This comprehensive guide enables anyone with practical common sense and musical awareness to revive an ailing piano. At the same time, the author does not underrate the part played by the professional tuner and technician; indeed he suggests that co-operation of amateur and professional in the care of a piano is the ideal arrangement. The book deals with both upright and grand pianos in detail, explaining how they are constructed and the many factors contributing to their musical quality. It discusses the tools and materials required for restoration and gives full instructions for the repair and adjustment of the resonant parts, actions and keyboards which are most often encountered. A separate chapter is devoted to tuning and the sensitive hammers. The final chapter considers approaches to purchasing and restoring older pianos. Wherever possible the text has been illustrated with line drawings and photographs and at the end there is a Glossary of Terms to help the reader through the maze of piano terminology. This book teaches the pianist and would-be craftsman not only what to expect from his or her chosen instrument but how repairs and adjustments can be carried out to improve its performance.