Hello all. A technician friend of mine, who also rebuilds, is doing a 1922 M for me. He cleaned the soundboard and called me over. He said it still has plenty of the original Steinway varnish but under the hinges, where the board is fully exposed, there are some scratches and wear that left none of the varnish on that large area. Here's the dilemma: If he sands the whole board down then the original Steinway varnish is gone forever, and soundboard is a much lighter color. If he leaves it alone (what he would do if it was his) he said nobody would notice because it is under the hinges (he will be putting some sort of sealant on the whole board anyway -- short name -- starts with a D). I suggested perhaps sanding the whole board and then putting the same type of varnish that yellows the wood slightly and even more with time. He said he's never done this but he would if that is what I wanted. Whatever he uses will be brushed on. Any thoughts? Authenticity is important to me but I do want a sharp looking piano. I even asked for a soundboard decal even though the original didn't have one. Glenn.
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