Hello list, I'm working on my very first rebuild that is a 1916 J & C Fischer upright. It went through a fire, but only suffered smoke/soot damage. My customer is adament about getting it restored and thankfully, the insurance company is paying for the work. It has a lost motion and sostenuto rail, which I found interesting for an old upright, but from the research I've done and the looks of the piano, this seems to have been a higher quality instrument back in the day. My question is this...I know there are companies out there that duplicate the brass rails. So far with my inspections, I don't see any cracks or defects that would lead me to believe this rail is bad, other than age. I do plan on replacing all the tabs and little screws with the rebuild, as it's getting new hammers and butts too, but I was hoping to save the cost of duplicating the rail. I know OTOH, that brass is a really soft metal and if one of the tabs on the rail breaks off, I've got a nice little headache to have contend with. Should I save myself the possible headache, cough up the extra dough out of my budget and go ahead and get a new rail, or would most of you take the chance on keeping the original? Just curious. Thanks! Barbara Nobbe, RPT Pitch Perfect 859-489-4793 barbara at pitchperfectpianos.com
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC