1970s Kawai Grand
Complete Restoration
This piano received full case/cabinet refinishing, action and soundboard refurbishment.
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“There are eighty-eight
keys on a piano,
and within that, an entire universe.”
—James Rhodes
1970s Kawai Grand
Before Restoration
This piano was kept in a bright, south-facing living room for over thirty years. As a result, the finish had a faded and tired look.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Before Restoration
The action, strings, felts and buckskin were similarly aged due to age and the environment the piano was kept in. The soundboard had five cracks.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Before Restoration
Even though the piano had not been played much, its condition was such that it no longer produced a pleasing tone. As a result, the owners hired Glenmore Piano Service to perform complete case and action restoration.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
In preparation for refinishing, the piano is deconstructed down to the frame. The keyboard, action, plate and soundboard are removed for refurbishment.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
Wooden case/cabinet components are individually stripped, coloured and sealed. Shown here is the lid prop, following removal from the piano (left), after stripping (centre), and after refinishing (right).
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
The soundboard was cracked and had lost its crown, but the wood was in good condition overall. Therefore it was repaired and refurbished rather than replaced. Shown here following refinishing and re-decaling. We also offer new soundboards made from your choice of Canadian, German or Italian spruce.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
A new short bridge is hand-made through an exacting process of notching and pinning. The existing long bridge was reused as it was in good condition.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
Even though the piano was relatively young, the pinblock failed as a result of the hot, dry environment the piano was kept in. It was replaced with a newly manufactured 5-ply Canadian maple pinblock, carefully duplicated to match the original.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
The refinished rim and frame, shown after installation of the refurbished soundboard and long bridge, as well as the new short bridge.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
The old finish is removed from the cast-iron plate using soda blasting.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
The plate is gilded and felted prior to reinstallation in the refinished cabinet.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
Following installation of the new pinblock and the regilded plate, new felts and strings are added.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
Treble strings are hand-made using top-quality steel wire. Choose to duplicate the existing scaling or create a new scaling to suit your musical preferences.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
The thickness of strings increases from treble to bass. Bass strings are made by winding a copper wire around a steel core wire.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
Strings are hand-terminated according to original specifications or your preference (double-helix style shown).
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
Tuning pins are replaced with your choice of German-made steel or nickel pins.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
Hardware components including hinges, screws and pedals are cleaned, buffed and/or replated.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
Stringing is now complete and the legs, front board and lid prop have been reinstalled.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
The action has been completely refurbished, using new parts as needed.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
The old keytops had yellowed as a result of sun exposure and were replaced with new Japanese acrylic. Synthetic ivory is also available.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Process
The pedal lyre has been rebuilt using repolished pedals. Replating is also available.
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1970s Kawai Grand
After Restoration
The new satin finish is durable and easy to care for.
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1970s Kawai Grand
After Restoration
The new satin finish is durable and easy to care for.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Complete
The refurbished keyboard and action, refinished desk, fallboard and lid have been reinstalled. Following multiple tunings and a complete regulation, the piano is prepared for delivery.
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1970s Kawai Grand
Restoration Complete
Following a twelve-week stay in our workshop, the restored piano looks, sounds and plays like new!
To book an appointment for an evaluation and estimate, and to see additional projects from our piano restoration archive, please use the contact form below or call 403-254-9544.
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When to Restore
From the time of manufacture, a piano slowly starts to degrade. The average performance lifespan of a piano is fifty years – under ideal storage conditions, and with regular tuning and maintenance. An older piano can beautify a room, but its tone quality and playability is reduced compared to a new instrument. A poorly stored and/or infrequently tuned and maintained piano can become untunable in as little as twenty years. At this point, partial or complete restoration is required. Glenmore Piano Service is proud to operate a complete restoration and rebuilding facility for grand and upright pianos.
