<HTML><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.2963" name=GENERATOR> <STYLE></STYLE> </HEAD> <BODY style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none" bgColor=#ffffff> I have a similar dilemna. Customer inherited an old upright when his father died. I said that this work was required as a minimum: CA pinblock, PR & tune, new bridle straps, clean and inspect action, etc. Optional work: New key covers, new damper felts, new hammers, restringing (thuddy bass). He said he wanted it all done except the strings and hammers (maybe later). Soundboard and bridges in excellent shape, crack-wise. I took the action and keys to the shop, returned, CA'd, etc. He said he wanted to redo the finish before we proceed, so my work went on hold. Well he completely and beautifully restored the case, replaced messed up veneer, nickle-plated the petals and everything. He even finished the keybed under the keys!It's gorgeous, like a museum piece ... ...but it hasn't been PR'd or truly tuned and will never sound as good as it looks. Probably should have insisted on tuning it and getting his approval on the sound before he started all the case work. The good news is, they are not players so they may have a wide tolerance for piano sound. Kids want to learn; you understand ... Alan Barnard Salem, MO Joshua 24:15 </BODY></HTML>