When disaster strikes, some things feel irreplaceable. That was the case for one family who approached us with heartbreaking news—their cherished 1986 Steinway Model B had been severely damaged in a fire.
For years, this piano had been a centerpiece of their home, carrying memories of music, joy, and tradition. While the fire left its mark, they couldn’t imagine replacing it with another instrument. This was their piano—the one that had been played, loved, and lived with for decades.
Rather than starting over, they turned to us for help. Working alongside their insurance company, we carefully restored their piano, bringing it back to life without losing an ounce of its original soul.
A brand-new mahogany Steinway Model B today costs $190,000, but this family didn’t need a new piano. They just needed their piano—good as new, yet still carrying the history and memories that made it special.
How Can a Piano Survive a Fire?
A fire damaged piano surviving might seem surprising, but several factors determine whether it can be restored:
- Extent and Type of Damage
If the fire didn’t directly engulf the piano but instead caused smoke, heat, or water damage, restoration is often possible. Outer wood may be scorched, but the inner structure can remain intact.
- The Strength of the Cast-Iron Plate
The cast-iron plate inside the piano holds the strings under immense tension (up to 20 tons). It is incredibly resilient and often survives even extreme conditions. As long as it hasn’t cracked from heat exposure, the piano can typically be rebuilt.
- Wood & Smoke Damage
The wooden components—like the soundboard, bridges, and case—may suffer charring, warping, or cracking. However, expert restorers can replace these parts while maintaining the instrument’s original character. Smoke damage, though extensive, can often be mitigated through deep cleaning and refinishing.
- Water & Mold Damage
Water used to put out the fire can cause swelling in wooden parts, rust on strings and tuning pins, and mold growth. If caught early, these issues can be resolved through restoration.
Bringing a Cherished Piano Back to Life
In the case of this 1986 Steinway Model B, the fire caused significant damage to the exterior and possibly some internal components, but its core structure remained intact. Through our expert piano restoration process, we were able to rebuild it, keeping its original soul while making it look and sound like new.
At Lindeblad Piano, we specialize in fire-damaged piano repair, antique piano restoration, and vintage Steinway rebuilding. We believe that a piano isn’t just an instrument—it’s a part of a family’s story. And when that story is at risk of being lost, we’re here to help ensure it continues for generations to come. View more information about our restoration process here
Would you like to see how we can restore your piano? Contact us today to learn more about our professional piano restoration services.
info@lindebladpiano.com // 888-587-4266