Summary of the Restoration Process
Disassembly – First, the lid, legs, keyboard and action are removed (grands). Tuning pins and strings are next, followed by the pinblock, cast-iron plate and soundboard. Each component is carefully stored and documented. Stripping – the old finish is gently removed from wood components using a combination of solvents and abrasives. Case Repair – gouges and/or veneer damage is repaired and sanded to a uniform finish, in preparation for colouring and finishing. Cast-iron Plate Refinishing – the old finish is removed through soda blasting. The plate is then re-gilded and re-felted. Colouring – wood case components are dyed to your choice of colour. Lacquer Finish – your choice of glossy or satin, using multiple coats, sanding between coats. At this stage manufacturer decals are applied. Curing and Polishing – The finish is left to cure and shrink for ten to fourteen days, after which it is polished using various abrasives and compounds. Soundboard – as long as the wood is in good condition it can be repaired and reinstalled, even if cracked. If the wood is too degraded then a new Canadian, German or Italian spruce soundboard is custom-manufactured. Once installed the board is decalled and sealed. Bridges – can be reused if the wood is in good condition, otherwise new bridges are created and installed after the soundboard. Pinblock – can sometimes be reused but is usually replaced with a custom-manufactured five-ply Canadian maple pinblock. Strings – new strings are made by hand using top-quality steel, copper and brass wire from Germany and the USA. Once the plate and pinblock are reinstalled, the piano is restrung using new tuning pins. Keytops – repaired or replaced with new acrylic or synthetic ivory material. Hammerheads & Felts – replaced or recovered with your choice of top-quality felts from Japan and Germany. Buckskin – replaced with your choice of synthetic or genuine buckskin. Action Components – refurbished and/or replaced as needed. Hardware Components – including hinges, plates and screws – are cleaned, polished and/or replated prior to reinstallation. Pedals – the pedal lyre is rebuilt and reinstalled, along with the lid, lid prop and music desk. Tuning & Regulation – multiple tunings to concert pitch, as well as a fine regulation of action components. Bench – refinished or replaced with a custom-manufactured bench.
Options & Upgrades
Humidity Control System – The Piano Life Saver System protects your investment while improving tuning stability and action performance. Player Systems – enjoy “live” performances from top artists, as recreated by your restored piano. Piano Benches – fixed or adjustable-height, made with your choice of woods, and optionally upholstered in your choice of leather, fabric or horsehair.
First Steps – Prior to Restoration
1. Evaluation – the piano is examined to determine if it is a suitable candidate for rebuilding. An estimate is generated based on this examination. This is either performed in-person by one of our technicians (most accurate), by a local partner technician, or using your own photos. 2. Initial Payment – 50% of the estimate is paid and a pickup date is booked. 3. Calgary Area Pickup – the piano is transported to our shop by dedicated piano truck. Pickup Across Canada and the United States – the piano is crated and transported to our shop by freight carrier.
Cost & Methods of Payment
Estimates/consultations are $160, refundable on completion of your restoration. Complete piano restoration from $25,000. Case-only restoration from $10,000. 50% of the estimated cost is due prior to commencing work. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars. Cheques and bank transfers are accepted in major currencies.
Final Steps – After Restoration
1. Final Payment – the balance is paid and a pickup date is scheduled. 2. Calgary-Area Delivery – the restored piano is transported to you by dedicated piano truck. Delivery Across Canada and the United States – the piano is crated and transported to you by freight carrier. 3. Initial Tuning – the piano is inspected and tuned by our technicians or by a local partner technician. 3. Followup Tuning – within four to six weeks the piano is tuned again. At this point the piano can be tuned on a standard six to nine month schedule.
How to Book an Estimate & Consultation – Three Methods
Online Booking – select a date and choose a time. Contact Form – complete the form below and we will follow up with availability. Phone – call 403-254-9544 (8:30 am to 7:30 pm daily).
Online Booking
If you would like a follow-up from our office staff, if you are located outside our service area or have questions prior to booking, we recommend using the contact form (below).
Contact Form
Schedule an Appointment
Send a Message
Ask a Question
Schedule an Appointment
Send a Message
Ask a Question
Glenmore Piano Service
5319 3 Street Southeast #711, Calgary
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Easy to book, good communication, the servicing went great and our restored upright player piano sounds better than she has in years! Friendly, professional servicing - highly recommend!
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My "adopted" vertical piano needed much TLC. It took a couple of appointments to get it fully to perfect pitch. This process was explained and demonstrated to me clearly. Along with the regulation service, it now sounds fantastic and I am quite satisfied
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Amazing professionals, top-quality piano tuning in Calgary and surrounding communities. The new key plastic looks much better than the old ivory which was very brittle and chipping off.
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I strongly suggest you hire them to inspect any used piano you are considering buying. They will make sure you don't waste your money on something that might soon need costly repairs.
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One of the best piano service calls I’ve ever had! Beware of persons who only tune, if they run into any issues (as frequently happens during tuning) a tuner will have to defer to a full-service company. You will be much better off working with a company that does all types of repair and restoration, such as Glenmore Piano Service.
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Our piano was in need of some TLC, which was provided in a prompt manner by Glenmore Piano Service. They didn't need any help finding our rural property even though it was their first time out. Great work, will have them back again!
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I am busy during the week and needed someone to come on a Sunday afternoon when I was at home. The technician arrived at the scheduled time, was tidy and professional in my home. I'm excited to start practicing again... my piano sounds amazing now!
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Best piano technicians in the city. Patient and persistent at resolving issues that less skilled (less motivated?) tuners told me were not fixable.
