Brigham Larson with happy heirloom piano restoration family unveiling their Schubert Upright restored family heirloom piano for the first time.

Beautiful Fifth-Generation Heirloom Piano Legacy Restored

Restoring this beautiful 1890 Schubert upright heirloom piano was truly an honor. After FIVE generations, this Schubert piano was well-loved, with worn keys, tired action parts, and a faded finish—but its story is far from over.

About Restoration

One Piano—Five Generations

This 1890 Schubert upright has been at the heart of one family's story for over five generations. Originally owned by a mother who never spent on anything for herself—except a farm tractor—this piano became the centerpiece of their home, their worship, and their music-making.

Her mother played it in Salt Lake City in the early 1900s. Her grandmother, even with arthritic fingers, kept playing hymns and quirky tunes like “I Never Harmed an Onion, So Why Does It Make Me Cry?” right up to her final days. Over the years, this piano accompanied family singalongs, home evenings, and dancing in the living room. It even supported a lifetime of musical service, including a long run in the Tabernacle Choir.

Now fully restored in our piano shop, this Schubert is ready for another century of memories, continuing its legacy through children and grandchildren who still play and teach. These are the kinds of restorations we love—where the piano becomes the bridge across time.

Restore Your Piano
  • Before piano restoration piano hammers, piano action, piano plate, piano strings, piano tuning pins, photo of before the Schubert upright heirloom piano was restored and rebuilt and refinished to like new condition.

    BEFORE

  • After piano restoration piano hammers, piano action, piano plate, piano strings, piano tuning pins, photo of after the Schubert upright heirloom piano was restored and rebuilt and refinished to like new condition.

    AFTER

  • Before pedal restoration and metal hardware replating piano hammers, piano action, piano plate, piano strings, piano tuning pins, photo of before the Schubert upright heirloom piano is restored and rebuilt and refinished to like new condition.

    BEFORE

  • After pedal restoration and metal hardware replating piano hammers, piano action, piano plate, piano strings, piano tuning pins, photo of after the Schubert upright heirloom piano is restored and rebuilt and refinished to like new condition.

    AFTER

  • Before restoration piano keys and decal, piano hammers, piano action, piano plate, piano strings, piano tuning pins, photo of before the Schubert upright heirloom piano is restored and rebuilt and refinished to like new condition.

    BEFORE

  • After restoration piano keys and decal, piano hammers, piano action, piano plate, piano strings, piano tuning pins, photo of after the Schubert upright heirloom piano is restored and rebuilt and refinished to like new condition.

    AFTER

  • Before piano keys, piano hammers, piano action, piano plate, piano strings, piano tuning pins, photo of before the Schubert upright heirloom piano was restored and rebuilt and refinished to like new condition.

    BEFORE

  • After piano restoration keys, piano hammers, piano action, piano plate, piano strings, piano tuning pins, photo of after the Schubert upright heirloom piano was restored and rebuilt and refinished to like new condition.

    AFTER

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Beautifully restored and refinished grand Henry F Miller heirloom piano in Brigham Larson Pianos family heirloom restoration shop.

From Family Ballroom—To Restored!

This 1925 Henry F. Miller grand player piano filled a family ballroom with music for decades—now it is beautifully restored and ready for its next chapter.

FREE Heirloom Evaluation

Our Shop Completed What He Started

This 1925 Henry F Miller grand player piano came to us with a story—like so many of the pianos we restore. It had been in the ballroom of a family home for generations. The owner remembers being a flower girl at a wedding in that very room, never imagining that decades later, she’d be restoring that same piano!

Her husband was a piano technician in Salt Lake City. He recently passed away...and this piano was supposed to be their 'couples piano'. She found us and wanted us to finish what he started. 

This is a unique project in so many ways. The owner had his own warehouse and built his shop himself back in the 70's. Much like Brigham, his shop was full of pianos. So many pianos and so many projects that he was simultaneously working on. We're excited to pay tribute to this elite piano technician! We've reset the clock and our client will now be able to pass on this beautiful piano and story for generations and generations to come! I love projects like this. The piano wasn’t just a musical instrument—it was part of the family’s history.

