in defense of the Chickering back

[pianoman]

Hello Richard,
About 20 years ago I rebuilt a Chickering quarter grand (1904) with a 4
piece pin block that bolted into the plate from underneath and screw in
damper blocks.  It had been painted white over mahogany.  I refinished it
also.  I still tune it about every 6 months and it is the only one like
this among my clientele.
	I did leave one of the grands from the 60's out of my list and it was the
George Steck.  A-A pretty well ruled the roost then.
James Grebe
R.P.T. of the P.T.G.
 Since 1962 in St. Louis, MO
Home of Handsome Hardwood Caster Cups
pianoman@inlink.com        

----------
> From: VOCE88@aol.com
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Re: in defense of the Chickering
> Date: Sunday, August 23, 1998 8:35 PM
> 
> In a message dated 8/23/98 9:06:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
> pianoman@inlink.com writes:
> 
> > So, Les, I may agree with you that the very early ones may have been
> >  exquisite examples but in talking about what was available at the time
 of
> >  the 60's and 70's they don't come out too bad, in my opinion.  When I
think
> >  of the top dog S&S, I think 35 years ago and Teflon bushings.  I think
> >  everyone was struggling.  Also remember that grands sales were not a
> >  significant part of anyones sales except for Steinway.
> >  I hope we can depart friends with different opinions.
> >   Respectfully,
> >  James Grebe
> >  R.P.T. of the P.T.G.
> >   Since 1962 in St. Louis, MO
> >  Home of Handsome Hardwood Caster Cups
> 
> I agree, James. Particularly at the price point in the '60s.
> 
> BTW, We are currently rebuilding a Chickering from 1885 - 6'3" with a
> beautiful cabinet and beautifully built. It has a 4 PIECE PINBLOCK -
makes the
> rebuild a challenge - fer sure.
> 
> Richard Galassini
> Cunningham Piano Co
> 1 800 394 1117