Hopeless Old Little Piano Restoration - Childhood Memories | Hopeless to Hopeful
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2020
- Hopeless Old Little Piano Restoration - Childhood Memories | Hopeless to Hopeful
Received a request from my friend to restore this old little toy piano. The piano was a gift from his parents, he played the piano with his siblings when he was a little kid. And now he has grown up and he would like to restore and pass to the next generations.
This restoration is very challenging to me because the owner requested to keep everything as original as possible. So when I see the hopeless wooden frame, my jaw dropped. It would have been so much easier to just replace the whole frame, but since he requested to keep as original as possible. So, I had to restore the hopeless plywood, which I have not known anyone would spend time doing this.
But I am so glad that this friend have faith in me, despite of my first time dealing with all these problems. So, thanks my friend!!
Now that the piano can last for few more decades...hopefully...
And specially thanks to my sister, being the pianist to test out the piano!!
I am not professional mechanic/handyman/restorer, nor I own a workshop. But I believe, If Y can dream it, Y can do it!
I hope you guys enjoy the video. Let me know what do you think. Please leave me a comment to give feedback and share your thoughts :)
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Additional Music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au
Track: Jim Yosef - Let You Go [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.
Watch: • Jim Yosef - Let You Go...
Free Download / Stream: ncs.io/LetYouGo - Jak na to + styl
I've been an instrument maker now for 60 years and appreciate your taking this on. Thanks for preserving a little gem of our musical world.
Thanks my friend! 😊
I've been a restorer of musical instruments for the last 20 years (I was a Shipwright before I retired) including toy ones. So I was extremely interested in what you were doing.
I'm also restoring a toy piano but unfortunately in a much worse condition than the one your working on. Mine needs some of the tone bars replacing as they've rusted through and been lost. But I can fix it. I also need to make a new cabinet for it but (if I'm careful how I take it apart) I will use the original parts as templates. Thank you for some very useful tips.
@@49mrbassman Where does one get tine material? Am restoring a Kiddy Keys piano.
@@fnersch3367 depends on how much of the cabinet needs replacing or restoring but any timber like ply which is quite cheap or a soft wood such as pine, or a harder wood such as beech. Most can be got from a local timber merchant or if your into recycling, then old wood from the local tip should do. Make sure to avoid mdf and chipboard. If any tone bars are missing, you will have to replace them with new ones but getting them to the right pitch might be a problem but there are articles about that on CZcams to help. Steel brass, or Iron. you should be able to get from a hardware store or metal dealer (loads on ebay}
Anything else I can help you with
W
That was brilliant, however you say you use 'direct sunlight' rather than LED strips, that's fine if you live in a country that has sunshine, here in England if they see the sun shining they think it's a UFO.
Lol really? Sorry, i didn't take that into consideration 😅
What is this “sunlight“ and where do you get it?
I asked the professionals in the hardware store, but they also never heard about that.
Greetings from Hamburg, germany.
"UFO" Now that's funny!!
lol
Hi from England as well
This video is way too underrated.
😆
*Lots of things are well done, but the varnishing job is lousy. I wonder why did you not sand all the wood? You could at least have dyed first the foil and after that the varnish instead of putting layers and layers of varnish on it. Sorry, but it was a waste of time to watch this video.*
I hope the children treat it with as much love and care as you did!
Thanks! 😊
According to color matching it is reccomanded to stain the wood before the varnish. Stained varnish is better used if you want a quick job on a surface not coloured. Better to use some aniline stain (water or alcohol based) on the new parts of wood. Color must be matched with wet surfaces (use some diluent on older parts) to get a rasonable approximation of final result when applied trasparent varnish. If you use filler they are better slightly darker than background than lighter coloured, if you have doubt of being able to match darker blends better
Thanks for the suggestion! 😉
Thomas Johnson is antique & vintage restoration master that I would recommend watching. He has several technical videos that would have saved you time on color matching. You did the owners proud.
Thanks! Sure, will have a look on his channel 😉😊
Well, I admit, I am impressed with how white you got those keys.
😉
*Lots of things are well done, but the varnishing job is lousy. I wonder why did you not sand all the wood? You could at least have dyed first the foil and after that the varnish instead of putting layers and layers of varnish on it. Sorry, but it was a waste of time to watch this video.*
the process is called Retrobrighting and it's standard in the repair hobby for plastics.
The children who receive this toy will also forever have the joy of this video. Caution: Boys will want to take it apart like you did ... to see all that work. And - it is nice that you answer all who comment - at least the ones in English lol.
Haha and I will be like 'NO!! Please treat it nicely and gently..' Thanks, you actually went to see the comments.. haha there's one I couldnt reply though.. someone pls help
*Lots of things are well done, but the varnishing job is lousy. I wonder why did you not sand all the wood? You could at least have dyed first the foil and after that the varnish instead of putting layers and layers of varnish on it. Sorry, but it was a waste of time to watch this video.*
That was strangely poetic. There was a real beauty and simple, meditative quality to this restoration. Your playing the piano at the end especially moved me. You’re so lovely and I thank you for this little gift.
Thanks for the motivating comment! 😊 this is a gift to me as well
I think I would have got some other wood, the same thickness, and taken the piano apart. Then trace around the existing pieces on to the new wood, and remake it that way. You have a lot more patience than I have, and your way is probably saving more of the original instrument.
Thanks! Since this is a restoration work, so i can't replace just everything, that would be called as remake and lost all the histories.. but of course you could do so to make the piano more durable and nicer the way you wanted to.. There's no right or wrong from the art perspective 😊 as long as you do with passion and love from heart
*Lots of things are well done, but the varnishing job is lousy. I wonder why did you not sand all the wood? You could at least have dyed first the foil and after that the varnish instead of putting layers and layers of varnish on it. Sorry, but it was a waste of time to watch this video.*
@@morswick777 But yet the little piano, is restored for many more years of existence... Its only real value, is sentimental, so lighten up, and don't be such a turd!
This is why I watch restoration videos. I admire your patience. I am 72, I had a piano similar to this one. My Son had one as well. Thanks for using your skill in such a fantastic way.
Thanks my friend! 😉
Beautiful restoration! Это волшебство! Это лучше волшебства!
Absolutely a beautiful and heart-felt restoration. Amazing!
Thanks! And glad that you enjoyed it 😊
I just picked one these up, just like this one. I love it, but it definitely needs a lot of work to save it, like this one. Definitely gave me direction and some ideas. THANK YOU
Sweet babies, you redid plies in plywood by hand?! That's a level of dedication I didn't think as possible.
My only suggestions for the varnishing (as a novice who loves watching woodworking videos) would be
1. Try starting with a darker wood, so you don't have to apply as much varnish, or
2. Use a darker stain on the light wood so it catches up to the rest of the color faster. For example, if the body of the piece you're trying to match is medium-brown, try using a light coat of dark brown on the light wood so that the light wood & dark color mix to a medium-brown color. Then add the same varnish as the rest of the piece so that it has the same overall look.
Again, I have no experience with woodworking, but I have some idea of color theory. Hope it helps!
I was having a deep dilemma on the plywood restoration as well. Since my friend requested to keep everything as much as possible, so ya, that's the way I could thought of. Your suggestion is making total sense, and I learnt from this experience as well. Hopefully will have improvement on the future projects. Thanks very much!!
Good work. for the woodparts, i sugest a tutorial like others in the comments, or watch videos of other restaurators, like Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration, or Dashner Design & Restoration.
Thanks! Ya, got the same suggestion too 😊😉
*Lots of things are well done, but the varnishing job is lousy. I wonder why did you not sand all the wood? You could at least have dyed first the foil and after that the varnish instead of putting layers and layers of varnish on it. Sorry, but it was a waste of time to watch this video.*
The secret to a good stain or paint finish is to sand the previous coat before repainting, without doing it you make the brush 'plough lines' deeper every coat. Otherwise very well done!
