LATEST UPDATE OF THIS PAGE: 2/9/04

Previous Projects

 

53" Cable Kingsbury Upright #13890 Mahogany cabinet. Built in 1890. Reconditioned and refinished by Ray’s Piano Service, Spring 2003 IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED: Recondition—Clean interior. Install new bass strings. Install new hammers, install new bridle tapes, install new damper pads,  tighten screws, replace additional defective parts, rebush keys as needed. Rebuild pedal mechanisms. Complete Regulation—Install new underkey punchings. All adjustments to ensure that piano plays like new, tune to A-440 Refinish Cabinet—Repair veneer as needed. Strip and sand cabinet and all panels. Apply stain and lacquer.  Install new rubber buttons. Clean and polish all metal parts. Replate pedals.  Reassemble. SCHEDULE: Purchased: August 2002 Restoration completed: June 2003 Delivered to buyer in Bellingham, WA: July  2003 BUDGET: Purchase: We purchased this piano for $200 from a seller in Mt. Vernon, WA. Restoration: Our budget for restoration was $2,200. Sale: We sold this piano for $2,500, including delivery, 1-yr guarantee on improvements.

 

1890 Cable Kingsbury Upright - "After" picture:

 

Pictures of the improvement process taken in our shop:

1 – We removed the bass strings and sent them to the string-maker for duplication.	2 – We removed the bass bridge for repairs.
3 – We re-installed the repaired bass bridge.	4 – We repaired the sound board by regluing loose sections to the ribs.
5 – We installed new bass strings.	6 – We installed new hammers.
7 – We stripped and sanded the cabinet, made veneer repairs where necessary.	8 – We applied stain, sealer, and lacquer to the cabinet and all panels.
9 – Between coats of finish, we stored stained panels on a rack until dry.	10 – We applied several coats of lacquer.
11 – We refinished the ornately carved legs.	12 – After rebuilding the pedal mechanisms, we re-installed the "bottom board."
13 – We regulated key height and leveling, hammer blow distance, lost motion, letoff, dip, dampers and spoons.	14 – This piano will give the new owners many years of musical enjoyment!