What You Need to Know About Restored Hallet & Davis Pianos
- pianosnowportland
- Jul 7
- 5 min read

If you’re beginning your piano search and want something dependable, musical, and affordable, Hallet & Davis might be the brand you didn’t know you were looking for. With a long-standing history and a reputation for value, Hallet & Davis pianos offer a well-balanced option for families, new players, and anyone seeking an attractive, functional acoustic piano without overextending the budget.
At Pianos Now, we specialize in carefully restored pre-owned acoustic pianos. Every Hallet & Davis instrument we offer is selected by technicians and brought up to high performance standards in our own workshop. If you’re looking for a piano that delivers both musicality and value, this is a brand worth exploring.
Click here to view our available Hallet & Davis pianos and take the first step toward finding the right instrument.
A Brief History of Hallet & Davis
Hallet & Davis is one of the oldest American piano brands, with roots dating back to the 1840s in Boston. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the company built a solid reputation for quality upright and grand pianos, selling to homes, schools, and institutions across the country.
Today, while the brand name has evolved and is used for both American-made and internationally built instruments, Hallet & Davis continues to represent a strong value in the entry to mid-range piano market. Well-maintained or professionally restored models from earlier periods can still offer impressive tone, stable construction, and pleasing aesthetics.
At Pianos Now, we focus on restoring earlier American-made Hallet & Davis models, where the craftsmanship and materials are a notch above most mass-market options available today.
Why Consider a Hallet & Davis?
If you're looking for your first acoustic piano, a restored Hallet & Davis might offer just the right balance of sound, feel, and price. Here are a few reasons why this brand continues to find a home with thoughtful buyers:
Warm, mellow tone: These pianos are often known for their sweet, rounded tone. They are well suited for home use and light classical repertoire.
Solid wood cabinetry: Many vintage Hallet & Davis uprights feature beautiful cabinetry in oak, walnut, or mahogany. They add warmth and character to any room.
Reliable construction: The brand built many of its models with strong pinblocks, responsive actions, and stable soundboards that can still function reliably when properly restored.
Great value: A restored Hallet & Davis can often outperform a brand-new entry-level piano at the same price. You get the benefit of seasoned wood, established tone, and traditional craftsmanship.
This combination makes them an appealing option for families, teachers, and beginners who want something with real musical depth but without the premium price tag.
How Hallet & Davis Compares to Other Piano Brands
If you're not sure how Hallet & Davis fits into the broader world of piano brands, here's a fair comparison.
Compared to Yamaha or Kawai: Those brands are known for precision, consistency, and bright tonal profiles. Hallet & Davis tends to have a more mellow and vintage character. While Yamaha and Kawai excel in technical clarity, Hallet & Davis offers warmth and an acoustic presence that some players prefer.
Compared to Baldwin or Kimball: These are American contemporaries of Hallet & Davis. Like those brands, Hallet & Davis focused on sturdy upright and grand pianos designed for home and studio use. Depending on the model and year, a restored Hallet & Davis can compete directly in tone and reliability.
Compared to new budget brands: Many new pianos in the entry-level price range today are built overseas with fast production methods and lower-grade materials. A vintage Hallet & Davis, when restored correctly, has superior wood quality, longer-lasting components, and better tone.
Of course, not all pianos with the same name are equal. That’s why we carefully choose the instruments we restore. At Pianos Now, we focus on Hallet & Davis models that meet our standards for structure, tone, and playability.
Why Buy a Restored Piano Instead of New?
New does not always mean better. Many buyers are surprised to learn that an expertly restored piano offers a richer musical experience than many new instruments at the same price.
A restored piano benefits from aged wood, natural seasoning, and traditional manufacturing methods that are hard to find in newer pianos today. With proper service and adjustment, a well-restored Hallet & Davis can deliver decades of reliable, enjoyable playing.
At Pianos Now, we perform all restoration work in house. Our technicians have extensive experience in:
Reconditioning and regulating piano actions for consistent touch
Voicing hammers for balanced, clear tone
Repairing or replacing key bushings, felts, dampers, and more
Refinishing cabinets for visual beauty and preservation
Tuning and testing each piano for long-term stability
This process ensures you receive an instrument that not only looks beautiful, but also plays beautifully.
Why Choose Pianos Now?
We are not a typical music store. At Pianos Now, we are piano technicians, musicians, and restorers. Every piano in our showroom has been hand-selected for its potential and fully serviced in our own workshop.
Here’s what makes buying from us different:
Expert restoration, done in-house: No outsourcing, no shortcuts. Our team personally inspects, restores, and prepares each instrument.
Curated selection: We don’t sell dozens of the same model. We offer a thoughtful range of pianos that represent the best of what each brand has to offer.
Free nationwide delivery: We deliver to your door safely and professionally, no matter where you are in the U.S.
Personalized service: Our owner is often directly involved in the delivery and setup of your piano. This ensures your instrument arrives in top condition and with proper support.
Honest guidance: We don’t believe in pressure or gimmicks. We’re here to help you choose the right piano for your needs and your space.
What Types of Hallet & Davis Pianos Do We Offer?
Most of the Hallet & Davis pianos we carry are uprights or studio models from the early to mid-20th century. These include:
Console Pianos: Compact and stylish, usually around 40 to 43 inches tall. A good choice for home practice or teaching.
Studio Uprights: Taller pianos in the 45 to 48 inch range. These offer stronger bass and more projection. A great option for more serious players or music rooms.
Grands: Occasionally we carry restored grand pianos from Hallet & Davis. These are ideal for larger rooms and players who want a more expressive instrument.
Our inventory rotates frequently, and we’re happy to help you understand what’s available and what might be coming soon.
A Beautiful Piano Is Within Reach
You don’t need to spend a fortune to own a well-made, expressive acoustic piano. A restored Hallet & Davis from Pianos Now offers real musical value, solid American craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of owning an instrument that has been brought back to life with care.
Click here to explore our available Hallet & Davis pianos and find out what’s possible for your home or studio.
We look forward to helping you bring music into your life.


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