In a message dated 6/21/00 6:04:55 PM Central Daylight Time, tito@PhilBondi.com writes: << I have in my possession a 'smoke-damaged piano'(5' Story And Clark). >> Pianos that have been in a fire should be restored to the condition before the fire. Smoke damaged pianos should not just be treated for smoke. With smoke comes soot. This soot creeps into every part of the piano. Even though you will be able to remove the smoke smell, clean off the strings, and other surfaces, the soot has lodged itself under the strings at the tuning pins and hitch pins, and in the understring felts. Soot has even settled under the plate, inside the action, under keys etc. The only way this soot can be removed from the strings and pins is to replace them. The only way you can remove soot from under the plate is to remove the plate. And the only way soot and smoke smell can be removed from action parts, including hammers, punching, even bushings, is to replace the parts. The bottom line on a piano that has been caught in a fire is that it needs to be restored more than just cleaning off the cabinet, polishing the strings, and removing the smoke smell. Unfortunately, insurance companies don't see it that way, and are going to be very reluctant to pay for it. So your testimony, with the support of other technicians will be vital. Good luck Willem
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