Here are a few individuals of note that have utilized our piano services in one form or another:

Arnold Schwarzeneggar (actor, former Governor of California)
Maria Shriver (journalist)
Andy Garcia (actor)
Nicholas Cage (actor)
Dick Clark (actor, producer)
Anthony Hopkins (actor)
Sylvester Stallone (actor)
Charlton Heston (actor)
David Carradine (actor)
Kirstie Alley (actor)
SEAL (singer, songwriter)
Ed McMahon (actor, late-night sidekick)
Alyssa Milano (actor)
Jeanne Tripplehorn (actor)
Leland Orser (actor)
Geena Davis (actor)
Patricia Arquette (actor)
Joe Mantegna (actor)
C. Thomas Howell (actor)
Lori Loughlin (actor)
Kyle MacLachlan (actor)
Richard Carpenter (singer, songwriter)
Bobby Troup (actor, songwriter “Route 66”)
Giovanni Ribisi (actor)
Jerry Bruckheimer (American Film Producer)
James Valentine (Maroon 5 Guitarist)
Josh Klinghoffer (Red Hot Chili Pepper, Pearl Jam Guitarist)

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

Franco Skilan RPT, has been the official piano technician of the Performing Arts Center since its grand opening in 1993. Duties include the weekly tuning, maintenance, regulation and voicing of the 6 pianos used by the facility: 2 Steinway Model D concert grand pianos, 1 Yamaha CFIII concert grand Disklavier, 1 Yamaha C3 professional grand, 1 Yamaha U1 professional upright, and 1 Kawai UST-7 rehearsal piano; these are all used regularly and serviced frequently.

1969 Steinway M Restoration Testimonial

Franco,

Thank you for bringing my Teflon filled 1969 Steinway M piano back to life! When I was referred to you for the overhaul that it needed—including work to the soundboard, bridges, agraffes, lyre, damper tray, pedals and trapwork, plus producing and entirely new keyset with current modern key spacing, new Steinway factory action parts and German hammers, strings, felts and other parts, not to mention the cosmetic touch up—I knew that I would be in good hands but I didn’t realize that I would be in GREAT hands! Your depth of knowledge, years of experience, attention to details, and sensitivity to all issues (including budgeting), all contributed to making a great final product—a fully revitalized and up to date instrument that will give my family and I many years of enjoyment. I couldn’t be happier with the result and your continued commitment.

Sincerely,

Kevin Barlia
Sherman Oaks, CA

1924 Knabe Parlor Grand Piano Restoration

A couple years ago, we bought a house that came with a 1925 Knabe parlor grand piano, and we wanted it restored/refurbished. After some research, we had two people look at it before we committed to repairing it: the local piano restorer I had bought another piano from, and Franco. And while the other piano restorer would have been a completely legitimate choice, it was clear that Franco had a mastery of his craft that far surpassed the others. His knowledge is vast and deep, and he clearly loves pianos.

Franco refurbished and replaced almost everything in the piano—all new keys, hammers, action parts, pinblock, as well as the strings—everything except the soundboard, which he re-sanded and recuperated. All along the process, Franco kept me in the loop, sending pictures and updates. We opted not to skimp on anything.

Franco understood what our Knabe was—a baby grand piano meant for the home, not the concert hall—and he worked to bring out the deep, warm tones this piano is capable of. The end result is a beautiful sounding and looking instrument that rivals the finest new pianos. But our Knabe is a now a living piece of history, a restored piano true to what it’s always wanted to be. It’s played daily by our family. Thank you, Franco, for your skill and love. And thank you for the newest member of our family.

Christo Brock,
Long Beach, CA

Mason and Hamlin Model A Restoration Testimonial

A few years ago, and after considerable research, I consulted with Franco Skilan about my much-loved but sadly aging Mason and Hamlin Model A piano. It had been played and played and now, at nearly a hundred years old, it had finally given its all. It was badly in need of some serious repair.

