“Imaginary Cities” stopped by Paddon Piano Services to perform their song “Temporary Resident”. Video commissioned by AUX.tv

In 2006, Paddon Piano Services rebuilt and refinished a Willis baby grand piano. The piano was manufactured in 1938 and originally belonged to the client’s grandmother.

The owner was moving to Rosedale, in Toronto. Her new home had several rooms in the basement. While organizing her storage, she discovered a room with a beautiful rosewood Steinway Square Grand Piano, manufactured in 1867. These pianos are not usually worth rebuilding, but they do make beautiful desks.

The piano was too high. Its thick sides had to be cut down with a chain saw to the proper desk height. The cut offs were used to make the fronts of the three dove tailed drawers. Once the desk was made it was stripped and refinished.

October 2001: The Loop Films Limited contacted Paddon Piano Services. They were in search of a large grand piano for the set of the film “Chicago”, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere.

Three months previously, Jamie Paddon had assessed an eight-foot grand piano located in one of Ed Mirvish’s old buildings located on King Street West. The new owner of the building was interested in selling the piano.

The head set designer of “Chicago”, Gordon Simm met Jamie Paddon at the piano’s location. Gordon Simm took pictures of the instrument and requested that Jamie Paddon dance on the piano for some of the shots.

Little did she know that the next woman to dance on the piano would be Catherine Zeta-Jones. The piano was purchased by The Loop Films Limited, and then delivered and gutted by Paddon Piano Services. After production of “Chicago” ended, Paddon Piano Services obtained the piano.

The piano has since been completely rebuilt and refinished.

Time Capsule From 1890

This Steinway upright, circa 1890, is located in the picture window of our shop. While preparing for the restoration, we uncovered a surprise concealed for more than 100 years: A set of tickets used to shim the key bed of the piano. The tickets were dated for a concert at Steinway Hall, in New York City, in 1890. The admission price was one dollar!