Do_It-Yourself Assistance?

[Ronald Murray]

I have been gratified to hear the many positive experiences some of you
technicians have had
with do-it-yourself projects. As one of the do-it-yourself types I can say
that my experience with the old $25 upright I recently purchased has been
invaluable. Refinishing the cabinet, replacing much of the action, covering
the keys,  has been... what can I say...  a blast.

Have I done as good a job as a professional could have done? Likely not. But
the experience has been great fun. I even bought tuning supplies to
hopefully be able to keep this piano tuned after it is back together.

I have always maintained when asked how I can do so many things (replace the
engine in my car, build a 9' elevated deck off the back of my house, put a
roof on my house, write computer software, etc.) that I can read English
pretty well and if you can do that... you are most of the way there. I have
several good books on the subject of piano restoration and tuning.

I do have quite a bit of music training (trumpet player) and my graduate
degree is in physiology so I have some education. But, even without college
degrees, if you can read and comprehend, you can do quite a lot. Please do
not discourage the do-it-yourself crowd. You don't have to worry, we will
not take away your business. We just like to do things on our own.