This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment I am in need of some expert opinions/advice concerning an Ivers & = Pond grand, about 7 1/2 feet in length, made around 1894. The original = workmanship appears to have been quite good, but the present condition = leaves much to be desired. Currently I am pondering my options as to = what to do with this piano. Although I have tuned jillions and = "rebuilt" a fair number of pianos over the past 21 years, Ivers & Pond = is a brand with which I have almost no experience. My questions are as = follows: 1) For those of you who have quite a bit of experience with larger = grands from this time period, how did Ivers & Pond compare to the = leading American brands of the day, such as Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, = Chickering, Knabe, and Weber? 2a) If this piano were meticulously, thoroughly, and lovingly = rebuilt (not redesigned, as I presume Del, Ron, and some others might = attempt), what could I expect in the way of overall quality? =20 2b) What about tuning stability if played vigorously and often, in = comparison to a modern 7' piano of familiar make such as Steinway or = Yamaha? 2c) Do you feel this is this an instrument deserving such intensive = attention, or is it just an also-ran? If you had this piano, would you = be more inclined toward rebuilding, or toward an easy way out (such as = selling as is, or after minimal repair and regulation)? 3) Is it both possible and feasible to redesign the = soundboard/ribs/bridges to improve the mid and upper treble, which in = the piano's present state of ill health seems weak and feeble compared = to the low tenor and bass? If so, who might be qualified and willing to = help me do this (for a reasonable fee)? 4) Because of its size and relatively obscure name, I'm uneasy about = the difficulty of selling this instrument. Consequently, I'm hesitant = to tackle the beast for fear of a big investment with no return. What's = your opinion/experience in this regard? 5) The original ivory is still on the keys, but in poor condition. = I've an estimate of $2500+ from Walker Piano Service to restore the = ivory and replace damaged ivory. Do you feel I should raid the vault = and keep ivory on this piano, or should I just relax and opt for new = plastic dentures on this old dinosaur? I look forward to hearing from all who care to respond. Email me = privately if you prefer. Although seldom a contributor, over the last year I've derived a = good deal of useful, interesting, and amusing information from the = numerous and diverse topics, viewpoints, facts, and opinions expressed = on this list. Even though many of the posts seem to me rather = insignificant or redundant, those that remain certainly do to make = wading through the messages well worthwhile. My hat goes off to those = of you who have kept the ball in play, put it back in bounds when it's = gone astray, and called a foul when things have gotten a little out of = line. Wasson Kerrick, RPT Owensboro, KY wkerrick@mindspring.com ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/88/76/29/08/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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