Breathing New Life into Pianos—One Part at a Time

Hi, I'm Elizabeth, a technician here at Pianos Recycled. I have the privilege of working with pianos every day, from the moment they arrive at our workshop to the moment they find their new purpose—whether that’s as restored instruments, art pieces, or even furniture. But there’s another crucial part of what we do here that’s really close to my heart: the second-hand parts we offer to other piano restorers and technicians.

At Pianos Recycled, we specialize in breathing new life into old pianos, but we also understand that many restorers, hobbyists, and collectors are looking for specific parts that are hard to find. That’s where we come in. We’ve built up an extensive inventory of piano parts that range from the 1860s all the way to the 1980s. Whether you’re searching for a rare component for an antique grand or looking to replace worn-out parts on a more modern upright, we’ve got you covered. And what sets us apart is not just the wide variety of parts, but the quality and condition of what we offer.

The Importance of Original Parts in Piano Restoration

For any piano restorer, getting the right parts is key to preserving the instrument’s original tone and function. Many older pianos, especially vintage and antique models, are made with specific parts that are no longer mass-produced. If you’re working on a project that requires parts from a particular era, sourcing the right components can be a challenge. That’s where our collection comes in—offering genuine, hard-to-find parts that will help maintain the authenticity and value of your restoration.

From tuning pins, hammers, and action parts to pedals, frames, and more, we have a vast selection of components from pianos built as far back as the 1860s. Over the years, we’ve carefully dismantled countless pianos, preserving their original parts in excellent condition. Many of these parts are no longer available anywhere else, and we make sure they’re ready for use in your projects. Whether you're looking for components to restore the functionality of a 1920s grand or you need a specific part for a 1950s upright, we can likely help you track it down.

Rare Parts, Even for Player Pianos (Pianolas)

One of the most fascinating aspects of working with pianos is the wide range of types and mechanisms I get to interact with, and one of the more unique offerings we have is parts for player pianos, also known as pianolas. These automatic pianos, which play themselves using a perforated roll of paper or, in some cases, a pneumatic system, require very specific components to function properly. If you’re restoring or repairing a player piano, it’s especially important to find parts that are in working order—pieces like pneumatic trackers, transmissions , and air-motors.

Finding original parts for player pianos can be a real challenge since these instruments were largely produced in the early to mid-20th century. Fortunately, we have a great selection of player piano parts that are in excellent condition. From early 20th-century parts for mechanical player pianos to the more recent ones, our inventory includes the rare and hard-to-find parts that other suppliers might not have.

The Value of Second-Hand Parts

A key focus for me at Pianos Recycled is not just prepping and restoring pianos for resale, but also ensuring that our second-hand parts are in top condition and ready for use by others in the restoration community worldwide. We work hard to test and prepare every part, making sure it’s functional and, when needed, refurbished or cleaned. When we remove a part from a piano—whether it’s a set of keys, a frame, or an intricate action mechanism—we handle it with care, ensuring that it can be reused effectively and efficiently.

Buying second-hand parts can be a cost-effective solution for restorers, especially when working with vintage pianos that would be difficult or expensive to source new parts for. Additionally, these original parts help keep the integrity of the instrument intact, something that’s important to anyone working on a restoration project.

A Resource for Restorers and Technicians

Whether you’re a professional technician, a hobbyist working on your own restoration, or a piano shop looking for specific components, we can help you find what you need. Our selection of second-hand parts includes everything from keys and pedals to more intricate mechanical components like dampers, action parts, and, of course, player piano mechanisms.

If you're unsure whether we have the specific part you're looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always ready to help source hard-to-find pieces, and I personally take pride in assisting our customers in locating the right components. We’ve built up a network of piano restorers, technicians, and collectors over the years, and we’re always looking to expand that network and support those who share our passion for preserving these beautiful instruments.

Final Thoughts

The work we do at Pianos Recycled isn’t just about recycling—it’s about preserving history and supporting the ongoing craftsmanship of piano restoration. As a technician, it’s incredibly rewarding to see pianos brought back to life in so many different ways, whether through a restored instrument being donated to a school, or through a rare part finding its way to a craftsman who will put it to good use in a delicate restoration.

So, if you're a restorer looking for original parts that you just can't find anywhere else—or if you’ve got a player piano in need of some TLC—come see us. We’ve got the parts, the expertise, and the passion for pianos to help you with your next project.

Thanks for reading, and we hope to hear from you soon!