Avery, I would say your estimate is low by current acceptable quality standards. Try about ten thousand per instrument. An action with Marinelli keys,new action parts, and a back action should cost at least five to six thousand if done by a shop that takes pride in their work. Structural work will range around the three thousand or more range by what you describe as needed, although I find it hard to believe that none of these instruments are not canidates for boards or at least bridge caps. I am not sure it is a reasonable thought to attempt six complete rebuilds in one year. If you hire a tech specialist in rebuilding it is not likely you can put him in a shop situation entirely. It would help more to have someone who shares tuning responsiblities as well. At ASU Rick and I do projects together to expedite the time factor and for moral support. The figure for rebuilding here for a Steinway L would be about six thousand with only refinishing being sub-contracted. That would include soundboard, bridge and block installations, which we do ourselves, and a complete action overhaul including Marinelli keys. We save a bundle by having the expertise to do serious structural work. To accomplish more than a couple a year we would need a third tech to free me from tuning so I could rebuild more. The ratio for us would be 180 pianos for three techs, an ideal formula. I can see where you are stretched with only yourself for 115 instruments, and you can tell your director that you are primed for burnout with that load. Brent.Fischer@ASU.EDU Arizona State University/Tempe
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