In a message dated 1/6/98 2:40:09 PM, you wrote: <<She has a Brambach 4'-8" grand. 1925 year . The finish is walnut and splotchy. Alligatored and cracking. " Prunish", and very "dry" faded looking.>> Stephen; Since Newton is on vacation I will try to take up the slack and reply re: Brambach :-) 1. There is almost 'nothing' short of belt sanding/rotary sanding that can be done to this piano to lessen it's value. Varnish remover is a perfectly acceptable method of stripping the old finish in preparation for a new one. I myself am not a fan of vat removing processes, although I have no quarrel with those who use this method in appropiate instances. 2. There is no entrinsic "antique" value in a Brambach of any age. There may be considerable "sentimental"value though. Any value placed on a Brambach would be arguable according to who you were discussing the piano with. 3. In order for "steel wool and mineral spirits" to do anything, other than clean a laquer finish, you will have to rub off the old finish with the steel wool. (not an inconsiderable task and one that I would never do!) 4. A Brambach is a Brambach and almost anything you can do to it will be an improvement casewise, scalewise or actionwise. 5. Restoration to original condition will be next to impossible due to the lack of replacement action parts. Stephen I hope something here helps, although I am sure that Newton could, and would, have said it better :-) Jim Bryant (FL)
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