Testimonials.
Set out below are a number of quotes kindly provided by customers who have used my services over the years. The originals of these can be seen at my premises.
88 note Aeolian
“Steve is genuinely and inspiringly passionate about his work and painstakingly restored
our battered family heirloom to its full glory. It sounds magnificent and is such
a treat to have in the house. I would whole heartedly recommend him -
R. Simms, Nottingham..
Brinsmead see ** on ‘Pictures’ page.
“To find someone who advertised help for old pianolas was marvellous. We are very fond of ours but it had been ailing for some time. Steve came promptly and diagnosed the problem which fortunately was not terminal! He was able to source replacement bits and got our 'animal' going again with good value for money. It is wonderful to have it working so well. Many thanks for a job well done!”
M. Barnard Kenilworth.
To begin with, a few words from my mentor.......
“In the years that Steve and I have worked together on player pianos he has impressed
me in two critical areas -
"So easy a child can play it!"
Roger Waring
The Pianola Workshop
Roger and I have collaborated on many restorations since we first met in 2003. Roger, along with Mr Reblitz, taught me pretty much everything I know about pianolas!
I have much to thank him for. SRD.
88 note Aeolian
“Steve Dibble has given me excellent service. My daughter found his company online.
After contacting Mr Dibble he came to the Lake District to advise me re: my old pianola..............We
agreed it would be too expensive to repair so he found another one, fully overhauled
it and delivered it to me a few months later. I was very impressed -
I know I can call on Steve if any problems arise -
M. Hisom, Arnside.
Melville Clarke 58 note click on ‘Apollo’ to view.
“The Melville Clarke Apollo piano player which you restored is being operated regularly on a varied collection of 58 note rolls. All the controls which make for a satisfying rendering of pieces on the Rogers baby grand instrument are operable.”
T. S. Acton, Church Stretton
88 note Weber
“I have a Weber / Aeolian pianola built in 1919 which I acquired from a farm building in 1972. I did some “restoration” but it eventually became unplayable 20 years ago.
In a fit of enthusiasm I decided it might be brought back to life, which fortunately led to my meeting with Steve Dibble.
He delivered on everything he promised -
D. Bates, Church Stretton
Wilcox and White ‘Angelus’ Player
“Six months ago when we were moving from one side of the country to the other, the
removal firm found they could not lift our Marshall and Rose Angelus pianola. Steve
Dibble came to our rescue at very short notice and arranged to have it expertly removed
-
“We are truly very grateful for all your help. I'm sure it's time pianolas made a come back!”
R. Lucas, Evesham
Autopiano see * on ‘Pictures’ page
“I found Steve’s name on the internet. He soon discovered that the so-
Dr. L. Atkinson, Hertfordshire.
Steck ½ Duo Art see *** on ‘Pictures’ page
“Steve Dibble recently examined and repaired my Steck Duo Art pianola which has been
in my family since 1935. Soon after it came to me about 11 years ago I paid a considerable
sum of money for it to be restored by a pianola restorer. Since then it has deteriorated
to the point where many notes were not playing and most tunes were unrecognisable.
I contacted Steve who visited and played a test roll which showed several non playing
notes and others that were ciphering due to suction leaks. Steve removed the stack,
spoolbox and windmotor to his workshop where they were properly attended to. He also
replaced some of the original rubber pipes and confirmed my suspicion that the previous
restorer had done a poor job. On re-
J. Jenner, Woburn Sands.
Steck ½ Duo Art
“I write to thank you for the work you have done on my Steck pianola and in particular the full restoration of the piano action.
It was a real joy to find someone local, easy to deal with and, in particular, expert on this intricate and complicated musical instrument.
I am both grateful for and entirely happy with the work you have done.”
D. Esau, Bletchley.
Steck 65 note
“We were delighted when you fixed our Pianola, we and lots of other people have had fun playing it again. I loved it when I was a child and still love it yet. I will be happy to recommend your workmanship to anyone.”
M. Armstrong, Perth.
If you have used my services in the past and wish to leave a comment or have anything to say about the Pianolacare website please send me an email by
While I aim to reply to all correspondence promptly, there may at times be a delay due to my work commitments. If this is the case, your patience would be appreciated, I will get back to you.
