We happen to have an 1881 85-note A in the shop right now. It's a very nice piano. We have had a few surprises (mostly because of some rebuilding work that was done at Steinway in the 1940's) but modern parts appear to work just fine. Name another product built in 1881 for which you can still buy parts! You might have a good piano there. Kent Swafford On Mar 13, 2010, at 6:39 PM, John Dorr wrote: > Hi list, > > I have an opportunity to pick up an 1881 or 1882 6 foot Steinway Grand for restoration. (Serial #47546) It has 85 keys, by the way, and another interesting thing is that the shift pedal moves the keys to the left, to the bass side. The action looks fairly conventional by today's standards. > > It's in need (mostly) of a complete action rebuild, dampers, a pin block, stringing, and key tops. The case is dinged up a mite, but all there and should be refinished. > > The scale seems to be very good, judging by my Tunelab tuning curve, and the sustain is pretty good, too. Soundboard has no serious cracks and I did find crown measured in a couple of locations. Downbearing everywhere on each bridge, too. > > Should I make an offer? I'd be farming out (shipping from Montana) some of the work, but I'd try and tackle a great deal of it myself. > > whaddaya think? worth a venture? or should I stay away from it? > > Thanks, > > John Dorr, RPT > Helena, MT
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC