At Rutgers University I had 135 instruments including 1 harp, 1
clavichord, 1 pianoforte, 4 harpsichord about 60 verticals and rest
grands.
My budget for parts, tool replacements and supplies was $3,500
annually. The tools and supplies were 95% my personal property.
Since I was the only technician this was sufficient for most years.
One set of hammers, shanks and wippens for a Steinway is about $1350.
I installed three to four sets of hammers per year. I tried to keep
one set of hammers, one set of shanks, two to three set of dampers,
two sets of backchecks, two sets of Steinway leg plates, music desk
supports and 10,001 other parts and screws and stuff on the shelf at
all times.
Based upon the piano's climate exposure, instrument age, current
condition, initial quality, former level of maintenance and expected
performance standards could increase the basics of the following:
To maintain 126 instruments at or near expected minimum levels of
performance requires the full time services of TWO technicians and
a maintenance budget of $7,000.
This does not include sending pianos out for major rebuilding, nor
piano movings, nor a scheduled instrument replacement allowance.
You have a likely instrument replacement value of $1,500,000. To
allow this investment to deteriorate at an accelerated rate is long
term extremely costly and short term short sighted. Budgetary
restrains being what they are today small budgets are understandable
but consider the effects on the students we all serve. Consider the
long term effects of neglecting the maintenance of a building.
Newton J. Hunt
Rutgers University Keyboard specialist, retired
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