Junking 1st Piano Problem

[Farrell]

Thank you Del. That was a very heartfelt, sensitive response. I believe I
will follow it to the letter. I even have a Bechstein grand that is looking
for a set of legs - time to turn the old Shopsmith into a lathe? Perhaps.
What a dignified transformation into another life. I think the piano Goddess
and the Buda would smile on this course of action.

Terry Farrell

----- Original Message -----
From: "Delwin D Fandrich" <pianobuilders@olynet.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2001 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: Junking 1st Piano Problem


>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: September 05, 2001 4:52 AM
> Subject: Junking 1st Piano Problem
>
>
> > My problem comes with the 4th piano in the garage. An 1895 Knabe 54"
> > upright. It has the simple-but-beautiful burled walnut case. The piano
> needs
> > top-to-bottom rebuilding (and inside and out). It has a moderate amount
of
> > apparent termite damage (old - no active termites). Case has a few trim
> > pieces missing. Action frame is wood. 3/4, full-perimeter plate.
Separate
> > low tenor bridge. This obviously WAS a very, very nice, high-quality,
> piano
> > 100 years ago. The termite damage seems to be pushing me over the edge
> > toward tossing it out. I know so well that when you disassemble a
> > termite-bitten object, you will find ten-fold or greater damage within.
> >
> > I have yet to junk my first piano (although I have told many clients to
> junk
> > theirs!). This is quickly becoming a traumatic experience for me. Will
the
> > piano goddess forgive/understand me if I disassemble this old beauty
with
> a
> > sledge hammer? I would at least hang the plate on my shop wall! Would
> anyone
> > (with a clear conscience) recommend that I keep and rebuild this piano
> (that
> > is, am I doing the right thing?)?
> >
> > I know these questions sound like they are coming from an amateur, but I
> > think the first time can be difficult for anyone who loves and respects
> the
> > wonderful world of pianos and the craftspersons who created these fine
> > monuments to music.
>
>
> Terry,
>
> Realizing that this piano could once again be a wonderful musical
> instrument--better by far than those shiny black plastic boxes that pass
for
> upright pianos these days--I still have to weigh in on the side of
extensive
> modification:
>     -- The back posts can be modified into bench legs.
>     -- The case parts can be modified into bench sides, shelves, drawers,
> etc.
>     -- The plate can be modified into wall art or garden art; take your
> pick.
>     -- The keys--after removing any remaining ivory and the capstans
> (assuming they are not the old rocker type--can be modified into kindling
> wood.
>     -- The keybed can be modified into a small workbench top.
>     -- The soundboard, bridges, pinblock, etc, can all be modified into
> firewood.
>     -- Any usable hardware is not destroyed at all, but saved for future
> use. You many never use these parts, but it's easier saving (and moving) a
> box of parts than it is saving (and moving) a complete piano. Pay
particular
> attention to those big old screws and bolts.
>     -- Actions are always a dilemma. Do you take the time to disassemble
> them so you can save the parts for future use? Will there ever be any
future
> use? What are the chances? Or do you just trash it? Years ago I'd have
> disassembled it, today I'd trash it.
>
> It was the termite damage and the missing trim pieces that tipped the
> balance. Those, and the wood action frame. It would be wonderful if
someone
> would come up with a 'universal' action kit that could be used in these
old
> things. There is no need to exactly duplicate the style of action each of
> them had, just the function. And that shouldn't be so hard to do. A basic
> stack, a set of adjustable stickers, adjustable brackets, etc.--it could
be
> done. True, it wouldn't be a job for a beginner, but a reasonably
> accomplished rebuilder shouldn't have too much trouble fitting one. It
would
> make remanufacturing one of these old things a lot more cut and dried.
>
> As may be, the piano goddess will be understanding only if you modify this
> piano. She will get very upset with you if you just destroy it.
>
> Regards,
>
> Del
>