old steinway

[Delwin D Fandrich]

Don wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I have been asked to give an opinion on a very old (i.e. still iron wound
> strings) Steinway.
>
> There are only 19 cracks in the soundboard, some of which run under the
> bridge. There are no buzzes. It was last tuned in 1984 to A440 and is now
> 12 cents flat.
>
> The intended use is as a concert level instrument.
>
> What would the list recommend as a *miniumum* to get this instrument to
> concert level?
>
> Regards, Don

  -----------------------------------------------

Don,

There are ONLY (!?) 19 cracks in the soundboard?

Are we talking true "concert" level, here? Or barely adequate to get by if one doesn't
mind an action that is regulation challenged, a sound that is short and percussive, etc.

If you really want it to be a concert level instrument, then a new board, bridge caps,
pinblock, strings & pins, top action, hammers, key bushings, backchecks etc., damper
action, dampers, pedal, lyre & trapwork rebuild, etc., will probably do the trick. If the
finish doesn't look too bad, you can probably leave it and just give it a good touch-up.
The rim assembly, keybed and legs will probably be ok. But you should check the leg
plates. Concert pianos tend to get moved around quite a bit.

-- ddf