[CAUT] Backfire!!

[Paul T Williams]

David,

I am in Lincoln, NE and the nearest rebuilder is southeast of KC...about 
3.5 hours!  Richard West took care of this piano for many many years and 
he and I talk quite a bit.  He says the board and bridges should be 
replaced, but the head of the piano dept told me "don't put any money into 
it and sell it!"  Since it isn't a soloist instrument and only used by 
orchestras, choirs, etc., I may settle somewhere in the middle and replace 
the action and restring it.  I think I will use Wurzen hammers and Arledge 
bass strings and at least get it somewhat respected until we can replace 
it someday.  I doubt very much that the director would approve much more 
than that. I can guarantee he won't approve a total rebuild.  I'm hoping 
this will light a fire under his seat to increase efforts to get funding 
for a new concert instrument.  I'm not a big Baldwin fan and have only 
come across a couple I would like to have...Some folks really love 
Baldwins, but unfortunately, non of the piano faculty or grad students do.

We'll see what transpires....

Thanks

Paul





"David Ilvedson" <ilvey at sbcglobal.net> 
Sent by: caut-bounces at ptg.org
10/10/2007 06:07 PM
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Re: [CAUT] Backfire!!






Paul,
Have the Baldwin soundboard etc. checked out by the local rebuilder 
wizard.   Who would that be in your area?   Maybe you?  Where are you 
located?  Even if it needs a new soundboard and you can't get the money 
together for that, a complete action rebuild will certainly bring it up to 
a good rehearsal instrument.   Keeping the D locked up except for concerts 
can't be bad...Down the road, when funds become available...rebuild the 
piano...a first class rebuild will turn that into a rival for the D, but 
the D will still get used more...;-]
Man, I wish I had your problems..David Ilvedson, RPTPacifica, CA 94044
Original messageFrom: "Paul T Williams"  To: caut at ptg.orgReceived: 
10/10/2007 6:41:18 AMSubject: [CAUT] Backfire!! 
Hi List, Have you ever had one of those days??? In our main concert hall 
we have a Steinway D and a 1950's Baldwin D.  The Baldwin belongs to the 
Lied Center for Performing Arts.  They are, but aren't part of the 
university. This piano has been on "permanent loan" to the university for 
many years...  Anywho, I commented to the Music Director that the Baldwin 
is in dire need of major work (all original, I think except for stringing) 
.I asked him to have the manager of the Lied center to consider investing 
in it. It needs EVERYTHING!  The manager turns around and gives it to us! 
He has no budget and doesn't want it back.  We really don't want it and 
the director is trying to find funds for a new Steinway (NY or Hamburg). 
Nobody likes this piano and faculty pout if they're "forced" to play it. 
It's used a lot, but for non-university events held in our hall, so 
pulling it out of service for major work would be tricky Questions: 1. 
Does this piano have potential to be a great instrument? 2.  Is it worth 
putting thousands of dollars into it? or-  might it be wiser to replace 
action, restring, etc. just minimal work until funding magically arrives 
for a new Steinway? 3.  Has anyone else fallen into such a thing? Thanks! 
Paul T. Williams RPT 
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