Dear Colleagues, I have been asked to appraise/ evaluate/estimate for insurance purposes a Steinway S #317539 that has significant water damage. By the time I saw the piano the water had been removed. The customer told me there was water on the plate bass section of the plate web/ tuning pin area, a small area of the soundboard along the spine , all throughout the action and key bed. The action is a mess as you would imagine- seized up, backcheck & knuckle leather coming unglued, nice ivory keytops all coming unglued and curling, keybushings shot, etc. The bass dampers are stuck to the strings. Couldn't really evaluate the pinblock. The finish is coming off the music desk, cheek blocks and fallboard and there is evidence moisture on the long lid hinge. The cabinet was in fair condition before the water damage. Soundboard and bridges appear to be OK. I know that the effects of water damage can take quite a while to show up so at this point I feel I should recommend a New pinblock, tuning pins, strings, damper felt and a complete New action. Cabinet restoration. Questions I have for you are 1. Does this sound reasonable? 2. Should I include New keysticks and action frame with the estimate? 3. Am I likely to have problems with the keybed as well? Sorry I don't have pictures . I would appreciate any advice you would be willing to offer. Thanks! Regards, Steve Stephen Snyder Registered Piano Technician 342 Scotts Lake Road Salem, NY 12865 (518) 854-3888 (home) (518) 321-3813(cell) shsnyder1 at verizon.net
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