Santa Cruz Piano, Capitola, CA -- sales, rentals, tuning, repair, restoration

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Open by Appointment, Give us a call at 831-338-4174
Email: Jeff@SantaCruzPiano.com Cell: 650.380.6012

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Jeff Potter's Bio

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Restoration Gallery

A Few words about Jeffrey Potter of Santa Cruz Piano

I began my piano career in 1978 working in a piano store owned by an older gentleman trained at the Schiedmeyer piano factory in Stuttgart, Germany in the 1930's. Working on imported used grands from Europe to restore/sell was an invaluable training ground for a well-rounded technical career.

In 1979, I concurrently set up a home workshop to do my own restorations.

In 1982 I moved into a co-op industrial workshop with 5 other technicians. What a great experience it was to have so much shared knowledge, ideas and comradery under one roof. Also in 1982 I passed the tests to be certified in a well known piano tuners organization. We hosted the (big piano club) meetings every month for over 10 years.

In 1987 I took a year sabbatical to live in Europe, tuning for travel money and visiting the great European factories. I visited/toured Hamburg Steinway, Bechstein, Boesendorfer, Grotrian, Schimmel, Steingraeber, Euterpe, Pfeiffer, Knight, Fazer, Renner, the famous Klavierbaumeister school in Stuttgart, and many smaller restoration shops.

In 1991 I moved to Santa Cruz setting up a new shop and collaborated with a great tech who does excellent soundboard and bridge crafting. Many additional valuable insights passed on from a 3rd generation tech since passed. All restorations are done in 2 shops within a 5 mile radius of the store. World-class yet local.

In 2003, I opened a showroom to offer/display the many Steinway grands I had restored for resale. (See Restoration Gallery)

As concert tuner for Montalvo Arts center since 1995, and other bay area concert piano rental firms, I have been lucky to work with some of the worlds greatest artists. (See concert tuning list) Pictured is Herbie Hancock's set-up in 2007.

In 2005 I accepted the salaried position of the Music Department Keyboard Technician for the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). (I am responsible for 70 instruments including Boesendorfer and Steinway Concert grands, 4 harpsichords, virginals, forte-piano and clavichord.) Historical tuning systems for early music are my latest area of study.

In 2006 I inherited the only piano store in Santa Cruz County. Buying and selling quality pre-owned and new pianos is a passion of mine. My plate is far too full but I certainly can't complain. It's been a great 30 year career.