"C" Value?

[Farrell]

Hi Bill. If in a hurry delete this now. I don't have many answers, mostly
moral support. I've also seen this situation before - ya know it needs the
board, new action, new damper action, new everything - but you COULD just
fix a few things and sell it for $20,000+. Oh man, what a stomach turner.
Your approach in viewing it as a salvage piano sounds right-on to me. I
think your $ are in the right ball park also (maybe low if this is a
particularly desirable piano). Sounds like a nice opportunity. Go for it!

Terry Farrell
Piano Tuning & Service
Tampa, Florida
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com

----- Original Message -----
From: <Bdshull@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2000 10:16 PM
Subject: "C" Value?


> Hi, list:
>
> I might have an opportunity to purchase/barter for an 1890's vintage
Steinway
> C (7'4").  I may also be relied on to recommend the purchase price.   I
would
> really appreciate your input on what I should offer.  The instrument was
> rebuilt by a wholesale rebuilder 20 years ago.  88 note, SB
> shimmed/refinished, restrung, replaced pinblock (rotary cut type), NY
> Steinway hammers on complete Teflon action, original back action (original
> damper tray with splitting damper levers/no set screw sockets).
Refinished
> in ebony with supply house legs, modernized lyre, music desk and birch/fir
> plywood lid, now finish is also pretty well chipped up too.  Not a bad
sound
> in a medium sized room -- even the killer octave -- but damper performance
is
> horrendous, and although the piano would be usable after some action
service
> and complete damper tray replacement, it would not come close to its
> potential until it gets a new board and the works.
>
> I love the model "C," and this piano will be incredible when I am done
with
> it.  I am even thinking of actually keeping this one (that would be a
first).
>  I would probably build a new lid, and restore the period style with legs,
> lyre and music desk. If I approach this as a gutted, rebuildable "C" I
would
> think between $8-10K, but maybe I am way off base, since the market has
been
> favorable to the longer Steinways lately, and since a much smaller
investment
> in service than what I intend could probably make the piano quite
desirable.
> My judgment is clouded by my interested in the piano, so I am very
interested
> in more objective opinions.  The piano is located within 1 hour from Los
> Angeles.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Bill Shull, RPT
>