Fix what's not broke?

[Robert Goodale]

Yes, replace them.  The piano will have far more value when the job is
finished.  With the glue joints all made from hide glue and the with the history
of the piano's climate unknown there is a measurable doubt that these components
will last another 25 years let alone another 115.  It is remarkable and
admirable that the piano has held up so well for so long and the craftsman who
built it 115 years ago are to be commended.  It would however be a "better safe
than sorry" policy to go ahead and do the works.  It is a good bet that the
bridge pins are weak, and pounding the next sized tuning pins into a block this
old can very well give it the incentive it needs to start coming apart.

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV


"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