Lynn,
I agree with David Love on this one. A soundboard from the 20's with lots of cracks, generally, is a soundboard needing replacement. Also in agreement with David that the premise that a soundboard is better because it is older is a false one. If it were my piano and I were rebuilding it, it would get a new board. As David said, shimming is cosmetic, listening to the board will tell you what it has left to give (plucking strings and such).
The old soundboard is worth it's weight in firewood, once removed ;-]
Refinishing prices do vary considerably, and I'd say $10K - $12K for refinishing is not necessarily too much, but is on the higher end of my experience.
A 5'8" Knabe could (properly rebuilt) yield a fantastic musical instrument. I'd say a complete custom restoration is certainly worth it in terms of what you get out of it musically. Perhaps not from a resale perspective, but obviously that's not what you want anyway.
William R. Monroe
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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