Some years ago, there was a piano factory in our town, and they made just the same toy pianos) I remember them from my childhood)
Чудесная реставрация и видео . Детские воспоминания самые душевные и тёплые. Желаю популярности вашему каналу, а мастеру здоровья
Настройщик Морган Фримен бы одобрил. Денни цепной пёс с Джет Ли
This was a piece of art. Thank you for posting
Thanks 😊
Hello. I might sound like too late (but I just stumbled upon your video). First, let me tell how I was so moved by this attempt to restore "memories", since I can't think of a better way to mend the wounds time inflicts upon everything. Such a gentle and humble initiative ! Congrats. Now, for the technical parts, I might give you some ideas. I'm what we call in french an "ébéniste", that is "cabinet maker", more or less, and I had to perform some tricky restorations, on very old furnitures. These are sometimes very difficult problems because you can't ever get the same color between a new piece and an oxydised wood (because of UV, wheather etc…). However, there are some techniques to "mitigate" the discrepancies. For instance, one of them consist in avoiding colored varnish (at least in the beginning), and try to match color with several light coats of stain (in your case, I would try and use something we call "brou de noix", a kind of hazelnut decoction, water based, and non-toxic. Then, once you have achieved a more or less uniform color, apply some shellac to stabilize what you have reached. Be aware that all water-based solution will raise the grain of the wood, you might want to lightly sand (and carefully vacuum !) between coats. After that, you can use various brown crayons or markers, to do some localized touches, and only then harmonize everything with a lightly colored wax for example. Other than that, the only recipe, is patience, patience and patience ! But I can see you have plenty ;-) Have a look at Thomas Johnson's videos, if you don't know his work. It's a wonderful source of inspiration : czcams.com/channels/d8v3SbzGP9_wuSOr_xk_eA.html. Take care, and keep the good work. Thank you very much for these very nice 30 minutes of delicate work.
Thanks Jean! Your comment made my day, such a motivation for me to keep learning and doing! Thanks for the professional and informative suggestion, will definitely try that in the next project. A fun fact is, I got to know Thomas Johnson through the comments, since many of you suggested his channel for me 😆 will check it out too! Once again, thanks! 😊
Hello, great work! 👍👏
What I liked most was that you restored and repaired the wood! Most of them simply replace the wood and thus destroy the patina. These things contain life and tell a long story!
Stay healthy and keep it up!
Michael
Thanks Michael!! 😊
We need more like you out on the channels...
😊😊
*Lots of things are well done, but the varnishing job is lousy. I wonder why did you not sand all the wood? You could at least have dyed first the foil and after that the varnish instead of putting layers and layers of varnish on it. Sorry, but it was a waste of time to watch this video.*
Very nice job. I thing you need fine sanding between the layer off Timber fresh. becomes more smooth surface. I do it on mahogany wood.
Thanks for the suggestion! Will keep improving 😉😊
Gran Trabajo...y bonito escenario final...gracias por la enseñanza...
brilliant well done , as others have already said, stain the wood before finishing, lovely fun project thanks for posting really enjoyed
Thanks 😊
Beautiful, amazing, awesome, fantastic ...
Thanks! 😊
Bravissimo!
I think you would have matched better/faster using a separate stain rather than a stain varnish combo. Also, I light sanding between varnish layers would get a smoother finish without brush marks. That said though, you did an incredible job. Its beautiful.
Ya that's the proper way to do it.. since this was my first time, so still way more to learn 😁
@@theymaker125 I enjoyed watching your meticulous "labor of love." There is one decision that I might have made differently and the only reason that I mention it, is because it can still be changed if you agree. A glossy finish is very unforgiving when it comes to blemishes. I would prefer a satin finish. If you agree, after a light sanding (for a better bonding surface) a satin can be applied over the gloss with no problem. Just a constructive option.
@@ThePianoMan1953 Thanks for the great idea! Saved in my pocket 😉😊
Wow! What a great restoration! Congratulations on doing this with just simple hand tools. I know you did this a while ago but I’m just seeing it today, May 10, 2023. Great work!
Beautifully done!
Me encanta el video y el cariño que le pones a el piano de juguete para la restauración.
You have awesome talent and the beauty that goes with it. The beauty of your home land it's gorgeous
Thanks! Love from Malaysia 😊
All wonderful. From the restorer, to work, up to the landscape.
Yes the landscape it was so Beautiful I would love to live there I bet it is so peaceful there.
Thanks to both of you! I'm motivated!
Nice! I bought a broken $15 toy piano not long ago and fixed it up too. Now I just need to replace the felt and record some music!
Thanks 😊
What a gift to be able to restore something to New Life. My congratulations for an outstanding achievement.
Thanks! 😊
Helo, kerja hebat! 👍👏
Yang paling saya sukai ialah anda memulihkan dan membaiki kayu! Sebilangan besar dari mereka hanya menggantikan kayu dan dengan itu menghancurkan patina. Perkara-perkara ini mengandungi kehidupan dan menceritakan kisah panjang!
