Rebuilt Steinway

[David Love]

It will be difficult for any technician to make an assessment without
inspecting the piano and I'm not sure what you will hear from the list. 
Soundboards can crack if put through the rigors of heavy expansion and
contraction associated with large swings in humidity.  That you report the
piano not staying in tune may be indicative of a very unstable environment.
Any piano will benefit from a humidity control device.  I don't know why
Steinway would not recommend one, and I've never heard of that policy from
them.  Soundboard cracks generally do not buzz.  Rib separations from the
back of the board will, however, which may have prompted the replacement of
the board.   Most rebuilders will not warranty against cracks in the board,
especially if the piano is not kept in a controlled environment.  

Changes in tone can be a function of many variables.  It is likely that a
new board will outperform the old board under most circumstances.   I would
try to find a reputable technician in the area to advise you--someone not
affiliated with that dealer who can give you an unbiased report and address
the problems and concerns you have.  It may be something as simple as
voicing.    Dealers do not always use the best technicians.  They are
sometimes motivated by the best price.  See if you can get a reference from
the local chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild in your area ( see
www.ptg.org for a list).  Or contact some of the better known teachers in
your area and ask for a referral.   Without a thorough first hand
inspection of the piano, you are not going to be able to get enough
information to address whatever problems may exist.


David Love
davidlovepianos@earthlink.net

> [Original Message]
> From: Deb Rodgers <debarodgers@hotmail.com>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: 2/9/2003 8:48:27 PM
> Subject: Rebuilt Steinway
>
> I posted an earlier message and it appears that I did not give enough 
> information regarding a rebuilt 1927 Steinway M piano that I purchased in 
> 2001. It was rebuilt by a certified Steinway technician in Delaware.  I 
> believe that everything was replaced but the soundboard.  The reason that 
> the soundboard was not replaced was because the salesman advised me that
he 
> felt the soundboard was in good condition and did not need to be
replaced.  
> Nine months later I noticed several cracks in the soundboard and I heard 
> very loud buzzing when the piano was played.  After speaking with the
dealer 
> they agreed to replace the soundboard with a new one for an additional
cost 
> of 3,000.00.  I received the piano with new soundboard in August 2002. 
Two 
> weeks ago I noticed that there is a separation in the new soundboard. 
The 
> crack is located in a different place than the one I noticed a year
earlier. 
> And there is no buzzing sound. The piano also does not stay in tune for
very 
> long even though it is not played that much.   Another factor is that the 
> treble does not put forth as much sound as the mid and lower registers. I 
> don't know if this is related to the soundboard.  I live in Penna.  The 
> piano is not located in direct sunlight nor is it close to a direct heat 
> source.  However the room can get warm in the winter.  It does not have a 
> damp chaser system.  I was under the impression that Steinway does not 
> recommend them.  I am planning to call the dealer again but I wanted to
get 
> some advice before I called them.  I am very disappointed with the 
> performance of this instrument.  I purposefully tried to pick a reputable 
> dealer and a quality instrument.  The total cost spent for this piano is 
> 26,000.00.   Any advice would be appreciated.  Thank you in advance.
>
> Deb Rodgers
>
>
>
>
>
>
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