Kastner / Autopiano
“The restoration of our pianola has given us great joy. For many years we have only
been able to use the piano action, the pianola action being a distant memory. Through
being introduced to Steve we now have an instrument in better condition than in my
youth. We thank Steve most sincerely for his skill and kindness and his completion
of the restoration in his workshop within the time-
C. Lucas, Market Drayton.
“It’s really interesting to see how the pianola has changed as you worked on it. You have done a super job. It is getting well polished and is looking beautiful”..................................... “I am very pleased with the pianola. It has such a lovely tone too. Thank you for all your hard work.”
H. Bell, Chapel en le Frith.
Thanks to Steve's good, efficient, painstaking work, my daughter and family now have
a beautifully-
H. Attwood, Surrey
Nelson Player
Steve Dibble has restored my pianola carefully and expertly. He was diligent in his care of the instrument. I am very satisfied with the result, now giving pleasure to me and my partner, along with entertainment for visitors. The addition of the motor has added a new dimension... no more hard pedaling!
In addition I know that I can call on Mr Dibble for advice if necessary, with regard to the operation and related things.
After some years of little to no use, it is a joy to hear it play again
M. Anderson, Taverham.
“I am the owner of Dale, Forty & Co. and was very intrigued, not to mention impressed by your restoration of one of our old Player Pianos. Would it be OK if I posted a link to your restoration and a few pictures on our forthcoming website and Facebook pages? Our manufacturing partners in Shanghai would also be fascinated by this instrument. Excellent work. It's great to see it!”
“Steve is now our Pianola restorer of choice. It's an art which is very much in danger of being lost forever.”
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dale-
Colin Crawford. www.daleforty.co.uk
Lipp Autopiano
This is just to say thank you again -
M. Norman, York.
Rogers 88 Note Pianola
We are really pleased with the pianola and to see the process involved in the restoration is most interesting. We are enjoying playing the rolls, some of which we have not heard ALL the notes for a long time.
Thank you again, your craftsman skills are appreciated and bringing us much pleasure.
H. Simmons and Family, Ludlow.
“We really are amazed with it. It is certainly the best thing I have had the pleasure of owning.”
The Ronisch will be a permanent feature at The Hall, Exeter, a new music and culture venue, on completion of renovations in 2016.
A. Janssen. Exeter.
“Just to let you know that the pianola is performing brilliantly. We have played it quite a bit since Monday with no problems.”
“thank you for doing such a great job.”
P. Booker, Bunbury.
“Hi Steve,
There are times when the words “thank you “ seem totally inadequate, yesterday was one such occasion. The photos are brilliant thank you. They give a fascinating insight into the work involved and the skill required.
I said I had been childishly excited at the prospect of having the pianola in full working order, well the event surpassed expectations. To say I’m delighted is an understatement.
The whole process has been great, on a personal basis as well as the practical.
Thank you again.”
“You’re preserving musical heritage by giving new life to historic instruments and making people happy,
I’d say that is a very worthwhile job”
R. Sinclair, Ingoldsthorpe.
Aeolian 65/88 note push up player
“Many thanks for all your help with my Pianola: I am delighted with the results!
The instrument plays better than ever and is very responsive now. Thanks for such
good service and quick turn-
E. Cheese, Cambridge.
Weber 88 note
I cannot recommend anyone better! The job you have done on my pianola is just fantastic. It’s just back like new!
A first class job!
J. Clifton, Ilkeston.
Steck 88 note
I am thrilled with the pianola restoration. The sound quality is phenomenal when playing the rolls. It will certainly continue to be a treasured possession in the family and give us much pleasure.
J. Swift, Aylesbury.
Weber Duo Art
The workmanship and care you seem to have spent on the restoration is very impressive and I am even more delighted than I was yesterday now I have had a good look at it. I am also very grateful for you taking your time to come to Dagenham and look the piano over to establish what needed restoring and giving me a breakdown estimate of costs for the restoration.
If I need any attention in the future I will not hesitate to contact you again.
P. Benke, Dagenham