Fix what's not broke?

[David Ilvedson]

Refinishing, restringing with the original pinblock is certainly feasible.
2/0 pins?  I would put 3/0 in not 4/0.  Replace the agraffes, refinish the
soundboard (I take the bridge is pristine?)  New dampers and a new action
but consider using the old hammers if they have life...I often rehang those
great old Steinway hammers on new parts...depends on their condition...hard
to duplicate them!!!  Renner parts...sounds like a nice project...

As I think about it and depending on the customer, I might very well just
file the hammers, regulate and tune.

David I.

*********** REPLY SEPARATOR  ***********

On 3/20/01 at 3:26 PM Howard S. Rosen wrote:

>Hi Everyone,
>
>I need your opinions re: "Don't fix what ain't broke". Here are the
>details:
>
>115 year old Steinway that sounds a lot better than most Steinways I've
>heard at half that age. (never been rebuilt) Case needs refinishing and it
>needs a new action (the works). There *is* crown and downbearing. The
>sustain is excellent. The pin block is remarkably normal. The TP's feel
>great.
>
>It's a no brainer that this instrument needs to be refinished, restrung
and
>a completely new action installed. My dilemma is this. Should I replace
the
>sound board and pinblock because they are 115 years old even though they
>seem fine right now? Should I fix what ain't broke? Thanks in advance for
>your opinions.
>
>
>Howard S. Rosen, RPT
>7262 Angel Falls Ct.
>Boynton Beach, Fl  33437
>
>hsrosen@gate.net