Thanks for your answers thus far, guys. I'd like to respond to what's been
sent so far. Pardon the formatting... my email server is very basic. I hope
my interspersed answers and comments are discernible.
Paul Revenko-Jones wrote:
"If you are not seriously determined to replace the board, you might rethink
that. The piano may have "measured crown" (vague meaning there), but it might
well be false crown with the board suspended by the strings across the
bridges. You would be restringing over the old board which may well collapse
further upon de-stringing, and then be asked to support new bearing. And how
are you measuring bearing, if I might ask? Just a thought. Otherwise, go for
it! :-)"
Ok, I measured downbearing by the ol' rocker guage. I put the middle
foot on the bridge and was able to rock it to each side. That's about all I
know of how to check it. Please, anybody, enlighten me of a better way. Last
I heard, (on this list) Steinway's "spec" was "SOME downbearing." So there is
that. Bearing that in mind, I didn't put a feeler guage under either end.
I remember reading somewhat recently about what you're talking about..
that once the strings, which may be holding the board UP, are loosened that
the board may "oil-can" downwards. What would be the good test for this? I
would THINK they'd let me loosen all the strings and then re-check for crown,
because they're not using the piano anymore. Would that be a good test?
Thanks for reminding me of that possible pitfall!
Kent Swafford wrote:
"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."
Thanks for the encouragement, Kent.
In a message dated 3/13/2010 7:15:55 P.M. Central Standard Time,
davidlovepianos at comcast.net writes:
"If you are doing this as a spec project figure out a realistic value
whenit's done (that age and only 85 notes is worth less than a more
modernSteinway), figure out the cost to get it there including a new
soundboard(if it's the original board it's too old no matter what it looks
like), newpinblock/stretcher construction if it's one of those partial plates,
finish,case parts, action, moving, cost of selling (commissions). Figure out
thevalue added that you'd like to make on top of just your time (you must
havesome incentive for the risk you are taking other than just your
hourlywage). Add 6% per annum opportunity cost (what you might have earned
withthe money otherwise that will be tied up for period of time you will
beworking on it). Subtract the costs from the value and see if there's stilla
positive number that you can offer and expect a reasonable return.
CallSteinway first and see if they want to buy it as a historical record
pieceand compare. Keep in mind that it's a different market than it was
twoyears ago and the prospects for a change are uncertain, to say the least.
David Love"
Thanks, David. I'm in total agreement with Paul. That IS care. And,
yes, that's how I'll arrive at a bid price to buy it, with a 15% goof-up
factor on top of all estimates. I wouldn't have thought of calling Steinway
first, so thanks for that. And I wouldn't have factored in the time value of
money, so I'll do that, too.
Anybody got a rough idea of the value of a good 1881 Steinway 6 footer?
(Subtract 15-20% for Montana!)
I'm well aware of the downward trending of piano values, and that this
would be a highly speculative endeavor. But I'm also just intrigued with the
process of restoration, and I realize I'll probably have to "pay for my
education" in this process. To this point, I've only taken some beaters of no
great interest and made them play well and hold a tune. I want to take the
next step and restore some pianos, and learn about refinishing. (I'll farm
out this piano for the refinishing, though.)
Again, thanks to you who have responded thus far, and I hope this
discussion might also foster some interesting tangents on rebuilding pitfalls
and potholes - possibly even some anecdotes of unexpectedly wild success. (Do
those even exist?)
John Dorr, RPT
Helena, MT
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