[pianotech] Rebuilding a early 1920's Knabe Piano

[Lynn Hall]

There are places on the piano where time did not take its toll on the finish as bad as other places. Such is the case when opening the lid and looking inside the case. I think the piano has the potential to look very nice if the inside of the case is any indication of what it used to be. But unfortunately the economics always play a factor.

--- On Tue, 1/13/09, Mark Potter <bases-loaded76 at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

From: Mark Potter <bases-loaded76 at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Rebuilding a early 1920's Knabe Piano
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 4:17 PM







Hi Rob -
 
This is interesting in that, having done alot of refinishing, with the exception of cases that are badly damaged I actually think going black is a MUCH tougher job than going natural.  
 
My reasoning: the intrinsic visual interest of a mahogany grain pattern helps camouflage minor imperfections whereas a solid black finish is completely unforgiving.  In addition, I think a black finish that doesn't have the pores completely filled (still shows grain) - looks pretty goofy (subjective, I know), whereas a clear finish can show some grain without losing aesthetics.  This boils down to being able to forego what is a major step in the refinishing process - namely completely filling the pores.  Granted, a small bag of simple tricks can be required for the natural finish to camouflage minor imperfections, but it needn't be time-consuming (again, in the absence of significant damage).  Either way, loose veneer really needs to be glued down, no way outta that one.  In addition, I think rub-thrus, an almost inevitable consequence of rubbing out, are MUCH easier to feather in an 'invisible repair' with a natural finish.
 
Naturally, YMMV, and we are talking econo methods here on a case that only needs minor repairs.  If you can make black work easier, my hat is off to you!
 
Mark Potter  

--- On Tue, 1/13/09, Rob Goodale <rrg at unlv.nevada.edu> wrote:

A couple of thoughts regarding refinishing-

First, when all else fails and it looks like economics are going to rule the 
day the easiest way out is to go with black lacquer.  Forget the tedious 
task of matching and coloring veneer, regluing loose veneer, and all the 
other time consuming work that natural finishes involve.  


      
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