The 77 year-old spends his time restoring oil landscapes in his shed filled with piano parts.

“I’m self-taught and I’ve had to learn heaps – I’ve read a heap and study,” Mr Ashley said.

“I love to see the result of something and refresh it and make it how the artist intended and his work goes on.

“If I can do that, that’s so pleasing.”

Mr Ashley said the most noticeable difference between piano and painting work was social.

“Up here you listen to FM classical radio, sometimes you have a glass of red wine whereas piano tuning you’re meeting people and visiting thousands of homes,” he said.

It takes Mr Ashley up to 60 hours to clean a work before he embarks on repairs with a paint putty and an iron for relining.

“It’s a hobby, it’s just something I really enjoy,” he said.