After a careful examination of the instrument, Franco gave me an evaluation that listed the work to consider…ranging from the “absolute must” to the “wish list” items. I was also able to visit Franco’s workshop and look at the work being done on other pianos there. Franco explained in detail about the process of restoration, and I gave it some thought.

In the end I decided to go all-in and see my piano restored to an “as new” condition (including a new soundboard and having the case refinished). I’m so thankful that I made that decision! Under Franco’s exceptionally skilled hand and his years of experience—he reads pianos so well, he’s really a piano whisperer—my Mason and Hamlin was restored to its original magnificence.

It’s been several years now and I’m just delighted every single day with the beauty and sound of my wonderful piano. I always look forward to playing it. Thank you, Franco!

Iva A.
Mason and Hamlin Model A Grand Piano

1932 Chickering Parlor Grand Piano Restored

We own a Chickering Parlor Grand that was manufactured in 1932. It was purchased for me when I was 12…and I am 81 now. It was a good piano to start with, I chose it from a number of used ones and have enjoyed owning and playing it for almost 70 years.

I decided to give it to my grandsons who are both more musically able that I am, and they can use and enjoy it for many years to come.

Precision Piano, and Franko Skilan, were recommended to me by my long-time piano tuner and technician, John Barbatti, when I told John I wanted to restore the piano.

Franko came to our home, and evaluated the piano, and quite frankly warned me that it would be expensive, and would take many months. I appreciated the honesty and clarity of his evaluation and immediately accepted his proposal.

We received the piano back in our home today, and I can only say that it is far better than I could have ever hoped. It LOOKS beautiful, it FEELS like new (better, actually) and SOUNDS incredible.

Not only did Precision restore the beautiful burled walnut finish to it’s original beauty, but they replaced the cracked sound board, re-strung it with better strings than it had when new, and improved subtle things like how the various components are placed, using their years of experience and knowledge to actually make it work and sound better than the original factory construction.

It was a GOOD piano to start with…NOW it’s an EXCEPTIONAL piano.

The cost? The time? I won’t remember either in a month. Worth every penny and more. I could not be happier.

John M. Poer

1934 Model G Baldwin Baby Grand Restoration

Dear Franco,

Thank you for taking us through this journey to restore my grandmother’s piano to perfection. I had researched a number of piano restorers and after visiting your shop over a year ago, I knew that Precision Piano Services was the right company to rebuild my piano. Your passion and knowledge of pianos came through in the short time my husband and I spent in your shop…and the delivery of my beautiful piano last week confirmed my choice!

I am so pleased with the quality of the craftsmanship. You worked through the geometry issues of the original design to transform the action where it no longer heavy to play and restored the cabinet removing all signs of sun and water damage. This 1934 Baldwin Baby Grand has a new life thanks to all of your work. I appreciate your low pressure approach, clearing stating the issues you discovered, presenting recommendations allowing me to make the final decision.

Thank you for all the time and effort that you put into my grandmother’s piano. I am looking forward to playing this beautiful instrument!

Best Regards,
Bonnie and Mike Roylance
1934 Model G Baldwin Baby Grand

Dear Franco and Giovanni,

Thank you for such and amazing piano! I recently purchased a 1923 Steinway D that you restored and she is phenomenal! The bass can be startling with her force and the treble is like playing hand bells. A friend who has sold pianos for 45+ years cried when she heard her. After years of searching, I finally have the perfect piano!! Thank you!

Linda Reese
Fort Worth, Texas
1923 Steinway Concert Grand

Franco,

When I purchased my 1926 Steinway B twenty years ago, I had it overhauled completely, the results from which I lived with until now when a string mounting pulled out, requiring the work just completed by Precision Piano Services. I never imagined such a positive transformation was possible—the formerly sluggish touch and variable quality of sound from top to bottom, has now been reborn as an exquisitely uniform and sensitive keyboard and tone, which has given so much more than simply a rebirth to the instrument. Thank you Franco, not only for the extraordinary quality of your work, but as well the totally professional process you followed in accomplishing this miracle.

