Pianotech

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

Frd Sturm went:
I have puzzled over exactly how they might have done it in the factory. I suspect dampers were roughed in before shanks and hammers were glued in place, but that is just a guess. If someone has a different guess, I'd like to see it.

Vertical dampers are a cinch to do if you're not working in and around installed shanks and hammers. The butts won't get in your way, and it's just you and the damper wires. That's how I've done it the few times I put on new damper levers, felts and hammer butts -19th century action or modern one. Steinway's  double flange is a consequence of using the tubular action frame in their verticals. I've seen double flanges on some late-19th century Knabe verticals as well.

Once the dampers and double flanges are fully in place, spacing the hammers to the strings done as gluing in he butts progresses. If you need to space a hammer to the side, sand a slim bevel on the end of the shank, on the opposite side  you want the hammer to go. Or as one wag told me, stick the entire set of shanks in a pencil sharpener and they're ready to space in either direction <G>

William Ballard RPT
WBPS
Saxtons River VT
802-869-9107

"Our lives contain a thousand springs
and dies if one be gone
Strange that a harp of a thousand strings
should keep in tune so long."
...........Dr. Watts, "The Continental Harmony,1774
+++++++++++++++++++++
------------------------------

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

Thanks for the photo, that's helpful.  The plan for the finish is to remove the old finish chemically, and never touching it with sandpaper.  From other natural wood finishing I've done where I didn't want to ruin the patina, I used fine steel wool with chemical strippers. And yes, I will French polish, that's about the only piano finish I know how to do anyway.  :)

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

I hope you don't remove the finish.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Thanks for the photo, that's helpful.  The plan for the finish is to remove the old finish chemically, and never touching it with sandpaper.  From other natural wood finishing I've done where I didn't want to ruin the patina, I used fine steel wool with chemical strippers. And yes, I will French polish, that's about the only piano finish I know how to do anyway.  :)

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

How would you recommend rejuvenating it?

I hope you don't remove the finish.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Thanks for the photo, that's helpful.  The plan for the finish is to remove the old finish chemically, and never touching it with sandpaper.  From other natural wood finishing I've done where I didn't want to ruin the patina, I used fine steel wool with chemical strippers. And yes, I will French polish, that's about the only piano finish I know how to do anyway.  :)

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

How would you recommend rejuvenating it?

I hope you don't remove the finish.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Thanks for the photo, that's helpful.  The plan for the finish is to remove the old finish chemically, and never touching it with sandpaper.  From other natural wood finishing I've done where I didn't want to ruin the patina, I used fine steel wool with chemical strippers. And yes, I will French polish, that's about the only piano finish I know how to do anyway.  :)

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

You need to consult with someone who has worked on this type of finish chemicals may destroy the veneer and lift it. steel wool could damage it. get advice from some conservators or restoration experts who have to clean and preserve fine furniture and instruments. there are aLSO companies that sell special conservation supplies

How would you recommend rejuvenating it?

I hope you don't remove the finish.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Thanks for the photo, that's helpful.  The plan for the finish is to remove the old finish chemically, and never touching it with sandpaper.  From other natural wood finishing I've done where I didn't want to ruin the patina, I used fine steel wool with chemical strippers. And yes, I will French polish, that's about the only piano finish I know how to do anyway.  :)

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

How would you recommend rejuvenating it?

I hope you don't remove the finish.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Thanks for the photo, that's helpful.  The plan for the finish is to remove the old finish chemically, and never touching it with sandpaper.  From other natural wood finishing I've done where I didn't want to ruin the patina, I used fine steel wool with chemical strippers. And yes, I will French polish, that's about the only piano finish I know how to do anyway.  :)

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

First determine if it is shellac (should be) by applying a little alcohol in an inconspicuous spot and see if it softens at all. If so, then you already possess more FP skill than average to rejuvenate that finish. Shouldn't take much work.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

How would you recommend rejuvenating it?