Kekal sihat dan jaga!
Michael
Beautiful job. If you want a smoother finish you can use wet or dry sandpaper 800 grit . Sand till smooth and then use a paste wax over that. It will give a lacquer like finish. Enjoyed watching your video.
Thanks 😊
Wah, this is my childhood memories! 😍
Thanks my friend 😊
Very sweet video. I love old toys.
Um....WOW!!!! Amazing transformation.
Thanks 😊
Brilliant!!
I had one of these as a little girl and I wish I would of held onto it. I LOVED it!
I had one of these when I was at the elementary school,,,
thanks for showing me how to disassemble it,,,
now I know where to start,,,
😍😍🥰🤗🤗
😊😊😉
Incredible transformation to watch.
Thanks..hope you enjoyed😊
Beautiful!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Amazing 🤩
Beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks! 😊
You live in a beautiful area! And hearing what you played on the piano at the end makes me want to hear what you could do on a real one!
Thanks 😊
És uma grande artista parabéns pelo seu trabalho
Beautiful simply
Refreshing to see a young lady taking on such a project. Excellent work
Thanks 😊
So glad you restored this special little piano! So many more memories to be had! Thank you!
Thanks 😊
True mastery
Great job darling!! You’re really feel the “spirit” of the piano...
It awakes with beautiful music...
Thanks! 😊
Thanks Lilly! 😊
DRV3?
VERY well done! Most of the restorers on here are males. So refreshing to see lady prove that it's not just a mans world, when it comes to restoration. Keep up the good work.
Thanks! 😊
absolutely lovely, beautiful scenery to play at the end too! well done! 👍
Thanks very much! 😊
Beautiful.💕👍
Just thank you ! Your restoration shows me how I was ridiculous when I was young to destroy a such piano for child. Seeing you make me regrets this act. You did this restoration with love, there is no price for this. Congratulations.
Wow thank you! 😊
Que belo trabalho você fez parabéns
This was amazing to watch. A real labour of love. 🥰
Thanks 😊
Beautiful work.. congratulazioni
Thanks my friend 😊
Beautifull !
Amazing! This is a something money can’t buy! Keep it up!
Thanks! Agreed!
Me gustó y mucho son maestros en la restauración del arte
Nice to see a toy ( that got ALOT of use) brought back.
Why is this oddly satisfying. I feel like I’m watching an ASMR lol 😂
Yeah, I know right?
Wonderful.
You did a good job. Congratulations!
Thanks! 😊
I wish mine had just a few more keys. What a beautiful setting.
Absolutely beautiful restoration!
Thanks my friend! 😊
Very pretty. I had a toy piano very similar when i was little. Actually i think it is still in my parent's attic. I may go and get it, clean it up and give it to my granddaughters. Thank you for the memory and nice work.
Thanks! Ya please do, I always wish to have some special item passed down from my grandparents, it will have so much story and memories to be remembered
That was a nice video to watch and you did a great job, it was also nice to see a woman doing restoration. Looking forward to more, thanks.
Thanks 😊
I like the sound of the piano!
It's refreshing isn't? 😊
The Y Maker, el pequeño piano, te ha quedado precioso, es una pieza hermosa, aunque te ha faltado un poco de lija, pertenezco a una familia de carpinteros profesionales, y aunque yo no lo he hecho nunca, he visto mucho. Ya han fallecido todos mis ancestros carpinteros, pero cuando algo te gusta tanto queda en tu memoria, te envío un gran abrazo a la distancia y un gran beso porque siendo una mujer has dado el ejemplo. Me despido de ti desde Buenos Aires - Argentina.
Who else Loves the mini stuff? Like if u do! I luv it!
اللهاالله على الحرفة نتمنالك كل التقدير والنجاح
متابعتك من الجزائر
Interessante, é um trabalho que sempre quando posso realizo. 😊
Awesome job! Beautiful scenery at the end!
