CNC Piano Restoration: Crafting New Brass Rails with Precision

CNC Piano Restoration: Crafting New Brass Rails with Precision

Brigham Larson Pianos

I want to take you behind the scenes of one of the most fascinating projects we do here at Brigham Larson Pianos — using CNC precision machining to rebuild brass rails during the piano restoration process.

🛠️ The Art and Precision of Piano Restoration

Every piano has a story. Some have been played for generations, passed down through families, or traveled across the country. Over time, the mechanical parts inside — especially the hammer systems — wear out, corrode, or break. That’s where our restoration work comes in.

At Brigham Larson Pianos, our mission is to bring these instruments back to life with both authentic craftsmanship and cutting-edge CNC technology. While many restoration shops rely entirely on hand tools, we combine traditional techniques with modern precision. This blend of old-world skill and modern innovation allows us to restore each piano to its peak performance and beauty.

⚙️ CNC Machining Brass Rails — Bringing New Life to Vintage Pianos

In this video, I demonstrate how we rebuild brass hammer rails — critical components that allow a piano’s hammers to pivot and strike the strings properly. In many older uprights, especially European and Kimball pianos, these rails are either damaged or poorly repaired.

Rather than relying on fragile solder joints or makeshift fixes, I use our CNC machine to recreate brass rails with exact precision. Each new rail is an exact duplicate of the original, down to the spacing of every screw hole and the angle of every pivot point.  

It’s meticulous work, but the result is a piano that plays and feels exactly as it did when it first left the factory — or better.

🎥 Watch the full process here: IN THE SHOP: CNC Piano Restoration | Making New Brass Rails

 

🚛 Nationwide Piano Restoration and Moving

Although our workshop is based in Utah, we’re proud to offer national piano restoration services. We regularly receive pianos from across the country — families, collectors, and institutions who trust us to restore their instruments with care and expertise.

Our national piano moving team provides safe, professional transportation from anywhere in the U.S. to our restoration shop. Whether your piano is a family heirloom or a concert-grade grand, our movers handle every step with precision — from pickup and delivery to reinstallation after restoration.

So even if you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away, you can still experience the quality and craftsmanship of a Brigham Larson restoration piano.

❤️ Why I Love What I Do

For me, piano restoration isn’t just a technical process — it’s a form of preservation. Each piano represents a piece of musical history, and my goal is to ensure that every note, every hammer strike, and every detail continues to inspire new generations of pianists.

By combining CNC machining precision with traditional restoration methods, we can keep these instruments alive and performing beautifully for decades to come.

If you have a piano in need of restoration — or if you’d like to learn more about our national moving and restoration services — visit HERE or give us a call at 801-701-0113. I’d love to help bring your piano back to life.

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