In a touching episode of The Repair Shop aired on Wednesday, February 4, a guest was visibly moved to tears when the team restored a treasured keyboard belonging to his musical hero. Toby Hounsham brought in an original Hohner Cembalet keyboard that once belonged to Dave Greenfield, the late keyboardist of the renowned punk band The Stranglers.
Dave Greenfield, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 71, was famed for his distinctive sound on hits like “No More Heroes”. Toby, himself a keyboard player and former member of the band Rialto, shared the deep significance of the instrument. “This is the actual keyboard he recorded all the big hits on. It accompanied him through hundreds of gigs, and every mark tells a story,” Toby said.
Toby’s personal connection to Dave Greenfield runs deep. After meeting Dave at a tour after-show party, Toby eventually succeeded him as The Stranglers’ keyboard player following Dave’s death. As a mark of respect, Toby was gifted Dave’s original keyboard.
READ MORE: Concerns Raised Over Forest of Dean Biosphere Bid and Impact on Traditions
READ MORE: Countryfile’s Adam Henson Knocked Over by Powerful Sheep During Filming Mishap
Experts Will Kirk and David Burville took on the delicate restoration. David meticulously replaced the rubber on the keys and revitalized the instrument’s circuit board, ensuring the keyboard’s unique character remained intact. A final polish with shellac helped preserve its vintage patina.
When Toby returned to see the restored keyboard, he was overwhelmed with emotion. “That’s incredible. You’ve preserved the character perfectly. I’m speechless,” he said, holding back tears. Toby even played a tune on the keyboard to the admiration of the experts, concluding, “I’d like to think Dave would approve.”
The episode resonated with BBC viewers as well, who took to social media to celebrate the restoration and the tribute to Greenfield’s legacy. Fans hailed the moment as inspiring and nostalgic, highlighting the enduring power of music and memory.