Rebuilder's Gallery Pianos

[Ron Nossaman]

> Most of the pianos were Steinways. Was this
> coincidence?   

Hi Bob,
No, not a coincidence. While an owner will often contract for 
rebuild/redesign work exceeding the realistic market value of 
their piano, speculative work for resale demands keeping costs 
within expected market ranges. I didn't make a complete 
survey, but I think most of these pianos are for sale, and the 
prices commanded by the fallboard name make this level of 
speculative work feasible. Eating regularly is a habit most of 
us are reluctant to risk. There's no reason any piano with a 
decent rim and plate couldn't be given the same treatments and 
render similar results, but the lower sales potential would 
mean we're working cheap.


>I thought all of the pianos exhibited a
> high level of craftsmanship and sounded great. Thank
> you for bringing these fine instruments and for
> sharing so freely with us all!  

I'm pleased that so many techs finally got the chance to get a 
sampling of the non-traditional approaches to rebuilding that 
some of us are doing, compared heads up to the high end 
traditional standard methods.


> Wouldn't it be interesting to see what can be done
> with other brands, maybe some that would offer a
> greater challenge in bringing about improvements?  

It is interesting, and the design enhancements used on the 
non-traditionally rebuilt pianos work just as well on less 
revered instruments, with no appreciably greater challenge 
involved.


> Can you say that a particular aspect (probably one
> that is unchangeable) of a piano is the most
> determining factor in how well a rebuild will turn
> out? Rim quality?  


Rim and plate, for starters, and a hardwood belly bar would be 
considerably easier to work with than Steinway's under built 
spruce one. Then again, I'd love to get my hands on a 6-7 foot 
Yamaha (contract job) to see what I could do with a too soft 
"Select Hardwood" rim. I think it's quite doable.
Ron N