Piano Finish

Piano Finish
Is it possible to re-finish a piano?

How hard would it be? Any potential pitfalls? Do I run the risk of ruining the piano as a musical instrument?

You could very well ruin the piano. Stripping the finish and re-applying can warp, add or change the density of the wood.

While the harp and strings would still be fine, a piano is more than keys and strings, it’s the whole body. Much like a guitar, or violin, it’s sound is characterized by the whole of the piano.

Now… it really depends on if this is an expensive piano, or one that you hack around with… but having anyone but a professional piano caretaker manage it can change the body and soul of the instrument.