CAUT

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon

What were the scopes of your previous rebuilding projects?  You spoke of mixed results.  Please tell us more.

I reworked our Aeolian era Mason & Hamlin CC a couple of years back.  I replaced the problematic counterbearing bars in the treble with inserts of a more lubricious material -- the name is escaping me at the  moment.  Bass strings (GC Piano) and hammers (Renner Blues) were not that old, so I retained them.  I frequently use the Fandrich soundboard rescue protocol, but did not think it necessary on this instrument.  I reworked the bridges using Spurlock's protocol published and later reprinted in the journal.  A capstan move was necessary to achieve a reasonable inertial situation. 

The tuning of the instrument is now compliant, and our pianists are identifying it as a responsive and useful instrument.

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon

As others have asked, there is more we need to know.  

With the right rebuilder and a proper budget, even that BB has the potential to be an exceptional instrument.  Given the extreme wear you outline, it seems likely that all new action parts and  back action would be on the list.  If the wear is severe enough, perhaps a new keyboard.  New strings and a block.  Bridge work?  New board?

I don't have any trouble seeing this piano as a 30K + rebuild, easily. 

If the check writer doesn't see the benefit, then sell it for what you can, which will be not much.  A rebuilder would buy it as a shell and then do a big dollar rebuild.  There has to be enough for him at the far end, and that BB will not sell for as much as a Steinway B.     

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon

As others have asked, there is more we need to know.  

With the right rebuilder and a proper budget, even that BB has the potential to be an exceptional instrument.  Given the extreme wear you outline, it seems likely that all new action parts and  back action would be on the list.  If the wear is severe enough, perhaps a new keyboard.  New strings and a block.  Bridge work?  New board?

I don't have any trouble seeing this piano as a 30K + rebuild, easily. 

If the check writer doesn't see the benefit, then sell it for what you can, which will be not much.  A rebuilder would buy it as a shell and then do a big dollar rebuild.  There has to be enough for him at the far end, and that BB will not sell for as much as a Steinway B.     

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon

Mr. Reiter,

If you truly have a Steinway B from the 1020's you should donate it to the history department as there are so few left from the time before William the conqueror invaded England. The physics department may want to have a look at it as well for possible evidence of temporal disturbance. As for the M&H BB, the bones of the Rochester pianos are good and should yield a fine instrument with a full restoration.

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon

Mr. Reiter,

If you truly have a Steinway B from the 1020's you should donate it to the history department as there are so few left from the time before William the conqueror invaded England. The physics department may want to have a look at it as well for possible evidence of temporal disturbance. As for the M&H BB, the bones of the Rochester pianos are good and should yield a fine instrument with a full restoration.

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon

Karl and Paul--thank you for pointing out the error on the date.  Apparently this Steinway was built sometime between the Hydraulis and the Dolce Melos!!!  Ok, OK the 9 IS close to the 0!!!   Gimme a break!!  Thanks for the clever comments.  LOL

Many thanks for the all the good (more constructive) comments.  Of course, the jury is still out on the subject.  

One of the other issues to consider is the outcome vs. the expense vs. risk.  Sometimes as we all know things don't turn out as expected and the concept of risking the schools funds can get a bit dicey.  The lower risk is of course to purchase something more suitable for the dance studio.  Surely the Steinway B in the other dance studio doing rhythm duty is overkill and a misapplication of resources.  

The serial number of the BB is 83360 so puts is very late in the run just before the 1980s.  Surely the action, including the back action, need to be replaced and the clue about the capstan location will not doubt be key to the outcome.  The piano is currently serviceable as it sits save for the dampers.  It has broken a few strings in the usual areas.  Tone and sustain as very good esp. considering the condition of the original Aeolian hammers.  AND I finally found the troublesome buzz in the mid-treble.  Turned out to be a loose leg plate on the dolly.  What a search that was!!

I am drafting a letter to the dean regarding the above with all the options and hopefully broken down into plain English.  Dance will have a voice as well so will go through all the normal levels if hierarchy to get to the end.  

Will keep y'all posted.

Mike

Mr. Reiter,

If you truly have a Steinway B from the 1020's you should donate it to the history department as there are so few left from the time before William the conqueror invaded England. The physics department may want to have a look at it as well for possible evidence of temporal disturbance. As for the M&H BB, the bones of the Rochester pianos are good and should yield a fine instrument with a full restoration.

Looking for some opinions on the disposition of one of our pianos.  

We have a M &H BB at the U of Oregon currently being used for dance accompaniment.  It is worn out even to the point of the damper flanges making noise.  It has it original strings (well most of the them) with the usual breakage in the treble.  The piano is reasonably stable and somewhat difficult to tune due to the extreme angle of the strings in the treble.  It is in tolerable condition at present.  We have acquired, free to us, a Baldwin SF-10 to replace it through the purchase of a local campus.  Too convoluted to get into here but we had the piano refinished and put on a new set of hammers, S&F so will be in first class condition after much work with the action.  

The question is what tot do with the M&H?  I have rebuilt two of these instruments with somewhat mixed results.  As we all know there are multiple issues with this era of M&H (hate to say that over a public forum).  The issues are not insurmountable but are the numbers worth the time/expense when we maybe could or should trade it off on something more current or higher up on the quality scale.  Perhaps use it in a studio for accompaniment?  Percussion studio?  

I will mention also that there is a  1020s era Steinway B with a case that is thoroughly thrashed which I would love to get into the shop for a redo.  I just have difficulty letting go of ANY Steinway from the inventory but would not think so hard about the M&H but......it's a M&H BB!!

Have any of you faced similar situations and how did you deal with it?

Mike Reiter

University of Oregon