Knabe in Houston

[Farrell]

FWIW, if that Knabe is of pre-1900 vintage, you've got a goldmine of piano potential. Depending on how much humditiy the piano encountered will determine how much damage may have occurred. That can only be evaluated by listenting to power, sustain, hammer impact-VS-sustain, etc.

It may  mean less what the piano has been subject to, and perhaps more what the piano has now......  How's the killer octave?????   How 'bout a nice rib-crowned soundboard?

FWIW - I have an 1890s Knabe in my shop that I have installed a Del Fandrich-designed rib-crowned & supported sounboard (and belly) and so far it appears to be  - oh, I want to say so many things - but I haven't finished the action - so I'll hold back - but I'm very sure it will be one of the most wonderful pianos I have ever had in my shop....

Terry Farrell
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Avery Todd 
  To: Pianotech List 
  Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 8:56 AM
  Subject: Knabe in Houston


  List, 

  As I'm sure all of you know, a lot of people have been without power in Houston for quite a while. Almost two weeks, now.

  I have a customer who's still in that position who owns a late 1800's Knabe grand. Around 1890, I think. My question is that because of its age, is this instrument more likely than newer types to develop any damage/problems in the future from not being in air-conditioning for that long? It's been restrung somewhere along the way but beside minor repairs, I believe that is all that's ever been done to it, except tuning. The weather hasn't been TOO bad but the temperature has gotten into the low to mid 90's and humidity into the 70%+ range during the day. I'm concerned primarily about any possible structural problems with an instrument this old. 

  I'm hoping that some of you who are more experienced with wood of all kinds could give me some information here. Thanks. 

  Avery Todd, RPT
  Houston, TX
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