J-B In The News: Preserving The Art And Craft Of Fine Pianos Since 1954
By Wallace Hart
See full article (Kentfield & Ross Living Magazine, July 2026 edition, Business Profile, pages 24-25.) >>
For more than seven decades, The J-B Piano Company has served musicians, collectors, institutions, and families throughout California with a passion for music. Located in San Rafael, the company has become one of the West Coast's most respected names in piano restoration, sales, tuning, and performance support.
Founded in 1954 by expert piano technicians Leonard Jared and Stephen Binion, the business began as a specialist restoration shop dedicated to preserving the quality and longevity of fine acoustic pianos. According to the company, it is one of the oldest piano restoration shops on the West Coast.
Today, the company continues under the leadership of Glenn Woodruff, who represents decades of hands-on experience in piano rebuilding, tuning, refinishing, and restoration. The business has evolved from a traditional repair shop into a full-service piano destination offering sales, rentals, moving services, event hosting, and community music programming.
A Full-Service Piano Experience
What distinguishes J-B Piano Company is its integrated approach to piano care. Rather than operating solely as a showroom, the company maintains an active restoration workshop where technicians rebuild, restore, and service instruments ranging from uprights to high-end concert grands. Its services include:
Piano restoration and rebuilding
Refinishing and cabinet work
Professional tuning and regulation
Piano repair and maintenance
Piano moving and transportation
Event and monthly rentals
Trade-in and trade-up program
Layaway and payment assistance
The company emphasizes that every piano is carefully prepared before sale, reflecting a philosophy centered on craftsmanship rather than volume retail.
A Curated Collection of Fine Pianos
The showroom regularly features respected piano brands and restored vintage instruments, including grand and upright models from manufacturers such as:
Steinway & Sons
Yamaha
Bösendorfer
Blüthner
The inventory reflects a balance between historic craftsmanship and modern performance needs. Some instruments are fully restored vintage pianos, while others are carefully selected pre-owned models intended for students, professionals, and performers. This curated approach appeals to buyers seeking not only an instrument, but also long-term reliability and expert support.
Supporting the Local Music Community
Beyond piano sales and restoration, J-B Piano Company has positioned itself as an active participant in the regional arts scene. The company hosts student recitals, live performances, and community music events within its showroom and outdoor spaces. Its event calendar has included jazz performances, classical concerts, and educational music programs that help connect audiences with local musicians and teachers.
The business also offers venue rental services and restored grand pianos for performances and special gatherings. This reinforces the company's identity as more than a retail business. It functions as a cultural space where craftsmanship and musical performance intersect.
The Importance of Piano Restoration
A specialized focus of J-B Piano Company's work is piano restoration. Restoring a piano involves far more than cosmetic refinishing. It requires rebuilding internal mechanical systems, replacing worn parts, regulating touch response, and preserving tonal character.
Acoustic pianos are highly sensitive instruments affected by humidity, temperature fluctuations, age, and usage. The company notes that environmental changes are among the leading causes of tuning instability.
By maintaining an in-house restoration department, J-B Piano Company is able to extend the life of instruments that might otherwise deteriorate beyond practical use. This preserves not only monetary value, but also musical heritage and craftsmanship.
A Legacy Built on Expertise
In an era increasingly dominated by digital keyboards and mass-market retail, J-B Piano Company represents a continuation of traditional piano craftsmanship. Its longevity reflects both technical skill and the enduring demand for expertly maintained acoustic instruments.
The company's workshop-driven philosophy, combined with its support for musicians and local arts organizations, has helped establish it as a longstanding fixture in Northern California's music community. From concert preparation to family heirloom restorations, J-B Piano Company continues to demonstrate that the piano remains both a mechanical art form and a cultural centerpiece.
For more information visit: www.jbpianocompany.com
Tel: 415-456-9280
Address: 540 Irwin StreetSan Rafael, CA 94901
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