>From the little bit I know, the value of these things - or at least what some folks will pay for one - seems to vary all over the place. Now, you asked "are these instruments worth rebuilding...". As an instrument, no. As an antique that can double as a pseudo piano (maybe has the instrument potential of a console - although the bass will be better), it can be worth rebuilding. No doubt this one is of good quality and sounds like the case is a real winner. I am "rebuilding" (or perhaps better stated "serious refurbishing") a square right now in my shop. The owner swears that he has a friend in Kentucky that rebuilds these things and sells them for $7,000 to $10,000. On the one in my shop I plugged the block (1/2" plugs), shimmed the board, refurbished/repaired bridges, refurbish action, new hammers, rescale, restring, complete refinish. I would not recommend the project for profit, but if someone wants to pay you to do it, I say go for it if you need the work. They sure do make a stunning antique for the right home. Terry Farrell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jay Mercier" <jaymercier@hotmail.com> To: <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Saturday, April 06, 2002 5:16 AM Subject: chickering square grand general info. > A local refinisher calls today and asks how much this piano may be worth. > He claims his customer just purchased it from the governor's mansion in PA. > It's an 1867 Chickering Square Grand Louis IX or XV, I don't know. Serial > 30726. I said I had no idea except that other technicians that I know have > said to stay away from square grands, as instruments. The case is > exceptionally detailed with "lions heads." So.... any general comments out > there about this? Are these instruments worth rebuilding and if so, are the > parts easily available? > > Jay Mercier > Associate member, > Twin Cities Chapter PTG > Glenwood, MN > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. >
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