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Why Restored Kimball Pianos Are Just Right

Kimball Piano logo

If you’re looking for a high-quality acoustic piano that offers reliability, warmth, and vintage charm, the name Kimball deserves your attention. Kimball pianos were once one of the most widely produced American piano brands, and for good reason. With the right care and restoration, a Kimball can offer a rewarding musical experience that rivals pianos costing significantly more.


At Pianos Now, we specialize in hand-selecting and restoring Kimball pianos that stand out for their musicality, craftsmanship, and character. Our in-house team of master-level technicians takes each instrument through a complete restoration process, ensuring it plays and sounds its best.


Click here to browse our current inventory of restored Kimball pianos.


Kimball Pianos: A Brief History and Legacy

Founded in Chicago in 1857, Kimball began as a small reed organ manufacturer and eventually became one of the largest piano makers in the United States. By the mid-20th century, Kimball had earned a reputation for producing well-built, affordable instruments for homes, schools, churches, and studios.


What many people don’t realize is that during its peak production years, Kimball built a wide range of models. They offered everything from entry-level uprights to finely crafted consoles and studio pianos that delivered excellent tonal quality and durability. While production ceased in the late 1990s, thousands of these pianos are still in use today. When properly restored, they remain reliable, expressive instruments with rich tone and a responsive touch.

What Makes a Kimball Piano Worth Considering?

If you're starting your search, you may not have Kimball at the top of your list. But take a closer look, and you’ll find that Kimball pianos offer a unique combination of features that make them a smart choice for many buyers.


  • Classic American tone: Kimballs tend to have a warm, rounded voice that suits a variety of musical styles and blends well in both solo and ensemble settings.


  • Durable design: Many Kimball uprights and studios were built with robust action parts and solid cabinetry, making them excellent candidates for long-term use particularly after restoration.


  • Aesthetic appeal: From traditional oak and cherry consoles to mid-century styles, Kimball pianos have a timeless visual appeal that fits seamlessly into homes and studios.


  • Value for the price: A restored Kimball offers much more than a new entry-level piano at the same price. You get aged wood, seasoned tone, and real craftsmanship.

Kimball Compared to Other Brands

Let’s look at how Kimball compares to some of the better-known piano names on the market.


  • Compared to Yamaha and Kawai: These Japanese brands are known for their consistency and precision. Kimball pianos, on the other hand, offer a warmer, more rounded tone and often feature more ornate cabinetry. If you’re looking for a piano with character and vintage charm, Kimball is a strong contender.


  • Compared to Baldwin or Wurlitzer: These American brands shared a similar production era. Kimball’s better models, particularly from the 1960s through the 1980s, are often comparable in sound and construction to Baldwin consoles and Wurlitzer studios.


  • Compared to entry-level new pianos: Many inexpensive new pianos today are built quickly with lower-grade materials. A restored Kimball has the benefit of aged wood and traditional manufacturing methods that contribute to better tone and durability.


At Pianos Now, we make sure the Kimballs we carry represent the best of what the brand has to offer in sound, value, and reliability.

Why Buy a Restored Kimball?

Over time, even the best-built pianos need care to bring out their full potential. That’s where restoration comes in. A Kimball piano from the 1970s or 80s might still have a solid soundboard, tight tuning pins, and a beautiful cabinet. It won’t, however, sound or feel its best without expert attention.


At Pianos Now, our in-house restoration process includes:


  • Full regulation and tuning of the action for accurate feel


  • Voicing for a clear, even tone across all registers


  • Cleaning and polishing of all internal and external components


  • Repairs or replacement of hammers, dampers, and felts as needed


  • Inspection of pinblock, soundboard, and bridges to ensure long-term stability


The result is a piano that plays like it was meant to, better than when it first left the factory.

Why Buy Your Kimball from Pianos Now?

We’re not just a piano store. We are a team of piano technicians and musicians who understand what makes a great instrument. Here’s what sets Pianos Now apart when you’re shopping for a Kimball:


  • Expert restoration, done in-house: Every piano we sell has been fully serviced and prepped by our experienced technicians. We don’t outsource and we don’t cut corners.


  • Technician-vetted inventory: We only restore pianos we believe in. If a Kimball doesn’t meet our standards for tone, condition, and structure, it doesn’t make the floor.


  • Free nationwide delivery: Wherever you live, we’ll make sure your piano arrives safely, professionally, and without added shipping cost.


  • Personal service: Our owner often personally handles delivery and works closely with customers throughout the process. You’re not buying from a warehouse. You’re buying from people who care about pianos.


  • Clear, friendly guidance: We won’t overwhelm you with technical jargon. Whether you’re just starting out or buying your second piano, we’ll help you understand what matters.

What Kimball Models Might You See?

We carry a rotating selection of restored Kimball pianos. Some of the more common and popular models include:


  • Kimball Console Pianos – Typically 40 to 42 inches tall, these models are compact, attractive, and great for home use.


  • Kimball Studio Pianos – Taller and more powerful than consoles, these 45 to 48-inch pianos are built for practice rooms and teaching studios. Many offer a surprisingly full tone and strong projection.


  • Kimball Artist Series – These are among the best pianos Kimball ever made. With more refined cabinetry and action parts, they offer impressive tone and durability when properly restored.


Our inventory changes regularly, and every instrument is unique. If you're looking for a specific style or size, we can help guide you to the right fit.

Ready to Find Your Piano?

A Kimball piano may not have the name recognition of Steinway or Yamaha, but that’s part of its charm. These pianos offer genuine musical value, sturdy American construction, and an opportunity to own a beautiful instrument at a reasonable price.


At Pianos Now, we make sure every Kimball we sell has been brought to its full potential musically, mechanically, and visually.


Click here to view our available Kimball pianos and see what’s waiting for you.


We’ll help you find a piano you’ll love to play for years to come.

 
 
 

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