When it arrived at our piano shop, it needed a full restoration—new strings, new dampers, a new player system, a completely rebuilt action, and major cosmetic work. But we were able to preserve the original soundboard and plate, both of which I always consider the heart of the instrument.

The soundboard had some cracking that we repaired, then we carefully refinished and lacquered it so it looks and functions like new. We also refinished the plate in automotive-grade metallic paint for a sleek finish.

The result? A fully rebuilt Henry F Miller piano, restored to like-new condition with a modern QRS player system integrated seamlessly into the original cabinetry.

Preserve Your Legacy

  • A Piano with a Heartfelt Legacy—Rebuilt in the memory of beloved wife of 47 years

    This beautifully restored 1911 Kohler & Campbell upright piano carries a touching story. Originally purchased by his late wife's grandparents, it has been fully rebuilt in her memory.

    Now, he is passing it on to her brother’s daughter, ensuring that her teenage son—an aspiring musician—can continue the family's musical tradition for generations to come.

  • Gorgous Kohler and Campbell upright piano restored and refinished for family heirloom generational purposes at Brigham Larson Pianos Family Heirloom Piano Restoration Shop.
  • Old before piano keys Brigham Larson at Brigham Larson Pianos showcasing Kohler and Campbell upright heirloom piano rebuild and refinishing to like new condition for sentimental family purposes for next generation of piano lovers at Brigham Larson Pianos Family Heirloom Piano Restoration Shop.

    BEFORE

  • Beautiful piano keys brand new condition. Brigham Larson at Brigham Larson Pianos showcasing Kohler and Campbell upright heirloom piano rebuild and refinishing to like new condition for sentimental family purposes for next generation of piano lovers at Brigham Larson Pianos Family Heirloom Piano Restoration Shop.

    AFTER

  • Piano Hammers and action before restoration. Brigham Larson at Brigham Larson Pianos showcasing Kohler and Campbell upright heirloom piano rebuild and refinishing to like new condition for sentimental family purposes for next generation of piano lovers at Brigham Larson Pianos Family Heirloom Piano Restoration Shop.

    BEFORE

  • Piano hammers and action after restoration. Brigham Larson at Brigham Larson Pianos showcasing Kohler and Campbell upright heirloom piano rebuild and refinishing to like new condition for sentimental family purposes for next generation of piano lovers at Brigham Larson Pianos Family Heirloom Piano Restoration Shop.

    AFTER

  • Piano pedals before restoration. Brigham Larson at Brigham Larson Pianos showcasing Kohler and Campbell upright heirloom piano rebuild and refinishing to like new condition for sentimental family purposes for next generation of piano lovers at Brigham Larson Pianos Family Heirloom Piano Restoration Shop.

    BEFORE

  • Piano pedals after restoration. Brigham Larson at Brigham Larson Pianos showcasing Kohler and Campbell upright heirloom piano rebuild and refinishing to like new condition for sentimental family purposes for next generation of piano lovers at Brigham Larson Pianos Family Heirloom Piano Restoration Shop.

    AFTER

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Restore With Experts

Family Heirloom from California— Deeply Rooted Steger Piano Co. Legacy

Join us on an unforgettable journey as we reunite a beautifully restored 1901 Steger upright piano with the family who’s carried its legacy for generations.

Watch the before & after videos HERE.

Originally tied to the founder of the Steger Piano Company, this instrument holds deep roots—its owner’s great-grandfather was directly connected to the iconic 17-story Steger Building in Chicago. Restoring this instrument meant preserving not just a century-old piano, but also a meaningful family history.

Now fully rebuilt and ready for another generation of music-making, this heirloom piano stands as a tribute to both craftsmanship and legacy.

Begin Your Restoration
  • Fully restored, rebuilt, refinished, like new restored sentimental family heirloom Steger upright piano. Gorgeous piano refinishing work! Ornate cabinetry.
  • Before piano action on Fully restored, rebuilt, refinished, like new restored sentimental family heirloom Steger upright piano. Gorgeous piano refinishing work! Ornate cabinetry.