Paul J. Livadary
1926 Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Piano

Dear Franco and Giovanni,

This is to let you both know how happy I am with the work you’ve done on my piano.

My concert grand Baldwin was built originally in 1942 and although I bought it used, it has a lot of sentimental value to me. To my horror, it was seriously damaged in a plumbing flood and I assumed that saving the instrument was hopeless. When I visited my piano at your shop, I saw that you had placed heat lamps on the inside, to dry out the wood and prevent further damage—even before the insurance issues had been worked out. Upon seeing this unconditional care and your clean and organized work space, I knew right then that if there were a chance that my piano could be saved, that you could do it.

Well, not only did you save my piano, I know it’s better than new! Each step of the way, I feel that you exceeded the standards of what would have left the factory originally. You are able to combine an old-world craftsmanship with new-world technology to produce the best results. This includes a customized and superior action adjustment potential, key-width standardization, pedal modifications for quiet action, not to mention beautiful soundboard installation, pin-block, restringing, case refinishing, and hundreds of other little details that I don’t even know about.

The results are that I couldn’t be happier. Thank you for you excellent quality and integrity.

Howard Richman
1942 Concert Baldwin SD10

Franco and Giovanni,

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for the excellent rebuilding job you did on my Steinway A, #231098. It plays beautifully, sounds wonderful, and looks like a brand new piano! A far cry from the condition it was when I brought it to you! I love it more each day I play it!

The skill and craftsmanship you put into your work certainly shows. In a day and age when there are few craftsmen around, it certainly is refreshing to find people like you.

If you ever find yourself in need of a reference, please feel free to call on me. Thank you again.

John Chico
Steinway and Sons Model A. Grand, built in 1925

Dear Franco,

The piano is simply amazing! It sounds better than some Steinways I have played! Your craftsmanship allows me to experience, on a daily basis, a wonderful instrument. It is important you know how profoundly and deeply grateful I am for the time and energy you spent on my behalf. I cannot find the words to truly express how blessed I feel, so I will just say thank you, THANK YOU!!!

Rebecca Davis
Young Chang grand piano

Dear Giovanni and Franco,

It is Thanksgiving and I want to express to you both my deepest gratitude for your gorgeous restoration of my little brown 1942 Steinway.

Thank God my childhood piano of 40 years ago found its way to your hands. I was truly afraid it would never again sound—and feel—the way it did five decades ago…but it does! You two are miracle workers!

With appreciation and awe,
Linda Ross Webber
Steinway console Model 40 #313300 built in 1942

Dear Franco and Giovanni:

Thank you ever so much for the wonderful work you did restoring my 1903 Regent upright piano.

I have had it for about 45 years and, over those years, the piano slowly degenerated to the point where it was difficult to play, could not be tuned up to pitch, and required more and more repairs.

The work you did was astonishing. The piano looks and feels brand new. In fact, better than brand new as the parts you used are superior to what was available in 1903 when the piano was first built.

The tone is robust and satisfying; the action is smooth and responsive; the finish looks terrific. In all, you have created an attractive instrument that is a pleasure to play, with a superb sound that is well beyond anything I could have imagined.

The level of craftsmanship and skill you used to restore my piano is astonishing. I appreciate all the hours you put in doing such detailed work.

Thank you for doing such a good job and giving a very old piano the new lease on life it deserved.

Very Truly Yours,
Harley Hahn
1903 Regent Upright Piano

Google Reviews

As a professional pianist whose played all over the world as an accompanist, ensemble member and soloist I’ve had the pleasure of playing some of the finest pianos on the planet. My wife and I both bought older Steinway B ( 1960 and 1992 ) that needed major restoration. Franco completely rebuilt both of them and meticulously crafted their sounds and actions to our personal preferences. The final result on both of the pianos is absolutely stunning. I can honestly say that due to Franco Skilan our Steinways are two of the finest pianos I’ve ever played.

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