Wim writes:
<< I believe that there comes a time, especially with institutional
pianos, that you have to say "this piano has had it". In other words,
even though it might cost between $20 - 25K to totally rebuild these
pianos, (new everything, including keys), I don't think it will be as
good as a new one. At least that's my theory. >>
The Steinway Restoration Department loves this idea. They know how much they
can make off that old carcass and the whole sales pitch of "trade'em in on a
new one" is designed to support their profit.
$10,000 for a complete action rebuild is everything needed to make the
instrument perform like a new one, shall I list them?
New back action, hammers, shanks, key-bushing, guide rail cloth, keyframe
cloth, whippens, damper felts, total pedal rebuild, keytops, new keyleads, (this
is a balanced action I am talking about), let-off buttons, maybe a new action
rail or two, back-checks, all punchings and the time to assemble and regulate.
$11,000 for the cost of a new soundboard and block/strings and cartage.
So, for less than half the price of a new one, what would be the difference?
It could actually be cheaper than that. No need to refinish a piano
that is going to live in a studio. And as far as a new soundboard, is it really
necessary for studio piano that will live with its lid down and covered up by
stacks of sheet music? Maybe just a block and strings if the bridges are good.
That would take another $6,000 off the price, so you might have $ 16,000 in a
rebuilt M that will play just as well as what is coming out of New York right
now.
What would serve the school best? Three completely restored pianos or
one new one? If they do decide to get rid of them, us rebuilders would love
to buy the old ones.
I think it is totally false economy to trade in a Steinway rather than
rebuild it.
Regards,
Ed Foote RPT
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html
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