Pennsylvania Heirloom Cabinetry — 1895 Ludwig Upright Piano An Heirloom Restoration with a Story Worth Saving
Brigham Larson PianosI’m excited to share one of the most meaningful and unique restoration projects we’ve completed at Brigham Larson Pianos—a piano that carries not just music, but generations of family history.
This restoration began with a story we hear often, but rarely with such a beautiful twist.
An Heirloom That Couldn’t Be Let Go
Our client grew up with a family piano whose presence shaped her childhood memories. Over time, that original instrument became structurally beyond repair. While the piano itself could no longer be saved, its cabinetry—rich with hand-carved details and historic craftsmanship—held deep emotional value. She simply couldn’t part with it.
For years, those original Pennsylvania heirloom cabinetry pieces were carefully preserved, waiting for the right opportunity.
That opportunity arrived when she discovered an 1895 Ludwig upright piano on our website. Similar in age, style, and architectural character to her family’s original piano, it sparked a brilliant idea: What if the soul of her childhood piano could live on—paired with a fully restorable instrument?
Merging Two Histories into One Instrument
What followed was not a standard restoration, but a true collaboration between past and present.
The project involved integrating the original family cabinetry with the Ludwig piano—no small feat. Cabinet dimensions had to be precisely matched, structural integrity carefully reinforced, and delicate hand-carved elements preserved without compromise. Every molding, curve, and decorative detail required meticulous attention so the final result would feel seamless, authentic, and respectful of both histories.
At the same time, the Ludwig upright itself underwent a complete mechanical restoration—from action regulation and voicing to structural and tonal refinements—ensuring the instrument didn’t just look beautiful, but performed at the highest level.
Precision, Care, and Craftsmanship
This restoration demanded patience, creativity, and deep respect for historic materials. Balancing old-world craftsmanship with modern restoration standards is always a challenge, but it’s also where the most rewarding work happens.
The result is a piano that feels whole again—one that honors a family legacy while offering a renewed musical life for generations to come.
A New Chapter Begins
This project is a reminder of why we do what we do. Pianos aren’t just instruments—they’re storytellers, memory keepers, and heirlooms. Being entrusted with something so personal is an honor we never take lightly.
We’re proud to have helped give this cherished cabinetry a second life and to create an instrument that blends history, heart, and music into one unforgettable restoration.
If you have an heirloom piano story of your own—or a vision you’re not sure is even possible—we’d love to explore it with you. At Brigham Larson Pianos, preserving stories is just as important as restoring sound.
