We often report on the state of the piano market, and by now it’s no secret that our profession is not in the most flourishing of times. That’s precisely why we want to balance the negative picture with something positive. Our aim is to share a little motivation, to highlight inspiring stories of colleagues and workshops around the world that are thriving despite the circumstances - especially for younger piano technicians, or for those who might feel stuck and are looking for a way forward.
 

This time, our spotlight falls on Sweden.
 

I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say I visited the colleague with the largest stock and workshop in Sweden. The moment you walk into his 1,000 m² workshop, you quickly notice one thing: there is barely two square meters of empty space anywhere. Uprights and grands fill every corner - from old to new, from unrestored to fully rebuilt. Even the odd harpsichord shows up among the nearly 300 instruments housed under one roof.
 

The man behind this treasure trove is Lajos Toró, who began his career in 1976 in Marosvásárhely, Romania, with the local philharmonic. In 1992, he moved to Sweden and founded his own business. Along the way, he studied at the Swedish Academy, Yamaha in Japan, Renner in Germany, and through countless additional trainings.
 

And so began our conversation…
 

Rudolf: Lajos, seriously, what do you do with all these instruments?
Lajos: Honestly, I have no idea. Sometimes I catch myself just working and working, and then a truckload of pianos leaves… but within days, the space is full again.
 

Rudolf: But why collect them, why take them in?
Lajos: Because these instruments have a soul, a touch, and sound that are rare. I inspect each one carefully, and those that have potential I fully restore.
 

Rudolf: I see many Swedish instruments here. It doesn’t look like a coincidence - you seem to prefer them.
Lajos: Swedish pianos can compete with the German ones. Of course, there are weaker models, but there are about 25–30 Swedish brands that produced very fine instruments. We had excellent craftsmen, outstanding wood quality, and everything was in place to build instruments of great quality.
Sweden was once home to more than 300 piano factories. The final survivors were Jahn in Arvika, Nylund & Son in Uppsala, and, lastly, the Nordiska piano factory in Vetlanda, which marked the closing chapter of Swedish piano manufacturing.
 

Rudolf: I can confirm that. You asked me to help with tuning at a Swedish academy, and in several rooms I encountered Swedish uprights you had restored. Their sound was impressive, and it was great to see 100-year-old instruments holding their place in an academic setting.

Lajos: Exactly. That’s why I value them so much. Just think how today’s instruments - especially those from Asia - are made. Every technician knows. When I find an old upright or grand with potential, I rebuild it completely. Apart from the case, frame, and soundboard, everything is replaced or renewed. In effect, a new instrument is born - one that can compete with new pianos. I usually restore uprights from 130 cm and taller, which are rare even among today’s new instruments. Among Swedish grands, I often restore Malmsjö.
 

Rudolf: Right now, I see quite a collection: 11 Steinways, 22 other international brands, and 8 Swedish uprights - all fully restored. Is there really demand for them?
Lajos: Of course, though each has to wait for its buyer. Pianists, institutions, and even other dealers buy from me. For example, if someone today wants a tall upright (132 cm or more), there are very few new ones in the market. Here, they can find one, and buy it for about a quarter of the new price.
 

Rudolf: So you don’t really deal in new pianos?
Lajos: Only Steingraeber.
 

Rudolf: And no pálinka for sale either?
Lajos: No, that’s what you bring when you visit me 😆
 

Rudolf: So, if I understand correctly, you’re not complaining - you don’t feel today’s market problems?
Lajos: Naturally, to some extent, yes. But I don’t complain. I have enough work for the next 100 years. Besides restoration and sales, I’m the technician for many institutions and concert halls. And here I must thank you for developing the Piano Service App - it’s a huge help for institutions in maintaining their instruments and in professional communication with teachers. We love it.
 

Rudolf: I’m glad I can help both you and the schools with the software. Well then, let’s meet again in 100 years and see how you’re doing…


Lajos Toró: toroton.se