Terms

[JIMRPT@AOL.COM]

Re- what??
In the final analysis, as in so much else in this business, it is the domain 
of the tech and the customer too decide what any specific re-whatever means 
to them and their contract for the re-whatevering.

Definitons are not much help, i.e.,: (AHD)
Rebuild-"1. To build again."
Restore-"2. To bring back to an original condition:"
Refurbish-"To make clean, bright, or fresh again; renovate"
Renovate-"1. To restore to an earlier condition, as by repairing or 
remodeling."
Repair-"3. To renew or revitalize."

  So you see the meanings of each of these words can be interchangable and it 
doesn't do us well to fulminate ad infinitum over them.

 Now don't go saying that PTG has defined these terms cause it ain't 
needfully so..at least in the context of "rebuild" versus "restore" as has 
been tossed around these last few days. In the PTG Tech bulletin on 
"Rebuilding/Reconditioning"
it says......."Rebuilding *restores* the piano to original condition or 
better."
Well then y'all if "Rebuilding *restores* to original condition" what the 
heck do *restoration* do?

 Is there a difference between "rebuild" and "restore"...well in my mind 
there is but this is always guided by the customer. If'n I gots ta use a 
chisel and maul it gonna cost more than if'n I can use a router...doncha 
know?? :-)

 A museum quality "restoration" (original spec everything) is a very 
expensive and time intensive project and not one that we as techs are likely 
to run into very often. A true "restoration" in this sense means that if the 
original had hand cut screws or bolts and you did not use hand cut screws and 
bolts to replace those which were unusable from the original you have not 
done a 'true' restoration. If the dampers of the original came from Merino 
sheep and the ones you installed did not come from Merino sheep you have not 
done a true "restoration". If you improved the playability in the slightest 
degree from the original you have not done a true "restoration". Well....... 
you get the idea huh?

 Has anyone on the list ever truly done a museum quality "restoration" I'd be 
willing to bet not......course it wouldn't be the first time I have been 
wrong! :-)

  So go forth and do good without regard as to which re-? you decide to do. 
My view.
Jim Bryant (FL)