bauer Finish “ for my refinishing.
I consider and explain all options clearly , in a non biased way, weighing
the pros and cons of each “approach.”.I always let my customer guide this
process. Other piano technicians seem to want to impose a solution rather than
even CONSIDER other options( if they are viable.) Most Piano Technicians ( No
different than other trades and professions I “find “) tend to ‘push what they like
to do or what is easiest or most profitable for them. “Pushing” a less than ideal
solution may not be intentional. Inconvenient truths can be hard to want to
believe so many chose not to believe them.
These Options can Include:
- Just repair what needs fixing (doing the minimum)
- A cost effective “mini restoration” working with original parts
- Do a partial rebuilding job
- Do a complete rebuilding job
- Replace the piano with one in better condition (new or used.)
My Story
I am Bill Maguire owner of Complete Piano Service. IM 55 years old and have
been in The piano technology field full time since graduating High school. I’ve
worked for many piano dealers in the past. For many years. I HAD a big network
of other piano technicians (mostly tuners) who referred me . Most have passed
away or retired etc and very few new piano technicians have taken their place.
I’ve never had to market my business up until now.
I apprenticed under the legendary Joe
Sciortino. . Joe was extremely mechanically
inclined and a famous tool inventor and
innovator in piano technology.
Joe taught us HOW to think , not just WHAT to
think. In addition to what many piano
technology schools teach , Joe taught us how
to think our way through solving never before
seen and difficult problems. He challenged us
to invent ( create ) our own piano tools. Under
his guidance we created some amazing new
piano tools. We rented a booth at the Piano
Technicians Guild convention and were quite
successful selling tools to other piano
technicians. Joe was presented with another
award By the PTG at that same convention.
Pictured left: Im standing next to a Steinway piano I restored 30 yrs earlier. Pictured right: I am still tuning and servicing that piano today.
I’ve always been a “hard working’ piano technician. I’ve “paid my
dues.” To gain experience, I worked on my own pianos and later for
numerous piano dealers. I have more non-tuning experience than most
others. My prices were much lower than others, which increased the
probability I would get the jobs. Many who looked older than me, had
good sales skills or perhaps exuded “gravatas” did not have to “pay their dues” as much as I did.
