New set of keys

[Farrell]

A big welcome to the list Roger! Thanks for contributing. However, unless
there is a pressing reason to respond privately, I will post my response on
the list - I hope you don't mind. That is how this list works though, you
get to see many different ideas on how to solve a problem - that is in part
where the big value of this list stems from.

Two good sources for replacement keys and keyframes are Rick Wheeler @
Roseland Piano Co (503) 654-1888 and Mark Bisso @ Pianotek (800) 347-3854.

However, any drop console that I have seen is usually among the lower end of
the piano quality spectrum, and has had a few trips around the block. I
don't have a clue as to what a new set of keys might cost (I would assume at
least $500 - maybe quite a bit more???) but I recommend seriously
considering, after you get a quote on key replacement, if it would be worth
doing the repair to the piano. Most drop console type pianos I have seen
would have a value of less than $1000, many less than $500. And keep in mind
that you will have to install the keyframe, remove the old, level, space,
etc. keys, some regulation, etc., so the keys themselves won't be the end of
fees for the owner.

What kind of insurance do they have. Many folks have what is referred to (I
think?) as "replacement" insurance. That is, if your TV, or refrigerator, or
couch (or piano) is destroyed, they will not just give you what it might
have been worth, but rather, they will replace it with a new one.

Good luck. Please let us know how this works out.

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

----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Hathaway & Peggy Abbott" <rograbot@cybermesa.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2001 12:05 AM
Subject: New set of keys


> Colleagues -
>
> A client's piano has been vandalized, and I have been asked to replace all
> of the keys. They were damaged beyond repair, and the keyframe had some
> damage also. This piano is what I would call a Drop Console; that is, the
> back end of the keys drop down a half inch to get under the wippens. I
have
> never had a set of keys custom-manufactured, and I'd like to have some
> opinions from those of you who have had had keysets made. I wish to have a
> nice job done on these replacement keys. Any advice?
>
> This is the first time I have used the Pianotech list. I request that
> responses come to me directly at my address.
>
> Thank you -
> Roger Hathaway
> Santa Fe, NM
>