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Shop History

Call Alex @ 800-671-2055  or e mail alex@cmpiano.com

A Short History of Central Michigan Pianos

In 1985 Alex Kapteyn begins servicing pianos and rebuilding older upright pianos out of his home.

In 1988 Alex Kapteyn begins working for Michigan Piano (now known as James Reeder Pianos) as technician. Here Alex learns many new techniques concerning restoration and hones his tuning skills. His association with Interlochen Arts Academy begins during this time as well.

In 1991 Alex leaves James Reeder Pianos to begin his own full time piano service business operating out of his home. He embarks into full scale piano rebuilding including sound board replacement, bridge recapping, action replacement and restoration, and many other comprehensive piano projects. Intensive work at Interlochen Arts Academy results in several pianos restored, and invaluable experience working with the world's finest pianists and instructors.

In 1996 Alex Kapteyn moves into his current location, a 2,400 square foot restoration facility. Early American Drywall and Concrete is the decor but serves well as the foundation of things to come. Proper tools are added and the business continues to grow as Samuel and Erik Kapteyn become more and more involved in the family business.

In 1997 the Kapteyns begin to sell new pianos as well as restored pianos realizing the need of customers wanting to purchase a piano from a shop that is well equipped to handle all aspects of repair and service of pianos as well as possessing a thorough knowledge of the piano business. Carter Hicks, who is now the principal technician in the field begins training and work with Alex at this time as well.

In 1998 Alex begins selling Wilhelm Steinberg pianos from Germany.

In 1999, a lesson studio is added to meet the growing demand for piano instruction in the mid Michigan area.

In 2000 Alex begins selling Kapteyn and Sons pianos made in Germany by Wilhelm Steinberg.

In 2001 the Kapteyns decide to change the business name to Central Michigan Pianos Inc. to provide a better way for their growing nationwide customer base to readily identify the geographic location of the shop as well as to provide an easily remembered (and spelled) name.

In 2003 a 2,900 square foot addition for Central Michigan Pianos is started and completed in spring 2004 to meet the growing needs of it's customers and to provide adequate work space for Alex's now full time working sons, Samuel and Erik.

In 2004, Central Michigan Pianos begin to sell Sauter Pianos from Germany. Highest quality workmanship and an incredible sound are sure to be a good seller. The Kapteyns are very excited about the future with Sauter while maintaining a full scale restoration shop. Alex's two younger sons Nathanael and Hans might also become part of the team when they are older. Stay tuned.

In 2007, Alex's two oldest sons Samuel and Erik Kapteyn take over the piano moving business. Their new company is called Kapteyn Piano Finish & Freight. They still work hand in hand with Central Michigan Pianos in all aspects of the piano restoration business.

Also in 2007, Central Michigan Pianos sold more instruments internationally, and shipped four pianos to Australia. Complete crating service is now offered and Alex Kapteyn expects more and more pianos to travel longer distances than ever before, due largely to the acceleration of Internet sales worldwide.

In 2008, Central Michigan Pianos begin manufacturing Sitka spruce soundboards, and thier own trademarked Qm5 and Qm7 pinblocks. Top quality hard rock maple is quartersawn and glued up in 5 or 7 layers perpendicular to each other resulting in a lifetime quality pinblock.

2009 is our 25th anniversary and the quality of our restorations are becoming known worldwide. As a result, more and more of our pianos are being shipped all over the USA and the world. In a very challenging economy, the standard of quality we are known for will still be upheld and even improved. Thanks to all of you who have supported us these past twenty five years!