Any piano built before WW II may be a good candidate for rebuilding.  Here are some of the symptoms of old age in a piano:

	Tuning pins are not holding very well particularly in winter months.
	The piano has poor tone quality - tinny, buzzing noises.
	Some or all of the bass notes have no life left in them.
	The action is noisy and doesn't respond very well anymore.
	The finish is dull and ugly with little cracks all over it.

Aging pianos can be rejuvenated by rebuilding.  A properly rebuilt piano not only looks like new.  It sounds and plays like new.  Usually the cost of rebuilding a piano is easily justified by the increased value of the piano.  A rebuilt grand piano should have a resale value about equal to two thirds the price of a new piano of the same original quality.  Rebuilding a piano includes the following operations:

1. Replace all the strings and tuning pins.

2. Repair or replace the pin block.

3. Repair bridges and reseat or replace all the bridge pins.

4. Replace all the under-string felt.

5. Repair soundboard cracks and loose glue joints between soundboard and ribs.

6. Repair all structural defects such as loose beams, glue joints, case damage, etc.

7. Refinish the iron plate (frame).

8. Refinish the soundboard and bridges.

9. Renovate the damper system:  Refinish damper heads and replace damper felt.  Re-felt/re-bush the pedal lyre.  Regulate the entire damper system from pedal to string.

10. Renovate the action:  Repair or replace anything worn or loose such as center pin bushings.  Replace hammers if needed, shape and voice hammers, and regulate the action to restore all functions.

11. Renovate the Keyboard:  Replace the key tops (or repair ivory).  Clean key sides and key bed.  Repair or replace key bushings, replace under-key felt, level the keyboard, set the key dip, and space the keys.

12. Refinish the case:  Strip old finish. Repair or replace damaged veneer and wood.  Sand, fill pores, stain and seal surfaces.  Spray with several coats of clear lacquer.  Install a new name decal.  Hand rub the new finish to a smooth, satin luster.  Refinish all case hardware.  Replace all rubber bumpers and case felt.

Call us for a free estimate for rebuilding your piano.