<HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>Re: [CAUT] Rebuilding Value</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> So... Is a Hamburg Steinway, or an 80's vintage NY less authentic because of the use of Renner parts?  When NY switched to Kluge, did they become more or less authentic (of course, Kluge is now owned by Steinway)?  At what point do Mapes strings become authentic NY parts? Is it the magic hands of the Steinway elves? This has nothing to do with authenticity and everything to do with marketing. That being said, I would be very hesitant backing a claim that a rebuilt piano will be as good or better than new.  There are certainly a number of rebuilders who do just that, but far too many fall woefully short. Rick on 3/10/06 7:37 AM, Wimblees@aol.com at Wimblees@aol.com wrote: <BLOCKQUOTE>In a message dated 3/9/2006 10:45:38 PM Central Standard Time, tunerdude@comcast.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE>So, when, exactly does Steinway actually use exclusively "Steinway" parts??? Do they not purchase stuff and parts from outside their hallowed halls??? Robin Blankenship </BLOCKQUOTE>They might purchase the raw materials, like wool, steel, wood, etc, but they make their own case and action parts. Wim <TT>_______________________________________________ caut list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives </TT></BLOCKQUOTE><TT> </TT> _____________ Rick Florence Senior Piano Technician Arizona State University, School of Music </BODY> </HTML>