Welcome to Emma Repairs!
Rethink the way you see your favorite vintage keyboards—just cause they are 50 years old does not mean they need to look, sound, or feel the part!
One by one, I am trying to breathe new life into these instruments, ready to create an even better product, without limits
Continue below to see what this looks like to me:
So what exactly goes into a restoration?
Well it varies by model, but what doesn’t is the complete overhaul of the electronics, action, and cosmetics.
Whether it be a new-production amp board, or full MIDI build-out, your driving force is gonna be noiseless and tone heavy than it ever was before.
As a piano technician, I pride myself on how my keyboards feel in the fingers. You’re going to get the dynamics you deserve and the sensitivity you expect from modern instruments.
For cosmetics, I can have a hand in crafting, or you could come to me with it all laid out. Sanding, sparkle, staining, name it and it will be done.
If you’d like to see this in action, check out my full restoration videos on my YouTube channel:
From this…
…to this!
Keyboards available for restoration/purchase:
FAQs
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The magic question!
My Rhodes/Wurlitzer restorations start at $5,000 for a full interior rebuild, not including any cosmetic changes.
These base prices will get you the keyboard, and everything you’d need for it (pedal, legs, stand, etc.)
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All cosmetic changes relating to finish are conducted outside of my shop, I have a wonderful team of guys who can make anything you can think of. Because I love having fun with things and getting to do so more often, I only charge you what they charge me—and that usually goes:
$300-400 for Rhodes lid paint/pedal
$600-700 for Stage Rhodes re-tolex
$300-400 for Wurlitzer lid paint
$1,000 for Wurlitzer smooth gloss lid paint
$400-500 for Wurlitzer base wood clearcoat/stain
$500-700 for Wurlitzer base smooth satin paint
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Any instrument you see above in the “available” section is ready to be claimed! I require a 50% non-refundable down-payment to start a project, and the rest is required before delivery.
You can start the purchasing process by emailing me at:
EmmasPianoRepair@gmail.com
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My full rebuilds take between 1-2 months to complete from start to ship date.
As this is a one person operation, the wait time for me to get to your keyboard can vary—as of October 2025, my wait time is an estimated 9 months.
Rush orders can be negotiated, but restrictions apply
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My shop is located in the greater Chicago suburbs, so if you have the ability to pick up, that is always the safest option.
Second to that would be using UShip—a service that allows you to choose private carriers to transport goods cross-country. The rates are similar to UPS, but are MUCH safer for the instrument. Downside is the wait is usually a week or so longer than UPS.
The final resort is a primary carrier like UPS, which will get you the keyboard quick, though usually for a bit more than UShip. It can be a gamble as to whether or not your instrument will arrive in-tact, but I make sure to document my packing process for any damage claims.
For Wurlitzers, shipping to Chicago to New York hovers around $400 for comparison when using UShip and UPS.
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Yes!
Plenty of my clients bring their own instrument to me for refurbishment. Rather than a flat rate restoration fee, billing will be conducted by the hour ($125/hr) including material costs.
A full Rhodes/Wurlitzer action regulation hovers around 8-10 hours, with electronics being an extra few more.
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No!
I know some people prefer keeping the original parts/electronics when possible, so I am totally fine with keeping some things stock, that goes for any portion of the keyboard.
In leu of a new amp, upgrading/replacement of certain electronics can be substituted in to still improve the sound while keeping originality.
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No :(
At the moment I am not taking in any synths other than select combo organs. My main focus is electro-mechanical keyboards, so my time with combo organs has my extra free time booked up enough. One day I hope this will change though!