I have a customer who has a Steinway Duo-Art XU Grand. I don't have the serial # in front of me right now, but I do know that it was built in 1921. The Duo-Art portion has been removed (this customer has the parts in a box) The piano is quite worn out and it needs pretty much everything. He wants to sell it or trade it for another piano. In checking the instrument, one of the first things I noticed was that the music desk didn't fit. I thought it might have been a replacement because its length is about 5/16" shorter then the width of the case. I then realized that the rim of the piano had warped so that the top was 1/4" wider then the bottom. The soundboard had oil canned. My question is: Can a warped rim be restored, and how does one repair it? This customer understands that this piano has serious problems, but also has it on his mind that it is "still a Steinway." I don't feel comfortable recommending this instrument to potential buyers if nothing can be done, but I also don't want to leave my customer out in the cold. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Gordon Large Mt. Vernon, Maine (where the weather is now perfect)
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