In a message dated 3/30/00 8:58:12 AM !!!First Boot!!!, jillkennon@zianet.com writes: << I came across an old Vose and Sons grand with a saturated pinblock (PBR overdose that didn't work? ) It was done with stuff that looks like truck-stop coffee goo, and some of it seeped through to the keys underneath, leaving a lovely stain, but apparently not affecting the bushings. Many pins are so loose, (about 20%) that they turn the tuning lever, when I let it go, and they span the entire scale. Also there's corrosion at the felts under the wires, front and back. Other than that, the action seems fine, no obvious repairs needed, just regulation and the hammers could be replaced, or filed one more time and voiced. The dampers are all doing their job. and the case and soundboard are in good shape. I'll be checking the pinblock again, this time having the good fortune of another brain being there (Guy Nichols) to see if it's laminants are still together. As I understand it, if the pinblock is trashed, then removing all the pins and corroded strings could necessitate a restringing job, which also dictates a new damper job. And this points towards just doing the whole nine yards, with new hammers, dampers, and well shucks, how about refinishing the case and harp. In other words, I could job it out to the SAMA plant, leaving the voicing and subsequent tunings to me. I'm gathering the options here, to communicate to the customer. What can I do on this job as a newbie with a workbench but not a rebuilding shop? Opinions? Thanks, Jill Kennon >> The pin block is shot. The action could use an overhaul. The case looks nice. Vose pianos were nice, but I don't they were nice enough to warrant rebuilding, The cost of a new pin block and action overhaul will be in the $5-6000 range. The piano will never be worth that. Unless it is a "priceless family heirloom," my advice would be to advice your customer to consider buying a new or good used piano to replace this one. Willem
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