by There’s magic in renewal. More so, in transforming a forgotten artifact into a masterpiece. My husband and I take a tattered, abandoned 1970 Whitney Upright Piano that was scarred and warped by time, tainted with smoke and dust, and breath a renewing life into it. Only to realize, it renewed our own spirits as well.
This project was one of my favorite projects that my husband and I took in and it truly showed how combining the minds of an Engineer and a Creative can certainly turn out amazing innovation and mindfulness. It stood as a testament to the immense power that emerges when two seemingly juxtaposed worlds collide, when an Engineer’s intricate knowledge intertwines with a Creative’s boundless creativity.
We transformed it into a magnificent Gothic-inspired musical marvel. It wasn’t just about refurbishing. It was about being mindful, creative, and collaborative.
A Lost History
We found the piano huddled in the corner of a garage sale. It was hidden beneath layers of dust and grime, forgotten and sad. The intricate framework showed signs of damage from neglect. Despite this, we saw potential. The allure of a challenge. The promise of a beautiful end. This was not simply a project. It was a testament of our love for art, music, and innovation.
The piano was a 1970 Whitney Upright Piano. Once a beauty, it now bore the scars of time. Warped and worn, stench of smoke clinging to it. It was a faded shadow of its former glory. It was a perfect imperfection. Perfect for the challenge we had set ourselves. The challenge of creating beauty from decay.
The initial hesitation was there. The piano was in bad shape. It needed more than a little TLC. But we are not ones to back off from a challenge. Instead, we rolled up our sleeves. We decided to take on the project as a team, as partners, as passionate DIY enthusiasts.
This was our project and we were ready to make it a reality.
Mindful Preparation
The first challenge was moving this 400 lb piece of history across a muddy field from the barn to the parking spot. The next challange was lifting it onto the bed of the truck because we failed to bring the lifts. To make matters worse, it started downpouring as we were hauling it across the field. My husband and my sons we’re determined to accomplish this feat and they did just that without any complaints. Teamwork was extremely essential and they nailed it.
Next, a refurbishing project of this scale required meticulous preparation. Patience and a fine eye for detail were necessities. We began by:
- Removing each piece individually
- Cleaning and disinfecting from the keys to the strings
- Carefully handling delicate pieces
- Ensuring no damage was done in the process
- Remembering, always, that our goal was to recreate to perfection.
Creative Vision
Finding Inspiration
In the worn ivory keys and mahogany body of the piano, we found our muse. A dark, Goth-inspired design took root in our minds. It was a vision of elegance and mystery, classic beauty paired with an edgy charm.
The Planning Phase
Our plan was simple. We wanted to create something beautiful, something that captured the essence of the piano’s past. Something that whispered tales of its rich history.
Incorporation of Personal Touches
Every touch, every stroke was deeply personal. Each piece was imbued with an essence of us. Our passion, our love, our shared dreams.
The Final Design
We chose a dark mahogany semi-gloss paint. The shade was a nod to the piano’s past glory, while the semi-gloss finish added a touch of modern elegance. It was a perfect blend of old and new.
Disassembly and Reassembly
- The first step was disassembling the piano. It was a nerve-wracking task. One wrong move could damage a delicate piece. But we were careful, vigilant. We handled each piece with the love and respect it deserved.
- Repairs and replacements were made where necessary. Old, damaged parts gave way to new, sturdy ones. However, we ensured the uniqueness and character of the piano remained intact.
- The reassembly was a challenge we were prepared for. Each piece found its place, each note found its voice. The piano was coming back to life.
Importance of Tuning
The piano was now physically restored. Yet, for it to truly live, it had to sing. Thus, tuning was crucial. The process was intricate and demanding. Each string had to be perfect. Perfection that leads to harmony. Harmony that leads to music. It was a slow, painstaking process, filled with moments of frustration and elation. We debated over seeking professional help. But we chose to take the plunge ourselves. It was about being true to our DIY spirit. More than that, it was about the satisfaction of hearing the first note. A note we helped create.
Painting and Finishing
The final stage was painting and finishing. We were meticulous in our choice of paint and materials. We sought quality and longevity. We chose a dark mahogany semi-gloss. It lent a rich elegance to the piano. The painting process was therapeutic. Each brush stroke brought us closer to our vision. The final touches were added. A polish here, a tweak there. The piano was finally ready.
The Big Reveal
BEFORE: CJ & Kat Mahoney Refurbishing Piano Project
AFTER: CJ & Kat Mahoney Refurbishing Piano Project
Our masterpiece was complete. As we unveiled it, a wave of emotions washed over us. Pride, relief, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. It was breathtaking, just as we had dreamed. It was a journey, filled with obstacles and victories, efforts and rewards. But most importantly, it was a constant reminder that when diverse minds unite, remarkable achievements are within reach, and the potential for greatness knows no bounds. Together, we created something truly extraordinary – a magnificent union of brilliance and inspiration.
Mindful refurbishing is not just about reviving an old item. It’s about respect for the past, creativity in the present, and hope for the future. It’s about working together towards a common goal. It’s about vision, patience, and dedication. It’s about creating your own symphony, not just in the end product, but in the journey itself. So, I encourage you to undertake your own DIY project. Embrace the challenges, enjoy the process, and become creators in your own right.
What do you think of our refurbishing project?
Have you refurbished? Share your projects, big or small, with us.
Kat Mahoney is the Executive Producer for Katbrat Studios. She delivers over 25 years creating emotionally resonant visual narratives, engaging storytelling, digital media production, and aerial drone imagery. As a military brat turned spouse and a visionary leader, she has presented at Washington DC Mental Health America, contributed as an advisor on the Google Health & Technology Team, Keynote Speakers at the Governor’s Military Mental Health Conference, and Author of several award-winning publications. On her spare time, Kat enjoys video games, cosplay, traveling, K-Dramas, and Refurbishing.
