Rebuilding The Lester Parlor Grand Piano; Tommy L. Wilson, RPT

The Piano Manufacturer

The Lester Piano Company began manufacturing pianos in the 1880’s and continued production until 1960. For a time, Lester was the largest piano maker in Philadelphia. For years, creating quality instruments, not mass production, was Lester’s guiding principle and the foundation for its reputation in the world of music. Relatively unknown outside the piano community, the piano’s superlative quality of construction and the beauty of the instrument’s honest tone are renown among learned individuals in the music industry.

Lester pianos have long been quality instruments and continue to be the choice among many of today’s pianists. For example, Billy Joel started his career by playing on a Lester Piano. Additionally, many renowned music conservatories such as the New England Conservatory of Boston and the Syracuse University Broad Street Conservatory in Philadelphia have been influenced by the quality and beauty of the Lester Piano. The sweetness tone of the Lester Grand piano sounded so remarkable that it became of the official piano of “The Philadelphia Orchestra”.

Case Restoration

Special care was given to case restoration. The case and accessories were carefully striped of the old finish, hand sanded to retain superior sound, dutifully inspected and artfully restored. Each coat of finish was allowed to fully cure for 24-hours before another coat was applied. The last coat was allowed to cure for two weeks before hand rubbing began.


Action Restoration

• White Keys Cleaned and Newly key-topped
• Sharp keys newly topped with genuine ebony
• New Renner backchecks
• New Brass Capstans
• Keyframe finished
• New Front rail and balance rail pins installed
• Key height leveled and key depth set
• New back rail felt installed
• Chrome plated Action Brackets
• Newly finished wood action parts
• New let-off buttons and Chrome Regulating Screws
• Action rebuilt with only the finest Renner custom made wippens, shanks, flanges, and hammers
• Action custom regulation
• Custom Made Bass wires
• All treble wires custom fitted to piano
• Restoration of the top and music rack hinges with chrome
• Plate newly finished with a Deep gold tint
• All plate Bolts, Screws, and Nose Bolts plated Chrome.
• Genuine legs and unique pedal lyre newly finished with hand rubbed lacquer finish
• Piano was also accompanied with New Artist Bench



The Piano

This Lester Parlor Grand Piano was originally crafted in 1912 and painstakingly restored by second generation, Tommy L. Wilson, Registered Piano Technician, and third generation, Terry L. Wilson of Charles A. Wilson. The accompanying of photographs reveals the care given to the piano’s restoration. A closer look reveals the quality of the renovation from the refelted parts to the alignment of screw slots. However, only when viewed in person can the workmanship and beauty of the instrument truly be appreciated. We invite you to compare the quality of this Piano to any other.



In Summary

Nothing has been spared in design, craftsmanship, and delicate restoration of this unique Lester Piano. It offers a satisfying experience for anyone who appreciates superior craftsmanship. Simply put, this piano is truly one of a kind.

Tommy L. Wilson is a Registered Piano Technician in good standings with the Piano Technicians Guild. Since 1960 he has been tuning and restoring pianos for people such as: Mickey Gilley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Oak Ridge Boys, Beach Boys, Dixie Carter, Eddie Hooker, Robin Davis, Bill Kelly, Ronnie Milsap, Jerome Rose, and has even had the pleasure of regulating Elvis Presley’s white Knabe Grand Piano.

If you want your grand piano restored feel free to call 731-445-3596 or you can email twilson@cableone.net Comments are welcomed.