Decker Bros. Upright

[Terry Beckingham]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the reply.  I suspect that the bass strings were replaced on an 
ad hoc basis as they broke over a period of time. It's not like all of the 
single or double unisons were replaced. It appears though, that the 
replacement strings were custom made as they do not appear to be hex core 
universal strings.

I think there is quite a sentimental value to the new owner. I believe the 
piano was in her family since it was new, and that she learned to play on 
it. It is really a nice old piano. It appears that the case was 
professionally refinished at some point and still has a lovely appearance. 
I'll see if the owner will spring for restringing and perhaps new hammers. 
Maybe new bushing where required. I doubt that she will go for more than that.

Thanks for your reply.

Terry Beckingham

At 06:42 PM 4/9/2001 -0400, you wrote:
>Hi Terry
>
>I can never figure out why someone replaces ½ of a set of
>bass strings or hammers or whatever. That should be the alarm
>bell. You should really check out the rest of the piano for
>integrity and explain to the customer the risks due to age,
>what it might really cost to make the piano whole again. Very
>important to find out her sentiment towards the piano (came from
>Mom & Dad you know) don't be too harsh. Maybe try some interim
>steps to see if you can just get it going, you said the action wasn't
>too bad. You have to decide if YOU want to take on the piano as well.
>
>In my experience some of those old Deckers were pretty
>good, well built instruments.
>
>
>Mark Ritchie RPT