The life of a piano

[Delwin D Fandrich]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Nossaman" <RNossaman@cox.net>
To: <fordpiano@earthlink.net>; "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: December 15, 2002 4:48 PM
Subject: Re: teflon flange & bushing??


>
> >  I might be reluctant to use plastics in a piano that was meant to last
a
> >long time since I don't believe there is yet a track record for longevity
with
> >the plastics available now.
>
> Kawai has been torture testing ABS flanges for nearly 30 years. The first
> ones installed still test stronger than new wood. I'd guess it was
probably
> fairly safe by now, since pianos don't last longer than that anyway...
right?
>


And then there is this. Written by William Braid White in 1917:

"There has always been an exaggerated notion as to the life of a piano. Mr.
Bolens hit the nail on the head when he said he never permitted a customer
to trade in a piano over ten years old. A piano is just as bad as an
automobile. A week after you buy it it deteriorates. After a year it shows
definite traces of wear. In the home of the average wage earner they do not
believe in the piano tuner as an institution. In five years the piano shows
serious signs of inferiority. Without elaborate repairs it would not be
possible to make that piano stand up in the light of a new piano. Although a
piano fifteen years old will play, still no amount of repairing will make
one twenty-five years old fit for anything except a bargain sale. Cease
considering the piano as something which lasts forever, but regard it in the
same light as an automobile. In other words, 'junk them.'"

And that was back when men were men, women were women, the dollar was worth
ten or fifteen cents and pianos were built like military tanks.

Regards,

Del