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Most stories of modern piano manufacturing
begin with invention of the "escapement mechanism" in the early 17th
century. The second great advance in modern times was the
introduction of the cast iron plate in the 19th century that made
possible the high tension exerted by over 225
strings.
With over 20 years'
experience with many types and brands of pianos, we can give you an
idea about whether your piano might have restoration potential.
Although we can tell you the age of your piano if you let us know
the serial number, we must examine your piano to provide you
with an appraisal of its current market value or an estimate of the
cost of restoring it. In evaluating a piano, we test items such
as:
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Tuning pin torque--will they hold pitch? If they are
loose, we might recommend repinning with larger pins or
installation of a new pinblock.
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Condition of the soundboard and bridges--whether
there are cracks that can be repaired, or whether there is
sufficient downbearing to ensure good tone after
restoration.
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Condition of the strings--corrosion, rust, remaining
tensile strength, etc. If the piano is repinned, new strings are
usually recommended as well.
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Condition of the action components: hammers,
dampers, backchecks, wippens, butt felts, capstans, bushings, etc.
If badly worn, these parts should be replaced.
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Condition of keytops. If ivories are missing or
chipped, we might recommend replacing with new plastic. If black
keys are badly worn, we might recommend replacing with plastic or
ebony.
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Condition of keys
and key bushings. If
bushings are badly worn, they should be replaced. If they are
tight, they should be regulated. Cracked key buttons should be
replaced.
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Condition of underkey punchings. These should be
replaced if worn.
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Is the piano well regulated? Adjustments such as
hammer blow distance, keydip, letoff, damper movement, etc. must
be correct for the piano to play efficiently. Also, re-regulation
is required when action parts such as hammers or knuckles are
replaced, or when new keytops are installed.
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Condition of cabinet and bench. Veneer repair may be
required, increasing the potential cost of
refinishing.
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Condition of lyre and pedal
mechanisms. If bushings are badly worn, these should be
replaced. Also, if the lyre is loose, it should be securely
fastened with new bolts.
For an evaluation fee, we will provide you
with a "Report & Service Offer" containing (1) a detailed appraisal report on your piano showing our
opinion of its general condition, the cost of replacing it with a
new piano of similar type and quality, its "as is" value, and its
potential value after it has been restored., and (2) an estimate of
the cost of restoration work. Our estimate will include prices for
various options, from essential improvements to those which you
might wish to include. If you sign a Contract
with us to restore your piano, we offer to pick it up and deliver it
after improvements are completed. Cost of pick up and delivery
depends on your distance from our shop. Occasionally, we pick up
pianos from outside Washington State. However, we may suggest that
you arrange transportation to and from our shop if you live over 100 miles away
from Bellingham, WA.
In some cases, we offer to purchase pianos
that we evaluate. If we buy your piano, we will reimburse your
evaluation fee! Don't hesitate to ask us how old your piano is--just
mention the serial number and the make of piano. If you have more
questions about your piano, we strongly encourage you to request an
on-site evaluation. The evaluation fee may be the best investment
you put into your piano!
For pictures and descriptions of a typical evaluation
conducted on an upright piano, click
Hallet,
Davis & Co. Upright
1885 |
