David, I am in Lincoln, NE and the nearest rebuilder is southeast of KC...about 3.5 hours!  Richard West took care of this piano for many many years and he and I talk quite a bit.  He says the board and bridges should be replaced, but the head of the piano dept told me "don't put any money into it and sell it!"  Since it isn't a soloist instrument and only used by orchestras, choirs, etc., I may settle somewhere in the middle and replace the action and restring it.  I think I will use Wurzen hammers and Arledge bass strings and at least get it somewhat respected until we can replace it someday.  I doubt very much that the director would approve much more than that. I can guarantee he won't approve a total rebuild.  I'm hoping this will light a fire under his seat to increase efforts to get funding for a new concert instrument.  I'm not a big Baldwin fan and have only come across a couple I would like to have...Some folks really love Baldwins, but unfortunately, non of the piano faculty or grad students do. We'll see what transpires.... Thanks Paul <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%>"David Ilvedson" <ilvey@sbcglobal.net> Sent by: caut-bounces@ptg.org 10/10/2007 06:07 PM <table border> <tr valign=top> <td bgcolor=white> <div align=center>Please respond to ilvey@sbcglobal.net; Please respond to College and University Technicians <caut@ptg.org></div></table> <td width=59%> <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>To</div> <td>caut@ptg.org <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>cc</div> <td> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>Subject</div> <td>Re: [CAUT] Backfire!!</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> Paul, Have the Baldwin soundboard etc. checked out by the local rebuilder wizard.   Who would that be in your area?   Maybe you?  Where are you located?  Even if it needs a new soundboard and you can't get the money together for that, a complete action rebuild will certainly bring it up to a good rehearsal instrument.   Keeping the D locked up except for concerts can't be bad...Down the road, when funds become available...rebuild the piano...a first class rebuild will turn that into a rival for the D, but the D will still get used more...;-] Man, I wish I had your problems..David Ilvedson, RPTPacifica, CA 94044 Original messageFrom: "Paul T Williams"  To: caut@ptg.orgReceived: 10/10/2007 6:41:18 AMSubject: [CAUT] Backfire!! Hi List, Have you ever had one of those days??? In our main concert hall we have a Steinway D and a 1950's Baldwin D.  The Baldwin belongs to the Lied Center for Performing Arts.  They are, but aren't part of the university. This piano has been on "permanent loan" to the university for many years...  Anywho, I commented to the Music Director that the Baldwin is in dire need of major work (all original, I think except for stringing) .I asked him to have the manager of the Lied center to consider investing in it. It needs EVERYTHING!  The manager turns around and gives it to us!  He has no budget and doesn't want it back.  We really don't want it and the director is trying to find funds for a new Steinway (NY or Hamburg).  Nobody likes this piano and faculty pout if they're "forced" to play it.  It's used a lot, but for non-university events held in our hall, so pulling it out of service for major work would be tricky Questions: 1.  Does this piano have potential to be a great instrument? 2.  Is it worth putting thousands of dollars into it? or-  might it be wiser to replace action, restring, etc. just minimal work until funding magically arrives for a new Steinway? 3.  Has anyone else fallen into such a thing? Thanks! Paul T. Williams RPT