I look for good quality pianos that are worth restoring; instruments from recognised brands, including older Australian pianos such as Beale and Wertheim, and older German pianos such as Rönisch and C. Bechstein. Restoration and preparation work is carried out at Piano Magic in Belmont, where I work alongside master piano technician Gary Bailey.

Depending on the instrument, restoration can include new hammers, damper felts and strings, complete with precise regulation of the piano action. The aim is not simply to make an older piano look good, but to restore its touch, response and tone so that it can perform much like a new instrument again.