Tuning


We offer tuning of all pianos, from home uprights to Steinway concert grands. As tuners to the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, Baxter Concert Hall, South African College of Music at UCT, Bishops, Herschel, SACS, Westerford, St. Cyprians and many other schools we offer a very high standard to all of our customers.

Transport

Moving pianos requires skilled and careful handling. The cost of repairs from damage in transit can be significant. An average upright piano weighs approximately 230kgs and a medium size grand, 350kgs. Grand pianos are transported on their sides with the legs and pedal assembly removed. Whether an upright or grand, a piano is awkward and heavy and is quite a fragile object to transport!
The Ian Burgess-Simpson Pianos team will ensure your piano is safely moved.

Assessments

Pianos may need to be inspected for insurance purposes, to ascertain their value for buyers or for sellers, or to establish the viability and cost effectiveness of major repairs.
 
Our assessment service caters for all of these needs. We provide whatever level of technical information the client requires and an overview of the piano’s place in the market, its value and a long term perspective on its future needs and potential. We provide written reports and valuations on request.

As Steinways are unique in their design and manufacture, it is important to assess them with the benefit of specialised knowledge. With four Steinway-trained technicians on the staff and our extensive experience as Steinway rebuilders, we provide the most thorough and knowledgable appraisals on Steinway pianos.

Repairs and servicing

Pianos can require a wide range of repairs and service work to attend to their mechanical needs as well as to provide preventative maintenance. Whether it's an irritating pedal noise or a major service including re felting and returning the piano to excellent playing condition after years of wear and tear, we provide the necessary service expertise. We undertake the ongoing maintenance of home pianos as well as looking after the instruments of many of Cape Town's schools and the South African College of Music at UCT.

Rebuilding

Ian Burgess-Simpson Pianos rebuild uprights and grands of any make. In some cases this involves only mechanical rebuilding, in others the cabinet of the piano is also refinished. We also have the only facility in South Africa for the complete, authentic rebuilding of Steinways.

Having rebuilt in excess of 20 Model D concert Steinways as well as numerous others sizes and types of instruments we are the most experienced rebuilders in the country.

Pianos are sent to us from all over the country for partial or full rebuilds and we provide an extensive warranty on our refurbishments.

Cabinet Repolishing

We offer a range of cabinet repair and re-polishing services from cleaning and touching up to complete refinishing.

A variety of finishes from satin matt to high gloss is avaiable in a natural wood finish, ebony black, white or any colour of your choice!