LATEST UPDATE OF THIS PAGE: 2/28/04

Current Projects

 

Pianos Being Restored On Contract

 

4'10" Schumann Grand #50078

Mahogany, Built in 1927, Restored by Ray's Piano Service, Fall 2003

This piano was a "family heirloom,"  located in the home of our client's sister in Lodi, California. We arranged to evaluate the piano and pick it up after visiting the Shakespearean Festival in Ashland, OR, and to return it to the client's home in Bow, WA after completing the restoration.

IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED:

Recondition—Complete cleaning, installl new hammers, tighten action screws, replace defective parts.

Regulate—all adjustments to ensure that piano plays like new, tune to A-440.

Refinish--Repair veneer as needed, strip and sand cabinet & bench.  Apply stain and lacquer. Install new rubber buttons and fallboard decal.

SCHEDULE:

Picked up from Lodi, CA : August 2003

Restoration schedule: Completed December 23, 2003

Delivered to Bow, WA: February 28, 2004

 

"After" picture of 1927 Schumann Grand #50078: in our showroom ready for delivery.

 

1952 Winter Spinet
Pictures of the Improvement Process
taken in our shop:

1 – We stripped the old finish off all veneered surfaces.

2 – We sanded all veneer surfaces and applied stain and sealer.

3 – After stain and sealer were dry, we applied lacquer to all surfaces.

4 – We removed all loose ivories--during reassembly, we will reglue these, and we will also install matching ivory on keytops where they are missing.

5 – We installed a set of new hammers.

6 – Hammer drilling requires precisely sized bits, to ensure a tight fit.

7 – We installed new underkey punchings.

8 – We cleaned the pedals and pedal props, then rebuilt the lyre using new felt to line the pedal holes.

9 – We gave the soundboard, pins, and strings a thorough cleaning.

10 – We repaired the fallboard, so that it would open and close smoothly.

11 – Using our special regulating jigs, we regulated the height of the keys and all the action adjustments.

 

12 – Hammer blow distance is set at 1 3/4 inches and key dip is set at 13/32".

13 – While we work on the legs, we place the piano on our "grand transporter" for ease in moving from room to room.

14 – We repaired a damaged area in the cabinet where the left leg is attached.

15 – We tuned the piano several times before delivery.

16 – We reassembled the lid and the music rest.

17 – After completion, the piano is placed in our showroom for several days while the lacquer dries.

18 – Close-up of keys and decal.