Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often from clients, designers and collectors considering a bespoke piano commission.
Every commission is different, and pricing depends on the platform, materials, finishes and complexity of the design. As a broad indication, bespoke commissions typically start from around £40,000 and can exceed £500,000 for the most elaborate projects. We provide a detailed fixed-price proposal after the design phase — there are no surprises.
From initial conversation to delivery, a typical commission takes between six and eighteen months. The design and agreement phase usually takes two to six weeks. The build itself takes four to twelve months depending on complexity. We will give you a clear timeline at the proposal stage. See our full seven-step process for details.
We are the UK's exclusive dealer for Pleyel — the historic Parisian maker founded in 1807 and played by Chopin. We also work extensively with secondary market and restored Steinway & Sons instruments, sourcing and rebuilding fine examples as platforms for bespoke commissions. We are not an official Steinway dealer — our Steinway work focuses on carefully selected pre-owned instruments that offer exceptional value and character. The choice of platform depends on the client's acoustic preferences, budget and the specific requirements of the commission.
Not at all. Some clients come with a fully realised brief; others come with nothing more than an instinct — a colour, a material they love, a feeling they want the instrument to evoke. Our design process is built to work with both. The initial conversation is without obligation.
Yes. We undertake heritage restorations and complete refinishing projects — transforming an existing instrument with new casework, veneers, lacquer or decorative treatments. This can be an excellent route if you own a fine piano with a good action and soundboard but want to give it an entirely new visual identity.
Arpège Pianos is the bespoke division of Grand Passion Pianos Limited. Grand Passion Pianos operates from our Fitzrovia showroom and handles new and pre-owned piano sales including Steinway and Pleyel. Arpège is dedicated exclusively to bespoke commissions — custom-designed instruments built to an individual client's specification.
Almost anything. Our materials library is a representative sample of over thirty woods, semi-precious stones, metals, leathers, fabrics and decorative surfaces — from burr walnut and macassar ebony to malachite, lapis lazuli, 24-carat gold leaf, shagreen, carbon fibre and hand-painted chinoiserie panels. It is designed to illustrate the breadth of possibilities rather than limit them. If a material exists, we can almost certainly work with it.
The external casework and decorative finishes have minimal impact on the acoustic performance of the instrument. The soundboard, bridges, strings and action — the components that determine tone and touch — are specified independently. You can choose any surface material with confidence that the sound will not be compromised.
Yes. We routinely match RAL colours, Pantone references, fabric swatches and material samples provided by designers or clients. We can also colour-match from a photograph. During the design phase, we provide physical samples and colour chips for approval before any finish is applied.
High-gloss polyester (the traditional mirror-finish piano lacquer), satin and matte polyester, French polish (shellac — the historic finish for fine furniture), open-pore natural finishes, and specialist lacquers including automotive-grade metallic and pearlescent finishes. The choice depends on the material, the aesthetic and the environment.
Absolutely. We commission specialist decorative painters, marquetry artisans and gilders to execute bespoke artwork on piano casework. We can also work from your own design, a painting, a textile pattern, a family crest or any other visual reference. The lid interior is a particularly popular canvas for decorative work.
Our showroom is at 32 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1PU — in the heart of the West End. Viewings are by appointment. We deliver worldwide.
Yes. We deliver to any location worldwide — private residences, hotels, superyachts, concert venues and commercial interiors. All deliveries are climate-controlled with specialist piano handling. We can also arrange for a senior technician to accompany the delivery for on-site tuning and regulation.
Every Arpège commission includes an aftercare programme. This covers annual tuning, seasonal regulation, and the option to return for refinishing or re-voicing at any time. Every instrument is archived — your piano has a documented provenance, and we are its custodians.
We integrate high-resolution self-play systems — including PianoDisc — that reproduce concert performances with full dynamic expression, controllable from a phone, tablet or AV system. Silent mode (practice through headphones) is also available on select platforms. The technology is specified during the build and integrated invisibly.
A staged payment schedule protects both parties. Typically: a deposit on commission agreement, a mid-point payment at the start of the build, and a final balance on approval before delivery. Full details are set out in the commission agreement. The price is fixed — there are no cost overruns.
Yes — this is how many of our commissions begin. We work with interior designers, architects and yacht studios at every stage, from concept through to installation. We can join the project at any point and adapt to your workflow, timeline and deliverable format. See our For Designers page for more detail.
Yes. We provide render-ready 3D models of the proposed instrument in the context of your interior design. We can work from your GA drawings, render packages or photographs. Physical material samples are also available.
We work with a number of design studios and concierge services on a referral basis. If you regularly specify pianos for your projects, we would welcome a conversation about how we can support your practice. Please contact us directly to discuss.
A baby grand (around 150cm) requires a footprint of approximately 150cm × 150cm plus performance space. A full concert grand (275cm) needs approximately 275cm × 160cm. For optimal acoustics, the room volume and surface treatments matter as much as the footprint — we are happy to advise.
We can provide guidance on piano placement, room proportions and surface materials that will enhance or manage acoustic performance. For more complex requirements — such as dedicated music rooms, recording environments or performance spaces — we can recommend specialist acoustic consultants.
Yes — with appropriate care. A piano at sea requires more attentive maintenance than one on land. Humidity fluctuations, salt air and vibration are realities of the maritime environment. We specify appropriate climate care systems, fabricate bespoke deck fixings for every installation, and advise on ongoing maintenance schedules. Our clients understand that a yacht piano is a statement of extraordinary ambition — and are prepared to care for it accordingly.
Every yacht commission includes custom-engineered mounting hardware designed specifically for that vessel. Typically, fixings are secured to both the deck structure and the piano, connected by marine-grade stainless steel rods that hold the instrument stable during movement at sea. The fixings are designed to be as discreet as possible while remaining robust and serviceable.
We plan the installation sequence during the design phase — coordinating with the shipyard on crane access, hatch dimensions and salon clearances. In many cases the piano must be partially disassembled for access and reassembled on board. A senior technician accompanies every yacht delivery. See our Yacht Commissions page for full details.
Absolutely — and for many yacht owners this is the primary reason for commissioning a piano. A self-playing grand piano is the only way to experience live acoustic music on board at any time, without a musician. The system integrates with the yacht's AV system and is controllable from a phone or tablet.
As early as possible. Ideally we join the project at concept or preliminary design stage so we can advise on placement, structural requirements and installation logistics. However, we have successfully delivered pianos for refits and completed vessels. The earlier we are involved, the more seamlessly the instrument integrates with the interior scheme.
Still Have Questions?
Whether you have a specific question or simply want to explore what is possible, the conversation starts here.