A few months ago, I think I mentioned my Yamaha grand keys were making quite a bit of racket. In addition, it needs regulating. I finally called in the technician my tuner recommended. NOTE: This gentleman is highly recommended by everyone I've spoken to in the tech community here. Unfortunately he's getting up in age and may not necessarily want to take on all jobs. (I can't fault him there. Why spend your last breath on a P.O.S. piano rebuild when you can go out on something good?)
The verdict: It's shot...worn out...seen better days. ('worn out was the tech's words, the others mine). He advised starting with bushings which he knew were bad. But he said he couldn't guarantee that would get rid of all the racket. *If* he were working on it, he would start there to the tune of about $700-800. If that didn't completely clear up the problem, he'd continue to the next likely problems (I can't recall exactly what else he said was worn out because I'm not up on the lingo). He did remove a hammer/shank and suspending it, gave the hammer a nudge and it swung back and forth about 8 times. He said this amount of play was far too excessive; that it should only swing a 2-3 times. What does this mean?
All told it could take anywhere from $700-$2K to get the instrument in good shape. BTW, when asked if it needed to be rebuilt, he quickly ( and strongly) stated that was not necessary. He indicated the soundbox/ resonating unit appears to be good. The tuning pins appear to be tight and I can attest that the instrument holds tune very well. As to the action, he said the hammers are definitely *not* Yamaha hammers. But the hammer felt is not unduly worn and appears to be worn evenly.
A little history on the piano. I have not called Yamaha about the serial number since it doesn't jive with the #'s on their website and more than one technician believes it is a gray market. I believe it is a 35-40yo gray market 6ft grand. The tech could not identify the model but believes it is some type of pre-C3 model.
At the end of the day, I have a decision to make; Do I: A) recondition this piano *and* have it regulated
sell this piano and buy another used grand that has either been rebuilt, reconditioned, or is a good candidate for any of the above C) buy a new grand
One concern to me is if I opt for
. If I decide to sell it, do I have the work done on it first or just tell the buyer what I would have done if I'd keep it? I, unlike the person that sold it to me (and he knew what he was doing), am an honest person. With just the bushing job done and some regulation, I believe the piano would be more than satisfactory for the average piano buyer.
Buying new is a preferable choice to me but the quality I would want is well out of my price range right now. I know that I need to go out and play a *LOT* of pianos. After reading most of The Piano Book last night, I at least feel a little better about my judgment on a 5'10' Boston that I played recently. It would definitely be at my high end price range at this time. The Tech mentioned here said he had a 6'3' Mason Hamlin in his shop (his own project) - note he did not reveal this until I stated that I was going to check out new M&H just to see what all the hoopla is about. Also I have contact with a rebuilder that has a very good reputation. I have toured his business and a friend has highly praised his rebuild job on her 75YO M&H.
In the meantime, I need a good piano to practice on and that is suitable for recording. My piano in it's current state is good for neither. In fact I can hardly stand to play it now but have several projects that require heavy practice. It's rather depressing.
Marsha Rider