Fantastic 😍
Thanks 😊
Mis felicitaciones por tu trabajo, una restauracion perfecta. Y tambien por tu sentido del humor del transporte rojo, mi carro esta igual de las llantas me sacaste una sonrisa jajaja. Saludos
I need some translation for this.. but based on some words, I assume this is a positive compliment? So thanks in advance 😁
Awesome restoration. You have a lot of talent and patience as I think that would’ve taken at least two weeks to finish. I hope the owner was pleased with it. Perfect scenery at the end, Malaysia looks beautiful. Thanks Stuart 🇦🇺
Thanks! It's my honor to have helped the owner to get back old memories 😊 pay a visit to malaysia when the covid situation gets better 😊
Wait- You were that guy who restored that teeny weeny little vise :D
And was so chill about it!
@@martinpanev6651 Yep I’m busted. Thanks Stuart.
Beautiful results & sound of that toy piano.
Thanks 😊
Thank you!
😉
your video and your work: simply beautiful
Thanks my friend 😊
I liked this video - a good, honest restoration. I suggest you watch Tom Johnson for masterclasses on wood staining and restoration, if you haven't already.
Thanks! Yepp, got a lot of suggestion to watch his work 😆
*Lots of things are well done, but the varnishing job is lousy. I wonder why did you not sand all the wood? You could at least have dyed first the foil and after that the varnish instead of putting layers and layers of varnish on it. Sorry, but it was a waste of time to watch this video.*
I owned and operated a custom cabinet business for over 20 years and this is what I suggest. In regards to the staining you want to first practice on a piece of scrap wood (usually a piece of cut off from you finish piece). Take a piece of the finished (what you are trying to match) work to the paint store/lumber yard/box store you buy your stain. Compare it to the various stain colors they have available. Purchase 5-6 that are closest in color. Test these on you scrap wood. You may need to mix various colors in a separate container to achieve the right color. Also you can apply the stain and let it sit a bit before wiping. The longer you let the stain sit on the workpiece the darker the color. Also DO NOT buy the stain with the clear coat. Your clear coat should be separate. Once you get the stain color right then apply a couple coats of clear lightly sanding between coats until you reach the desired sheen. I keep a large selection of pint sized stains in various colors on hand to eliminate unneeded trip the store. I also keep a gallon of clear in satin, semi gloss, and high gloss in both oil and latex based polyurethane. You can also keep on hand shellac, various food grade oils, waxes, paste etc.
Thanks! Such a wonderful and valuable tips here! Learnt a lot! 😊 thanks for sharing!
That's incredible...you are an artiste!
Thanks 😊
Love watching these videos! At the moment I'm modifying a relatively new Schoenhut grand piano to be a better instrument (new soundboard and better materials), and YT has started recommending me all these wonderful toy piano videos. This one must have gotten seriously we at some point to delaminate so badly. Amazing job preserving so much of the old wood ..!
Thanks! All the best for your project too 👍 😊
the beautiful girl restoring great job dad tough you well
Thanks 😊
I enjoyed this thank you
Thanks! 😊
That turned out beautifully.
Thanks 😊
That is BEAUTIFUL! wonderful job.
Thanks 😊
This is so awesome! This is by far my favorite video by You.
Wonderful wonderful job on the paint job and the glue restoration.
It takes a lot of patience, time and hard work to achieve this master restoration level.
I'm just amazed and felt that I had the need to write a long comment just to show you my appreciation, This is awesome work and and a lovely video and it definitely made my day better 🤍
Thank you for this 👏🏻💙
Thanks my friend! I'm truly grateful for your support and it motivates me to create more quality video😊 I know some of you who have supported me always and give constructive feedback.. I would like to thank you all for that too! Appreciate!!
CONGRATULATIONS.... YOUR JOB IS FANTASTIC..... WELL DONE....
Thanks! 😊
I think it's great that you used very accessible things like sunshine UV to bleach and the sand and drill to sandblast as alternatives to having extra tools.
That's all we have available 😊 but i received a comment that reminded me having sunlight all year round is quite a luxurious condition for some places 😁
@@theymaker125 Well I appreciate that you were able to show it could still be done with some basic tools.
Excelente Restauración de este viejo piano, saludos y respetos desde Venezuela.
Thanks! Love from Malaysia 🇲🇾
@@theymaker125 MY🤜🤛Vzla
Omo! Impressive ~
Gamsahamida😊😊
Você é muito habilidosa, ótimo trabalho !!
Let me come back to you after translation 😊
Great work! What a wonderful place you live in.
Thanks 😊
Very nice and difficult restoration, thanks for sharing !😊👌🇨🇦
Thanks my friend 😊