Restoring Old Instruments

[DGPEAKE@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 11/30/98 7:25:42 AM Pacific Standard Time, jdent@soltec.net
writes:

<< 
 I would appreciate the advise of PTG members on the proper way to
 restore old and antique musicial instruments.  Does the  PTG believe
 that all old musicial instruments should be restored 100% originial as
 they were made in the factory?  Or is it proper to "alter" the originial
 design of a old instrument?
 
 The piano rebuilder I apprenticed under over 25 years ago said "rule 1. ‘The
 customer is always right'.  Rule 2. through 10. ‘See rule 1' ".
 
 If the customer is a collector wants a restoration I stay as close to
 original as possible. If the customer wants the instrument to use (have the
 neighbors over, have a few beers, and gather around and all sing off key)
 then I have no problem changing things and using better material if it will
 make the instrument play better. I take care to explain the difference to
 the customer. Since the restoration is usually more difficult and time
 consuming I charge more for this.
 
 I have never had cause to look but wonder if anyone makes steel wound bass
 strings? Would anyone restore a piano with plastic flanges and have custom
 made flanges made of the type of plastic that we now know doesn't last.?
 Does the leather tanning industry still use exactly the same chemicals they
 used 75 years ago?
 
 Bottom line. Do the best you can to satisfy the customer and don't worry
 about the rest. If they want the instrument preserved let them buy it and
 then they will be the customer.
 
 
 John Dewey
 
 
If the customer owns a Steinway, wants it rebuilt, then I ask which hat do
they want me to wear, Steinway, or technicians? I am not saying Steinway has
poor technicians here.  If Steinway, then I rebuild exclusively with Steinway
parts, may even have Steinway install the SD and bridges, etc.  If they want
me to make it the best it can be, then my technician's hat goes on,
and...............

Lesser quality instruments may not have such stipulations. Again, it is the
customer who truly values their instrument.  If plastic flanges that are
breaking, explain that by replacing with wood, they will not break again.   

The customer must have complete confidence in you.  You are the technician.
One who can do what they cannot do.   As for customers who insist on you doing
a lesser quality work because they do not want to replace crappy parts, you do
have the right to not take on the job.  Chances are they do not want to pay
the money you are worth to do it right in the first place.

Food for thot.

Dave Peake, RPT
Portland, OR