    BEFORE

  • After restoration view of piano action on Fully restored, rebuilt, refinished, like new restored sentimental family heirloom Steger upright piano. Gorgeous piano refinishing work! Ornate cabinetry.

    AFTER

  • Before restoration and metal hardware replating on piano pedals for Fully restored, rebuilt, refinished, like new restored sentimental family heirloom Steger upright piano. Gorgeous piano refinishing work! Ornate cabinetry.

    BEFORE

  • After metal hardware replating on piano pedals for Fully restored, rebuilt, refinished, like new restored sentimental family heirloom Steger upright piano. Gorgeous piano refinishing work! Ornate cabinetry.

    AFTER

  • Before restoration piano ornate cabinetry for Fully restored, rebuilt, refinished, like new restored sentimental family heirloom Steger upright piano. Gorgeous piano refinishing work! Ornate cabinetry.

    BEFORE

  • After piano restoration ornate cabinetry refinishing for Fully restored, rebuilt, refinished, like new restored sentimental family heirloom Steger upright piano. Gorgeous piano refinishing work! Ornate cabinetry.

    AFTER

  • Before restoration pedals Fully restored, rebuilt, refinished, like new restored sentimental family heirloom Steger upright piano. Gorgeous piano refinishing work! Ornate cabinetry.

    BEFORE

  • After piano restoration pedals for Fully restored, rebuilt, refinished, like new restored sentimental family heirloom Steger upright piano. Gorgeous piano refinishing work! Ornate cabinetry.

    AFTER

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A collage of images showing the interior view of a Steger & Sons upright piano with a mahogany wood finish. The images display the piano's keyboard, which features metal keys and brass trim, and the body of the piano which has a satin finish.

Watch The Piano Transformations & Hear The Stories

Watch heirloom pianos go from "BEFORE" to "AFTER"!

Click below to watch the Family Heirloom Restoration YouTube playlist.

Watch Playlist

Happy Restoration Families Across The USA!

Do you restore pianos nationwide?

Yes! We have helped piano restoration families across the USA! We love seeing restored heirloom pianos bringing joy to families nationwide! From coast to coast, we’ve helped preserve family history, cherished memories, and beautiful music through expert piano restoration, refinishing, and rebuilding.

Thinking about restoring your family’s piano? Let’s bring it back to life for the next generation! Request a FREE Family Heirloom Piano Restoration Evaluation HERE.

What makes an heirloom piano worth restoring instead of replacing?

In my experience, pianos worth fully restoring are the ones that carry sentimental value—something you just can’t replace with a new instrument.

A lot of these heirloom pianos were built during the Golden Age of piano manufacturing, and if the original design, soundboard, and bridges are solid, they can absolutely be brought back to life.

We keep the core of the instrument intact and reset the clock with new mechanical components. If it’s been in your family for generations, there’s usually a good reason to restore it instead of starting over.

How do I know if my family’s old upright or grand piano is a good candidate for restoration?

That’s a question we get all the time. The first thing I look at is the structural integrity—especially the soundboard, the plate, and the bridges. If those are original and in good shape, we’ve got a solid foundation to work from.

I also ask whether the piano has sentimental value. If it’s been in your family for generations, that usually tips the scale in favor of restoring it.

Even if it hasn’t been played in decades or has some obvious cosmetic issues, we can typically bring it back to full performance. We’re happy to evaluate it—just reach out through our shop.

What’s the difference between refurbishing and fully restoring an heirloom piano?

A refurbishing is more of a light service—regulation, minor repairs, maybe some voicing and cleaning. It’s a good option if the piano is basically functional and just needs to play a little better or feel more responsive.

A full restoration, on the other hand, means we’re going through the whole instrument: rebuilding the action, replacing hammers, restringing, tuning pin upgrade, cabinet refinishing—you name it. We’re essentially resetting the piano for another century of play.

