[pianotech] Scratched Lid

[David Ilvedson]

It will be hard working around the inlay...  '-]

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Rob McCall" <rob at mccallpiano.com>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 8/20/2009 7:52:04 PM
Subject: [pianotech] Scratched Lid


>Greetings all,

>Today, I spent nearly 4 hours cleaning and repairing a 12 year old  
>Yamaha GH1 for a High School. I don't think this thing has been  
>cleaned in the entire 12 years! Also, all the screws on both main lid  
>hinges were stripped.  I fixed them using the paper towel /  
>cyanoacrylate trick I learned from this list when I first  
>joined!  :-)  They ended up being very tight and turned out  
>beautifully. (Thanks!)

>Well, the insides now look, as told to me by the choir director,  
>"brand new!" Next, I'm going back on Saturday to tune the piano and do  
>some minor repair work including what I'm describing below.

>The problem I want to address now has to do with the surface of the  
>lid.  It has a plethora of tiny scratches from, well... years of HS  
>kids putting stuff on it, etc.  I'd like to be able to do some work  
>and make it look as good as I can. And yes, they are paying me to do  
>all this extra work.  :-)

>I've attached a photo where hopefully you can see the extent of the  
>scratches. What you're looking at is the reflection of the overhead  
>lights in the surface of the main lid.

>Does anyone have a technique or a secret potion they use to get rid of  
>the scratches without destroying the finish? It's a polished ebony  
>finish.

>Thanks in advance,

>Rob McCall
>Murrieta, CA