La Maison du Piano: a passion for pianos since 1932

The story begins around 1880 at the Château de Buzet-sur-Baïse, when a young boy fell into a vat of quicklime and lost his sight. The de Noailles family, owners of the estate at the time, sent him to Paris to learn the craft of piano tuning and secure his future.

His story would later inspire novelist Marcel Prévost, who turned it into a book titled “L’Accordeur Aveugle” (The Blind Tuner), published in 1905.

That boy, Joseph Saint-Avit, returned as an adult to Lot-et-Garonne to practise his trade, and in time passed it on to his son Georges. Together, riding a tandem bicycle, they travelled the roads of the department and beyond, sometimes setting off on multi-day tuning tours.

1932: La Maison du Piano is founded in Nérac

After working alongside his father and in prestigious workshops such as Érard and Gaveau, Georges Saint-Avit established his own business in Nérac in 1932 and named it “La Maison du Piano”.

Deeply involved in the piano world, he played a significant role in founding the AFARP (French Association of Piano Tuner-Technicians) and the ITEMM in Le Mans (European Institute of Music Trades and Professions).

1982: family continuity with Pierre Ravailler

Fifty years later, in 1982, Georges Saint-Avit handed the Nérac business over to his grandson Pierre Ravailler, who had trained at a prestigious workshop in Nancy and graduated from the ITEMM.

Every bit as skilled and passionate as his grandfather, Pierre developed the business and its concert piano hire service by acquiring a Steinway & Sons B211 grand piano. With this magnificent instrument, which he transported, tuned and cared for with great devotion, he supplied stages at concerts and festivals throughout Lot-et-Garonne and neighbouring departments, lending his ear and expertise to leading names in classical, jazz and contemporary music.

From Nérac to Agen: a growing reputation

While keeping the piano repair workshop in Nérac, Pierre Ravailler opened a shop in Agen in 1987, offering a wide selection of acoustic pianos from the world’s leading brands. Alongside this specialist activity, he developed a broader offer covering a wide range of instruments and a well-regarded music library.

Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he also committed to the profession’s institutions: after serving for many years on the AFARP board and as an examiner at the ITEMM, he became an active member of the “Les Maîtres du Piano” network.

2012: La Maison du Piano joins Audiolight & Music

A new chapter opened in 2012 when François Grenier, owner of Audio Light, welcomed La Maison du Piano into his shop in Boé. Every piano service was continued: sale of new pianos and second-hand pianos, tuning and repairs, private hire and concert piano rental.

By retaining the La Maison du Piano name for all piano-related services, Audiolight & Music reaffirmed its commitment to specialist expertise across every department. It was also at this point that luthier Anthony Laubertaux, well known to guitarists throughout the region, joined the team.

Piano sales, tuning and rental in Agen and Lot-et-Garonne

Now based in Boé within Audiolight & Music, La Maison du Piano continues to offer the full range of services that have built its reputation over more than 90 years in Lot-et-Garonne.

Barbara, our piano and instrument specialist

Our specialist Barbara is on hand to advise you with in-depth expertise across the full range: upright and grand pianos, digital pianos, wind instruments and string instruments. Whether you are a complete beginner, an enthusiastic amateur or a professional musician, her advice is tailored to your level, your practice and your budget.

Piano tuning, repair and servicing in the 47

Our qualified tuners and technicians work both on-site and in the workshop for tuning, repair and restoration of acoustic pianos throughout Lot-et-Garonne. A craft handed down from generation to generation since Joseph Saint-Avit, and still the foundation of our commitment to pianists across the region today.

Concert piano hire in Agen and beyond

For concerts, festivals, galas and events, Audiolight & Music offers concert piano rental with delivery, installation and on-site tuning. A reference service in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, carrying forward the legacy Pierre Ravailler built with his Steinway & Sons B211.