JIMRPT wrote: > > 1. Reconditioned- using mostly all old parts and replacing only severly > worn/hard felts, leathers, corroded metal pieces, along with severe cleaning > and/or sandblasting. > > 2. Rebuilt- Using all new parts in the action stack, underlevers as needed, > restringing, new pinblock, rebushing, all new felts, along with refinishing > case. This work is accomplished using original specs except in certain select > instances. (example one should never replace a teflon action with another > teflon action :-) > > 3. Remanufactured- 'Everything' but case, and case parts, is tossed out with > the possible exception of the keyframe, but including soundboard and bridges. > Alterations may be made in original specs with the goal of improving > performance and sound. (example-rescaling). All new hardware, pinblock, sound > board, bridges, keys, underlevers, action parts, damper heads, etc. > > 4. Restored- Everything as close to original as possible with only original > spec parts used for replacement, original finish coatings, etc.. In > restoration the refurbishing of original parts is/should be the first > alternative (?). (Stephen, Anne?) > > 5. Recycled- Parts saved where appropiate, parts, case and sounding board used > for fire wood and plate used for shop decoration. Perhaps the case could be > used for a computer desk...but only if action and plate are destroyed. :-) Jim, Thanks for suggesting the above 4 categories with definitions (assuming that #5 was for extra credit?);-) Reminds me about the PTG Technical Bulletin #6 which discusses rebuilding and reconditioning rather thoroughly but, I think, restoring is a very different thing and a necessary addition and rebuilding/reconditioning deserves to be further divided as you did. One thing I'd like to add to the conversation is: to educate the public about these definitions. How many times have we heard piano owners state and believe that their piano is "rebuilt" when, in fact, it has new bridle tapes and the "pads" were replaced (the ones that buzzed)? Did the technician actually say he/she rebuilt it? Maybe, but in many or most cases, my guess is the owner has interpreted the tech's words (Like, how many of us replace "the pads"? Do piano owners get together in piano user groups and talk about their "pads"? I hope someone can fill me in on the etymology). Since the purpose of Tech Bulletin #6 is to educate the piano-owning public, I propose that it be rewritten to include the more precise definitions and that we, need I say it, distribute same to all our customers. Also, I'd like to suggest another category - partially reconditioned. Whether a piano is reconditioned by someone who specializes in bridal tape and pad replacement but demurs at key rebushing or, because of budgetary constraints, an abbreviated refurbishing is asked for, I vote for this additional category. Tom -- Thomas A. Cole RPT tcole@cruzio.com Santa Cruz, CA
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC