"New" old uprights

[David Ilvedson]

It depends on where that piano has lived.  In California we often see old,
pristine uprights with perfect boards.  Of course we do see some that are
beyond help...I just wouldn't make it so black and white.

David I.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf
Of Joseph Alkana
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2000 6:12 PM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Re: "New" old uprights




JIMRPT@AOL.COM wrote:
>

> Ron;
>   That is the story here in the low rent section of Florida also.  I have
> done several comlpete 'rebuilds' on older uprights
> These were high dollar 'rebuilds' comparable to a 'rebuild' on a grand.
Jim,
Rebuilt to me means that, among a host of other things, you replaced the
soundboard. Is that true? (Bravo, and a tip of the hat if you did!)
Anything less is not a rebuild, IMHO, and on any old upright approaching
the century mark I doubt there is much in the way of soundboard life
left. For a customer to drop a huge chunk of change into a cosmetically
improved, tonally challenged, mechanically inferior, deteriorating oldie
seems a bit pretentious and misleading by the "rebuilder in charge".

I realize there is no standard or "approved" list of definitions
regarding my concept of rebuilt. Nevertheless, I feel very strongly that
to continue foisting glamorous, musically unsatisfying high cost
refurbishments of worn-out derelicts upon an unsuspecting and often
times uninformed public does our credibility as technicians little good
in the long run.

Flame suit on, and apologies if I have infuriated or incensed anyone.

Thought: If there is such a demand for the nostalgic look and the
pre-eminent tone associated with larger upright instruments, why aren't
they being produced?

Joseph Alkana