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The service technician was professional, clearly communicated the issue with our piano as well as the work needed and cost to fix. The hammer repairs and string replacements were completed by the end of the 2nd appointment. All in all a great experience and we are glad to have them just a call or email away.
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Provided moving and storage of our piano while our home was being renovated. Completed a restringing and then returned it when we were ready. It was a very pleasant experience hiring them, from start to finish. i would highly recommend them
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Our previous piano tuner had retired, so we tried Glenmore Piano Service after a recommendation from a friend. Our piano sounds great and the price was fair also.
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Good number of options with regards to appointment timing. Our piano has never sounded better, they clearly know what they are doing. Very trustworthy and honest.
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Focused, efficient and careful piano tuner/technician. Pleasant to talk with, and the tuning is perfect! Thanks also for such a thorough job in cleaning the inside.
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Courteous and professional, from initial contact through the end of the service appointment and receiving my receipt by email. Its great to have a true piano service company in Calgary, with a proper office staff and technicians that are experienced and busy practicing their craft.
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We inherited a poorly maintained grand piano which needed multiple repairs. We were able to easily schedule an appointment online. He arrived on time and now we have a plan to get this piano into better condition over a few visits.
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The piano we have was very worn out after many moves and needed a new pinblock, soundboard repair, and the action to be refurbished. We used Glenmore Piano's restoration service and found them to be very thorough and careful in their work. It saved our beloved Mason & Hamlin from the dump and now we are able to play it like new for many years to come.
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If your piano is getting on in age, I highly recommend the workshop at Glenmore Piano Service. They will professionally disassemble, refurbish, refinish and reassemble it to be like new again. Far more satisfying than buying a new piano.
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Tuned our antique grand piano which had not been touched in a few years. It's going to need a 2nd tuning before its perfect again, but its much improved and I have started playing it once more. Tip--make sure you tune once a year to keep it from needing a pitch raise.
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We used their website to book a piano tuning and pitch adjustment. It turned out to also need a cleaning. It took 3 hours but everything is complete and it sounds lively again and the dust smell is very much diminished.
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I was pleasantly surprised by how quick they were to respond and how easy it was. Great service, my piano was severely out of tune and also quite flat. Both problems are completely resolved. Because the winters here are so dry, I had the piano life saver system installed which is already starting to work after a few days.
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Consummate professionals, excellent work replacing a broken string, and installing a humidifier-dehumidifier system and an undercover (Baldwin grand). The pitch has already stabilized after a few weeks and a squeaking sound in the case that I could not seem to get rid of has finally been resolved. Its very dry in Calgary so you should strongly consider getting the "life saver system" as it will extend your piano's life and make it more enjoyable to play.
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Skilled technicians at Glenmore Piano Service, they will give your piano a near concert level tuning. Excellent value for the price paid. Also appreciated how they accepted debit cards and provided good customer service for booking and billing
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My piano needed two tunings over the course of two months. Both were completed professionally and without flaw, and it was cleaned thoroughly under the keys and inside the action where I couldn't reach. Now my piano is ready to play after several years of storage and non-use…
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They arrived as scheduled, after booking with their office staff. My piano was moved from the 2nd level to the basement and then professionally tuned in a single appointment. Its convenient to have a full-service company like Glenmore Piano Service in Calgary.
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Such a wonderful piano tuning. My daughter has perfect pitch and says this is the best she's ever heard. Seamless booking process, with professional office staff that are easy to reach.
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Replaced the humidifier system which had stopped working earlier this year. Also did a perfect job with the tuning and it sounds lovely now. Clearly experienced in their profession!
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Excellent work replacing the key top material on my Heintzman console piano. It looks like new now. Thank you also for tuning it nicely.
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The string you replaced a few months ago is still working perfectly. And the key top repair is flawless. Thanks for your help 🙂
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I would say the tuning is concert quality. So on that basis alone the value here is excellent. Plus they are friendly and professional. Many thanks.
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Our baby grand is now back in good shape after almost 5 years of non-tuning. He is careful & courteous, and the tuning sounds love.
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Thanks so much! I have never heard our piano 'sing' before in this way. Wonderful work.
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Concert quality tuning, the technician is very skilled and the service was fast. Thanks also for accepting my debit card. I will recommend you to my neighbour.
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They only have experienced technicians here, no juniors or apprentices so the quality ofhe piano tuning and repair work is excellent.
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Wonderful job helping us acquire a used piano. The cleaning service was very thorough and the 2 missig keytops have been replaced. All around excellent service and I took a couple of their beautiful cards to give to my neighbours!
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Top quality piano service in Calgary. They have a workshop also for things like refinishing and restringing. I appreciate the high level of skill among their technicians.
