THE 88 LAB
Where artistry, craftsmanship and curiosity meet.
About
I am Khai Tien Nguyen — pianist, technician, and founder of The 88 Lab. Since the age of five, the piano has been central to my life. What began as lessons and conservatory training evolved into a lifelong search for something deeper — for the kind of sound that truly speaks, and the instrument that can carry it.Curiosity led me to question: why do certain pianos resonate so profoundly? Why does some music feel fully realized on one instrument yet incomplete on another? To search for those answers, I trained as a technician — to connect the pianist's imagination with the inner workings of the instrument, and to shape its voice and response as an extension of the pianist's touch, thought, and emotion.The 88 Lab was born from this intersection. Each project — be it performance, restoration, or collaboration — is approached with care, precision, and a deep commitment to musical integrity.Explore the portfolio or connect with me on LinkedIn to learn more.
Services
At The 88 Lab, the mind of a pianist meets the precision of a technician — offering services that support both the instrument and the artist.Projects are undertaken in Singapore, Vietnam, The Netherlands, and across Southeast Asia.
Soundboard restoration
Frame work
Full revision
Full maintenance
Full regulation
Tuning and voicing
Piano Services
Tuning (standard or pitch raise) – Keeping the piano at the correct pitch (usually 440 or 442 Hz).Regulation & Voicing – Adjusting the response of the piano’s mechanism and tone to the pianist's preference.Repairs & Restoration – From minor repairs to large scale revision projects.Consultation – Honest advice on piano selection, care and setup; including inspection reports for purchase, sale, or restoration planning.Piano Acquisition & Handling – Sourcing advice and coordination for international piano purchases and safe handling (by enquiry).
Education & Collaboration
Piano Teaching & Masterclass – Balanced and musically rich lessons for pianists of all levels, conducted on well-maintained instruments.Workshops & Talks – Interactive sessions that unveil the inner workings of the piano, encouraging curiosity and connection between player and instrument.Creative Collaborations – Open to working across disciplines with artists, designers, and makers — blending sound, form, and performance in unique ways.
Beyond the scores
The intricacies of hammerheads
The balance of ups and downs
The unseen piano parts
Further explorations
Portfolio
A reflection of The 88 Lab's values.At The 88 Lab, every project — whether in sound, craft, or collaboration — stems from a commitment to depth, sensitivity, and musical integrity. Below is a selection of work that embodies this approach.
Performance Excerpt
Project highlights
Selected large scale restoration and repair projects on Steinway grand pianos from The Concertgebouw, Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Royal Conservatoire The Hague, Conservatorium van Amsterdam, De Doelen Rotterdam, Canadian Embassy in the Netherlands, Conservatorium Maastricht, Conservatorium Tilburg, Theatre De Vest, Bij Andreas, and private professional musicians.In addition to individual restoration and repair work, full-scale maintenance and regular tuning have been provided for institutions, concert venues, and professional clients across the Netherlands, Singapore, and throughout Southeast Asia.
THE 88 LAB PTE. LTD.UEN: 202524805Z
111 North Bridge Road, #20-05, Peninsula Plaza
Singapore 179098Tel:
(+65) 8025 4227 Singapore
(+31) 6 2145 7920 The NetherlandsE-mail: [email protected]