Repair and Restoration of Player Pianos
History of PIANO COULOMBE and PATRICK BRENNAN – Piano Tuner in Montréal
Henri Coulombe began his career at the age of 14. He completed his apprenticeship in the assembly and repair of player pianos at Donat Langelier, located on Sainte-Catherine Street. At the time, the Langelier company distributed several piano brands such as Langelier, Pratte, Strathmore, and others.
During the 1930s, Mr. Coulombe returned to school at the Teccart Institute in Montréal to study electronics, as electronic organs were beginning to enter the market. The Langelier company notably supplied the famous Connsonata organs to many churches and religious congregations.
Henri Coulombe began his career at the age of 14. He completed his apprenticeship in the assembly and repair of player pianos at Donat Langelier, located on Sainte-Catherine Street. At the time, the Langelier company distributed several piano brands such as Langelier, Pratte, Strathmore, and others.
During the 1930s, Mr. Coulombe returned to school at the Teccart Institute in Montréal to study electronics, as electronic organs were beginning to enter the market. The Langelier company notably supplied the famous Connsonata organs to many churches and religious congregations.
During the 1980s, Henri and Serge gradually discontinued organ repairs to focus exclusively on the restoration of player pianos and harmoniums. Together, they founded a new company, Pianos Coulombe et fils enr.
Over the course of 25 years, Pianos Coulombe et fils became the reference for many piano dealers and piano tuners throughout the Greater Montréal area.
On January 25, 2009, one of the last specialists of the first generation passed away. Henri Coulombe died at the age of 85.
In Memory of Serge Coulombe (Retired)
Heir to a rare body of knowledge passed down by his father, Henri Coulombe, Serge Coulombe devoted his life to the restoration of player pianos with rigor, patience, and humility. A discreet yet essential craftsman, he carried forward a tradition rooted in the great Montréal school, making Pianos Coulombe et fils a respected reference for more than 25 years.
Now retired, Serge leaves behind far more than restored instruments. He leaves a way of working, a standard of excellence, and a deep respect for the craft.
Today, this work continues through Patrick Brennan, who ensures the continuity of this tradition and represents the next generation of player piano specialists in Québec. Patrick tunes pianos in major concert halls and theaters across Québec—primarily in Montréal—for artists, orchestras, and recording studios, carrying forward the same values of precision, knowledge transmission, and professional integrity.
Patrick Brennan’s Career Path
Patrick Brennan began his career as a piano tuner and completed his training under the guidance of a recognized master technician. Early on, he acquired the clientele of Michael Raybould, marking an important first milestone in his professional journey.
He later trained two piano tuners who are still active in the Greater Montréal area and who went on to initiate the Public Pianos project (Les Pianos Public).
A few years later, Patrick assumed responsibility at the Palais de la Musique, followed over time by the succession of several other piano tuners throughout the Greater Montréal region.
His association with Serge Coulombe, a specialist in player pianos now retired, solidified the continuity of a rare and valuable body of knowledge. Today, Patrick Brennan’s many years of experience make him a trusted reference in the field of piano tuning and restoration, serving both the professional and cultural communities.
Player Piano Restoration (Roll-Operated Mechanical Piano)
Player piano restoration is a specialized intervention that addresses both the piano’s traditional mechanical action and its automatic pneumatic system.
Over time, pneumatic tubes, rubber hoses, bellows, and sealing components deteriorate, leading to pressure loss, irregular roll tracking, and malfunctions in the roll-playing mechanism.
Restoration involves replacing the pneumatic components, restoring proper airtightness, rebuilding the roll-reading mechanism, and carefully regulating the piano’s action (keys, hammers, adjustments).
The goal is to return the instrument to precise and reliable operation, both in automatic mode and in manual play, while respecting its original design.
A properly executed restoration preserves the historical value of the player piano, ensures long-term reliability, and brings new life to a unique instrument at the intersection of music and mechanical craftsmanship.