For heirloom pianos, especially ones that have been silent for a while, a full restoration is usually the right call. It’s a night-and-day difference.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I have a 45 year old piano that has a great deal of sentimental value as it is the piano my dad gave me as a young girl. Me and my children have learned to love and play music at this piano. Unfortunately, the piano had taken a beating as we have moved cross country multiple times.

My dad recently passed away and I wanted to restore the piano. A friend of mine recommended Brigham Larson Pianos and I’m so glad she did. The entire restoration process has been amazing. They listened to what I wanted, made recommendations and kept me updated every step of the way.

Today they delivered my piano and I am thrilled with the restoration! It is absolutely beautiful and is exactly what I envisioned! From pickup to delivery the people at Brigham Larson Pianos have been extraordinary!

Thank you for restoring a piece of my childhood and a piece of my heart. It is beautiful!" —Kellie Bray

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I can't say enough good things about Brigham Larson Pianos. I inherited a baby grand piano that no one else wanted because it needed significant refurbishing. I researched my options thoroughly. I called all over the country to get estimates. Then someone recommended Brigham Larson, which was just a town away. Not only was Brigham's estimate very reasonable compared to other restorers, but the customer service was incredible. Brigram and his whole staff were great to work with. They kept me informed all along the way. And my piano turned out gorgeous! It looks beautiful and sounds fantastic! Thank you, Brigham Larson, for brining my piano back to life! It will be treasured by family for several more generations!" —Bonnye Wallace

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Brigham and his entire staff are the most kind and professional people I’ve had the pleasure of working with in years. Extraordinary!! The work they did on my piano is absolutely beautiful, more than pleased!" — Sherma Miles

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Brigham Larson is by far the best place for piano restoration! The entire team was kind and informative throughout the process. I was able to meet with Brigham personally and talk about the best options for restoration vs. refurbishment of a 100yr heirloom piano. I never felt pressured to do one or the other. He was honest and truly an expert. We were able to put together a custom plan to fit our family’s needs. The sound and quality is amazing. Highly recommend!" - Amy Card


★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Very friendly staff. Amazing work they do rebuilding old pianos, restoring them back to new." — Russell Condie

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Family Heirloom Piano Restorations

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Heirloom Piano Legacies Blog

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    Sentimental 1925 Henry F Miller Heirloom Grand ...

    Brigham Larson Pianos

    Sentimental Restoration of a Henry F Miller Grand Player Piano  This Henry F Miller grand player piano came to us with a story—like so many of the pianos we restore....

    Sentimental 1925 Henry F Miller Heirloom Grand ...

    Brigham Larson Pianos

    Sentimental Restoration of a Henry F Miller Grand Player Piano  This Henry F Miller grand player piano came to us with a story—like so many of the pianos we restore....

  • From Worn to Wonderful: 100-Year-Old Mason & Hamlin Heirloom Grand Fully Rebuilt & Refinished

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    Brigham Larson Pianos

    When this Mason & Hamlin grand piano first arrived at the shop, it was already partially disassembled. The owners had made a valiant effort to start restoring it themselves—and quickly...

    From Worn to Wonderful: 100-Year-Old Mason & Ha...

    Brigham Larson Pianos

    When this Mason & Hamlin grand piano first arrived at the shop, it was already partially disassembled. The owners had made a valiant effort to start restoring it themselves—and quickly...

  • Before & After 1913 Brewster Upright Family Heirloom Rebuild— Heading to Texas!

    Before & After 1913 Brewster Upright Family Hei...

    Brigham Larson Pianos

    This 1913 Brewster family heirloom upright piano just came out of our shop fully rebuilt, refinished, and restored, and it’s now on its way to Texas! When it first arrived, it had serious structural issues,...

    Before & After 1913 Brewster Upright Family Hei...

    Brigham Larson Pianos

    This 1913 Brewster family heirloom upright piano just came out of our shop fully rebuilt, refinished, and restored, and it’s now on its way to Texas! When it first arrived, it had serious structural issues,...

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