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<DIV><FONT size=2> I am in need of some expert =
opinions/advice
concerning an Ivers & Pond grand, about 7 1/2 feet in length, made =
around
1894. The original workmanship appears to have been quite good, =
but the
present condition leaves much to be desired. Currently I am =
pondering my
options as to what to do with this piano. Although I have tuned =
jillions
and "rebuilt" a fair number of pianos over the past 21 years, =
Ivers
& Pond is a brand with which I have almost no experience. My =
questions
are as follows:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT><FONT color=#000000 =
size=2> 1) For
those of you who have quite a bit of experience with larger grands from =
this
time period, how did Ivers & Pond compare to the leading American =
brands of
the day, such as Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Chickering, Knabe, and
Weber?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT><FONT color=#000000 =
size=2> 2a) If
this piano were meticulously, thoroughly, and lovingly rebuilt (not =
redesigned,
as I presume Del, Ron, and some others might attempt), what could I =
expect in
the way of overall quality? </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2> 2b) What about =
tuning
stability if played vigorously and often, in comparison to a modern 7' =
piano of
familiar make such as Steinway or Yamaha?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2> 2c) Do you feel =
this is this
an instrument deserving such intensive attention, or is it just an
also-ran? If you had this piano, would you be more inclined toward =
rebuilding, or toward an easy way out (such as selling as is, or after =
minimal
repair and regulation)?</FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2> 3) Is it both =
possible and
feasible to redesign the soundboard/ribs/bridges to improve the mid and =
upper
treble, which in the piano's present state of ill health seems weak and =
feeble
compared to the low tenor and bass? If so, who might be qualified =
and
willing to help me do this (for a reasonable fee)?</FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2> 4) Because of its =
size and
relatively obscure name, I'm uneasy about the difficulty of selling this =
instrument. Consequently, I'm hesitant to tackle the beast for =
fear of a
big investment with no return. What's your opinion/experience in =
this
regard?</FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2> 5) The original =
ivory is
still on the keys, but in poor condition. I've an estimate of =
$2500+ from
Walker Piano Service to restore the ivory and replace damaged =
ivory. Do
you feel I should raid the vault and keep ivory on this piano, or should =
I just
relax and opt for new plastic dentures on this old =
dinosaur?</FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2> I look forward to =
hearing
from all who care to respond. Email me privately if you
prefer.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2> Although seldom a =
contributor, over the last year I've derived a good deal of useful, =
interesting,
and amusing information from the numerous and diverse topics, =
viewpoints, facts,
and opinions expressed on this list. Even though many of the posts =
seem to
me rather insignificant or <FONT color=#000000>redundant</FONT>, those =
that
remain certainly do to make wading through the messages well =
worthwhile.
My hat goes off to those of you who have kept the ball in play, put it =
back in
bounds when it's gone astray, and called a foul when things have gotten =
a little
out of line.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Wasson Kerrick, RPT</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Owensboro, KY</FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><A
href="mailto:wkerrick@mindspring.com">wkerrick@mindspring.com</A></FONT=
></DIV>
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