Piano evaluation proposal

[Pianoman]

Imho
Having tuned many of these (everyone's favorites) the old K&Bs are best left 
to rot.  Anyone putting $30K into one has got to be nuts.
James
James Grebe   Piano Tuning & Repair   Member of M.P.T.
R.P.T. of the P.T.G. for over 30 years.   "Member of the Year" in 1989
Creator of Handsome Hardwood Caster Cups, Piano Benches, Writing 
Instruments,Table Timepieces
 (314) 845-8282   1526 Raspberry Lane   Arnold, MO 63010
Researcher of St. Louis Theatre History
BECOME WHAT YOU BELIEVE!
pianoman at accessus.net
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2 at tampabay.rr.com>
To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: Piano evaluation proposal


This sounds like a potential fabulous opportunity for a rebuilder. The K&B 
are generally well-built pianos. 1912 should have metal action brackets - 
but yes, the actions do have weird parts - the action will be more expensive 
to properly rebuild than normal - either need to use custom parts, or 
convert to more traditional action.

The owners obviously know it needs rebuilding - they may not be aware of the 
full extent needed, but they clearly appear to be half-way there. The piano 
is obviously a family heirloom - no other piano is going to work in quite 
the same way.

Such a small piano is potentially a prime candidate for belly design 
improvements (need to evaluate rim, framing, plate, etc to determine what 
exactly can be done with it). IMHO, assuming the thing needs a new 
soundboard, I would just recommend a full remanufacture with a redesigned 
belly (assuming plate, etc. allows proper redesign) and tell 'em you (or 
whomever) can make the piano sound and play better than any new small grand 
for $30 to $35K and see then where the family heirloom thing pushes them.

Hey, if you are not interested, I'd jump at an opportunity like this!

Terry Farrell
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  I got this e-mail today. Should I tell them what I "think" I should?

  I don't want to deal with it at all but if it might be worth it, I
  could refer it to someone else here.

  Isn't this the brand, Conrad, that you made a planter out of? :-D Or
  am I thinking of something else?

  Comments?

  Avery Todd
  University of Houston


    The piano is a 1912 Kranich & Bach 5'4" baby grand that has been in
    the family since the 1930s. It has been primarily a furniture piece
    for the past 25 years and probably hasn't been tuned in nearly that
    time. There are a few dead keys. It has been in a climate controlled
    home in Houston for over 40 years.  There is no water damage or major
    structural compromise that we are aware of.

    We anticipate some reconditioning will be necessary and possibly even
    partial rebuilding.

    We are contemplating the addition of a PianoDisc or similar system to
    allow for recording and playback.