Greg, In most cases like this, you want to be VERY careful with your appraisal and any repairs you make. Every case can be different but there are factors that can create serious problems for the piano down the road. Usually one of the worst problems can be steam. If the fire was suppressed with water, the acidic steam can cause a lot of trouble. Exposed steel begins to rust, glue joints are compromised, and of course the wood and felt in the action can absorb the damp and go hay wire. I did a little research on this a couple of years ago when I had to asses a piano for a customer. I would be happy to dig that up and send you anything I can find. I really recommend that you be very thorough with your appraisal though. Regardless of whether you do repairs or buy the piano, you want be sure of what you say or do with the piano. There are some very good sights on the net concerning this and many companies that specialize in fire damage repair. Good Luck, Chris -- Christopher D. Purdy R.P.T. School of Music, Ohio University Athens, Ohio 45701 (740) 593-1656 fax (740) 593-1429 purdy@ohiou.edu
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