I hope you don't remove the finish.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Thanks for the photo, that's helpful.  The plan for the finish is to remove the old finish chemically, and never touching it with sandpaper.  From other natural wood finishing I've done where I didn't want to ruin the patina, I used fine steel wool with chemical strippers. And yes, I will French polish, that's about the only piano finish I know how to do anyway.  :)

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

Thanks, Peter.  There are some small flat cracks in the veneer at a few places, especially on the kneeboard.  Assuming it's shellac, would there be any problem with using pumice and alcohol to grain fill and then build the finish back up with shellac? My concern is that burning through the shellac enough with alcohol to grain fill might slightly discolor those areas when compared to the majority of the piano where the veneer and finish are nearly perfect.  Or is there another way to fill the cracks then FP over the existing surface?  

Thanks again for helping me think through this.

First determine if it is shellac (should be) by applying a little alcohol in an inconspicuous spot and see if it softens at all. If so, then you already possess more FP skill than average to rejuvenate that finish. Shouldn't take much work.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

How would you recommend rejuvenating it?

I hope you don't remove the finish.

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Thanks for the photo, that's helpful.  The plan for the finish is to remove the old finish chemically, and never touching it with sandpaper.  From other natural wood finishing I've done where I didn't want to ruin the patina, I used fine steel wool with chemical strippers. And yes, I will French polish, that's about the only piano finish I know how to do anyway.  :)

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

Hi Jurgen, Do you remember me hunting for offset spoons, but with the business end a real spoon and not a flat stamping, two years ago?

A photo of what Bill Shull was talking about - the damper arms with their butt plates, the wooden "spoons" and the adjustment screws for damper lift. This Steinway piano is from the 1880s.

The veneer looks like walnut burl. And the finish looks original, it is probably French Polish (shellac). Please don't strip that off and spray or brush the piano with some modern finish.
A 150 year old finish has its unique patina. Removing that finish will devalue the piano both econimically and historically, not to mention visually.

I might try that, thanks!

On another note, what kind of wood might have been used for the veneer? I know rosewood was popular back then, but this doesn't look like that to me.

 Thanks!

If you are persistent with SS factory you MIGHT be able to learn it's early history. At the very least they can (used to) tell where it was shipped (dealer) upon completion. Unfortunately the last time I tried calling I was ignored 🙁

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Some great things I see are the plate design and all of the stencils. The plate was cast at the Steinway foundry -another interesting thing. Exposed p[in block looks great as do the coils, bridges, soundboard. Take tons of pictures of everything before and after you do work. Amazing that it has had only one owner. If you go to the antique piano shop website you may be able to find a catalog with more information 

Yes, I do have an undeniable case of PAS. 😂  I love the rebuilding part more than I ever imagined, and it feels very safe to work on my own pianos that if I mess something up, no one gets mad at me. 

Tim,

It does look beautiful. Having one of these in my clientele I can totally validate everything Bill wrote. It will prove to be another "project" for you.

However, I respectfully will observe that you may be in the beginning stages of an ailment that many of us suffer from: PAS (Piano Acquistion Syndrome)

You've been doing a beautiful job on your Knabe. This one may keep you up at night. 😉

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Apparently it was in the same family since it was bought new. The owner was moving and was hoping not to have to trash it, so they were very happy that I wanted to restore it. I've included a photo of the serial number below (hopefully they don't load backwards again…). Since I was preoccupied with moving it myself yesterday, I have not spent much time looking it over. It's around 48" tall, open face pinblock, 85 keys. 

The veneer work is stunning. You need to do some research on the pianos history. Do you have a model number and serial number to zero in on

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!

I just picked up one of the most beautiful upright pianos I've ever seen today. It's a Steinway from 1877. I plan to rebuild and refinish starting later this year. Has anyone rebuilt one of these? What was different or particularly challenging about it?  I like to mull over my projects a while before starting. :)

Thank you!