Cutest Family Visit—1922 Gulbransen Upright Player Unveiling!
Brigham Larson Pianos
REVEAL: Texas Heirloom — 1922 Gulbransen Upright Player Piano Rebuild & Refinishing (Family Visit!)
Some piano projects go far beyond craftsmanship.
In this special reveal, we had the joy of welcoming a family to see their fully rebuilt and refinished 1922 Gulbransen Upright Player Piano, restored to honor a legacy that stretches back generations. What unfolded was more than a piano demonstration; it was a living connection to great-great-grandparents, early American music technology, and the magic of a self-playing instrument from the 1920s.
As the family gathered around, the story emerged: this wasn’t just a Gulbransen—it was the same make and model once owned by their great-great-grandparents. Finding one intact is rare. Finding one that can be properly restored is rarer still.
After years of searching, Aunt Diana finally located this extraordinary instrument and entrusted it to our team of expert piano restoration artisans.
First Reactions: Wonder, Surprise, and a Little Awe
When the doors opened and the piano was revealed, the reactions said it all—wide eyes, gasps, and a sense of disbelief. Then came the moment every player piano waits for:
The cabinet opens.
The roll is revealed.
The pedals engage.
And suddenly… the piano plays itself.
Notes danced across the keys just as they would have a century ago, filling the room with music that once echoed through family gatherings long past.
The Player Piano: An Early Computer
One of the most fascinating conversations during the visit centered on how the piano works. Player pianos are often described as early mechanical computers—music encoded on paper rolls, read by air pressure, translating holes into motion, sound, and rhythm.
Watching the children grasp this concept, comparing rewinding a roll to sliding backward on a phone, was a reminder of just how advanced this technology was for its time. In the 1920s, this wasn’t novelty. It was revolutionary.
What It Takes to Restore a Player Piano
Restoring a piano like this is no small feat. As explained during the visit, there are three major components to every full player piano restoration:
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The Instrument
The heart of the piano—hammers, dampers, strings, plate, tuning pins, and action—must be rebuilt for tone, touch, and longevity. -
The Player Mechanism
The most complex and demanding part of the process. Bellows, pneumatics, valves, tracking systems, and timing all must work in perfect harmony. This is where true specialization matters. -
The Cabinet & Exterior Refinishing
The visual soul of the piano. Period-correct finishes, restored woodwork, and careful detailing bring the instrument back to its original elegance.
Only when all three are done correctly does the piano truly come back to life.
Music, Movement, and Memories
As the rolls changed and the music shifted, from gentle melodies to lively dance tunes, the room transformed. Kids danced. Adults smiled. Lyrics printed on the roll scrolled by, reminding everyone that these instruments once served as the entertainment center of the home.
Why These Moments Matter
A restored heirloom piano is more than an object. It’s a storyteller. It bridges generations, preserves craftsmanship, and creates new memories while honoring old ones.
Seeing this 1922 Gulbransen play again, after nearly a century, was a powerful reminder of why we do this work.
Do you have an heirloom piano in need of restoration? Give us a call for a FREE restoration evaluation!
