Rebuilder's Gallery Pianos

[David Love]

I'm rebuilding a 1920 6'4" Knabe (Victorian case) that will get a new
soundboard with redesign, pinblock, back action, key set and parts, finish.
I don't expect to give it away.  I do expect that someone will have to do
more than look at the fall board to appreciate it.  

David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net 
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of David Andersen
Sent: Sunday, July 02, 2006 1:54 PM
To: Pianotech
Subject: Re: Rebuilder's Gallery Pianos

> 
>> Most of the pianos were Steinways. Was this
>> coincidence? 


I'm going to try something at the Atelier in the fall and see if it works.
I'm going to rebuild a Steinert 6'3" piano in an "economy-custom" protocol,
refinish it, make it like new and sell it for $18-19,000.00.  As I said in
the class, the rebuildable shells must have spent their lives in California:
usable board, block, bridge, back action, keyframe. I think we can execute a
rocking piano and make some money. At first, sales of a piano like this will
be based on personal trust for me, because I don't think the market yet
recognizes the value of a rebuilt Steinert, or Conover, or Mehlin & Sons.
I'm sure the East Coast guys have a different take, but I don't see many
rebuilds at all in Cali that aren't Steinway or M&H; Dale has a different
experience in Modesto, I believe.
Anyway, I hope our rebuilt 6' American pianos with big ol' thick hardwood
rims will kick a modern Yamaha's ass, to be elegant about it.  Those who
have ears and fingers will tell us how we do.

BTW, if any of you list guys are EVER in the LA vicinity, there's an open
invitation for a meal and some pianos. Just give me a little heads-up....

xoxxoDA