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My spinet piano needed some parts to be replaced and a few new strings. Everything was handled efficiently-- from initial contact/booking, to removal of the parts & strings, to installation of teh new parts & strings. A+ rating for Glenmore Piano Service.
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Our piano was suffering from sticking keys as a result of the spring/summer humidity. The technician recommended a piano life saver system, which makes sure the humidity leve linside the case does not swing up and down through the seasons. It has been well worth the investment, and is easy to refill about once a week.
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We enjoyed our piano after your hard work. Thanks again, will be giving your card to my neighbour.
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We had used Glenmore Piano for a few years before we were ready to have our Steinway grand (originally my dad's) restored. Words can't express how beautiful it looks thanks to the care & attention of their restoration facility.
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I appreciated the online scheduling option, and the ability to make payment by debit card. The tuning was excellent, fast and professional.
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I appreciate the ability to get someone to tune our piano on short notice. Good choice if you operate any type of venue as they have multiple senior level technicians.
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Easy to get in touch, they answer their emails and voicemails very quickly. Great piano service.
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Great service and he even took time to explain the tuning process. Very interesting!
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We have a German piano with a couple of unusual features. Where other technicians clammed up and appeared out of the ir element, this gentleman from Glenmore piano was confident and proficient.
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I needed a tuner last minute for a jazz performance. Everyone was pleased with the service and I would recommend again to musicians.
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The service was great, they answer my piano newbie type questions and were very knowledgeabe
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You will appreciate their thoroughness and attention to details when tuning and performing repairs.
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My piano had been making clicking noises. The tech quicly diagnosed the problem (compacted felt) and fixed the problem in less than an hour. They recommended a full refurbishment which I will go ahead with in the spring.
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On time, and very fast. Amazing how some other technicians can be bad AND slow, these guys are excellent AND fast.
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My newly restored piano has now had three tunings and is completely stable in my home. What a joy!
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Thanks for doing a great job on our church piano. The humidifier system is working wonders to keep it playable through the winter.
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Our little wurlitzer spinet needed some tlc. I was able to book on short notice, the work was professional and they accepted debit. Thanks!
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Glenmore piano helped me narrow down my piano search by inspecting a coiuple we had seen listed on kijiji., they helped us find a mover and then tuned it a few days after it was delivered.
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Pricing is fair considering they are masters. I'm sure I could save $20 by finding someone on kijiji but why bother when I can get the best for not that much more.
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Professional & Caring techs! Took time to really do a great job tuning & fixing my practice pedal. Explained everything thoroughly & answered all my questions.
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When they could not source an obscure part for my 150 year old piano, they made it in their workshop! Very trustworthy, mature professionals here.
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I found my first tuner on kijiji, he showed up in an beat up truck with "snow shoveling" on the side, he left abruptly after about an hour and my piano felt really wonky. The tech from Glenmore Piano Service was neatly dressed, professsional and clearly a master at their craft.
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Our Baldwin grand piano looks like new, the sound is clear as a bell. Very pleased with the results of their careful work.
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The cleaning service was very thorough and I appreciated their use of fresh supplies for each customer. My piano looks much better now.
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I recently inherited my grandmother's piano. It had not been worked on in many years. He made it sound pleasant again and also replaced a few of a keytops which were chipped. Thx:)
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Fully recommend their services. Fixed my sticking key at no extra charge and the piano sounds lovely again.
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Fantastic job rebuilding my Steinway baby grand. Also built a beautiful upholstered adjustable bench to replace my creaky old one.
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Thank you for helping me with inspection of pianos I was looking to buy. It was extremely helpful to have an independent opinion from a professional and it helped me make a more informed used piano purchase.
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Performed a piano leg repair after it had been dropped by movers. The new finish matches perfectly, it looks just like it did before, a bit better actually.
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These guys are truly skilled at their craft. My restored Bluthner baby grand piano sounds and looks amazing again.
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Thank you to the pros at Glenmore Piano Service. I was well taken care of and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
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Impeccable service, helped me choose a used piano, got it moved in and tuned in one service call.
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It's great having a company like this in Calgary. Proper workshop. Proper customer service. Choice of service technicians.
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100% recommend Glenmore Piano Service for their knowledge, professionalism and kindness.
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Thanks for tuning up my old piano! The regulation made a huge difference and I'm glad I held onto it.
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Thankfully they had a cancellation and was able to fit us in on only a few days notice. Service by phone, email and in-person was excellent.
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Trustworthy piano service in Calgary from Glenmore Piano Service.
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Friendly interaction, excellence in piano tuning and repair is obvious here.
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Highly recommend. A+ tuning. Sounds lovely even a few months later.
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