I have a few questions about rebuilding a Knabe Piano:
1) I notice the soundboard has very tight grains, never has been replaced, but has at least 9 substantial cracks. If I decide to replace the soundboard instead of asking the re-builder to shim the cracks, will I be able to find a soundboard that is as good as this one is from the 1920's?
2) Or should I demand that it be shimmed to retain grains/inch?
3) Could I sell the old soundboard to offset the cost of replacement, since it would be a good soundboard to build shims?
4) The piano has a mahogany finish, but is in very bad shape due to the age of the piano. I want it to look very nice and last many years. What is a reasonable price to pay for this? Is between $10,000 and $12,000 too much.
Many thanks.
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