It depends on where that piano has lived. In California we often see old, pristine uprights with perfect boards. Of course we do see some that are beyond help...I just wouldn't make it so black and white. David I. -----Original Message----- From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf Of Joseph Alkana Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2000 6:12 PM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Re: "New" old uprights JIMRPT@AOL.COM wrote: > > Ron; > That is the story here in the low rent section of Florida also. I have > done several comlpete 'rebuilds' on older uprights > These were high dollar 'rebuilds' comparable to a 'rebuild' on a grand. Jim, Rebuilt to me means that, among a host of other things, you replaced the soundboard. Is that true? (Bravo, and a tip of the hat if you did!) Anything less is not a rebuild, IMHO, and on any old upright approaching the century mark I doubt there is much in the way of soundboard life left. For a customer to drop a huge chunk of change into a cosmetically improved, tonally challenged, mechanically inferior, deteriorating oldie seems a bit pretentious and misleading by the "rebuilder in charge". I realize there is no standard or "approved" list of definitions regarding my concept of rebuilt. Nevertheless, I feel very strongly that to continue foisting glamorous, musically unsatisfying high cost refurbishments of worn-out derelicts upon an unsuspecting and often times uninformed public does our credibility as technicians little good in the long run. Flame suit on, and apologies if I have infuriated or incensed anyone. Thought: If there is such a demand for the nostalgic look and the pre-eminent tone associated with larger upright instruments, why aren't they being produced? Joseph Alkana
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