Keys to Quality: Sussex Pianos’ Melodic Journey Since 1995
Founded in 1995 Sussex Pianos is a family run company which has built up a good reputation over the years. John Thompson Trained as a tuner technician, having completed 3 years at Newark Sherwood College studying Piano Tuning, Repairs and Restoration, gaining the college diploma. He set up the showroom a few years later to provide quality serviced pianos and it has grown from there. Today, Sussex Pianos hosts famous makers like Bechstein, Hoffmann, Kawai, Ronisch and Petrof. As well as preloved pianos from Steinway and Bluthner. Preloved pianos start from £900 and new pianos start from £2,900. All pianos have a warranty, first free tuning and local easy access delivery.
John’s specialist skills are in action work, the workings of the piano. From servicing and regulation, to full rebuilds or new actions. John Thompson is a registered Precision Touch Design Installer, the first installer in the UK in 2013. Trained to analyse grand and upright action weights, ratios and provide data to the customer about problems with touch weight and tone. This data can be used to provide a better design for the action and John can install this in to the grand/upright action design.
John tunes many pianos a year and is a member of the Piano Tuners Association, tuning pianos for private owners and local organisations including Glyndebourne Opera House near Lewes. They operate in East Sussex and parts of Kent visiting each area to keep costs down. Piano tuning charge is £75. John also has a DBS certificate for visiting schools etc.
John has continued his training throughout his career and has trained with carbon actions from Wessell, Nickel & Gross, trained at Bechstein in Germany on many courses run by the factory as well as Renner in Germany who make piano parts and actions which is owned by Steinway.
The workshop is always full and old poorly pianos are reborn in a way that incorporates modern technology and updated theory. The pianos can leave the workshop better designed than when they left their original factory. Better wire technology can improve old pianos and they use Nickel plated wire for longevity.
Sussex Pianos is located on the Hailsham to Heathfield road, on a farm complex offering easy parking and a relaxed atmosphere. “Choosing a piano is exciting but with no pressure and good technical back up” which customers enjoy, rather than a sales person, they talk to a technician. There is a good selection of grand and upright pianos to try. With excellent aftersales care as John will normally tune the instrument once it has settled in its new home.
