5/10/10 * Question; 

I have  a Baby Grand Piano.   It’s  going in our family room which has surround sound for the television.   When the surround sound is on or if there is lots of noise in the room the vibration moves the keys which in turn the piano makes sounds.   Is there a blanket of some sort that can go inside the piano when not in use so this doesn’t happen.  I looked on line but was not able to find one.   I was concerned about using a regular blanket and though there may be some sort of muffler or barrier I can put inside. Thank you for your time in responding. Cheryl

Reply here

Hi... I'm in Huntington,NY 11743,& have a Yamaha electric portable baby grand CP-70b. Still pretty well in A440 tune even though hasn't been tuned in maybe 35 years! Lower octave needs tuning,though. So,I would like to get a full tuning done,but I'm afraid to let someone who has never done one of this PARTICULAR model before. Is there ANYONE in my area experienced with THIS instrument? I wouldn't want someone inexperienced,that would end up breaking strings,or otherwise causing more problems than good!  Or am I being overly concerned?   b3mikeforst@aol.com  

I would suggest you have a Tuner-technician out to look at it-- if it is good, you'll recoup your expense at the sell.  You'll have a professional's word to back your opinion up.

Many people who don't know about pianos, will try to sell thinking they have a "good" piano that "just needs tuning" - and it turns out not to be the case.

You said it's a 1916 -- while I'm sure it's been "Reconditioned" at some

point-- it still could (probably) needs extensive work.

It's best to have a tech's appraisal - it will get you more in the end, if it is a good piano.

Sorry, it's just not possible to do appraisals without being able to look the piano over.

- Rick Parks (Tuner-Tech)

Parks Piano Service (Weston, ME)

www.parksandsonspiano.com

RE: 2/11/10

Truthfully,

Since the economic slowdown, a lot of people have been unloading their pianos and it is a buyers market.

If you want to get anything for it, it had better be in well maintained condition.

Sincerely, Michael Stumpf certified piano tuner/technician since 1987

i have a 1908 william tonk @ sons automatic upright in great condition.  It was convered to electric and stil plays great.  It came with about 25 song rolls and plays all of them.  I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about this piano, parts, value, or anything will be helpful.  Thanks -Paul

1/24/10 * Question;

Does anyone know, about how much it cost to tune a piano and to fix a few keys that don’t play?

Some one has offered me a free "Cable" baby grand piano. It is white, has some obvious chips in the finish along some edges. There are three keys sunken. The part that strikes the string appears to be broken off. Overall it has a pretty good sound, but knowing nothing about this type of piano I'm not sure if I am biting off too much. I obviously know little about them. I have a daughter who has been playing our upright for nearly eight years and two others beginning. I'm wondering if it is worth the TLC or if the repair would out way the end value. Moving it and exterior restoration will not be an issue for us. Thank you.

Reply here

RE: 1/23/10 The Cable is typically a good pedigree, Obviously you don't want to get a big problem, when you can more easily get a piano that is in better shape to begin with.

>From what I see that you have outlined here, there doesn't seem to be

>too much

to be concerned about. But ideally a trained technician would do a thorough evaluation.

my price for an evaluation in the Hampton Roads, VA vicinity would be $150.00.

A thorough refinishing job for a grand piano would be about 3,500.00 . Keep in mind having done both, I can tell you it is easier to paint a 3 bedroom home, that it  is to do a thorough grand piano refinishing job.

SIncerely, Michael Stumpf Certified Piano Tuner/Technician since 1987 michaelastumpf@yahoo.com

I have a old Chickering baby grand ( late 1800's I believe) that we found in a church about 30 years ago.  I was in the process of having it restored/reconditioned when we moved.  At the time is was given new hammers, dampers, pins, felts, keys and strings. The case is not in good condition and the fall board is missing. Twenty years later it is still in the same condition, only now a string breaks about once a week.  Do not think that I have the money to restore it and was wondering if there is anyone in the Hampton Roads, VA area that might have any suggestions. 

1/11/10 * Question;

I have a Wurlitzer 73 key acoustic piano. The serial number is: 371267. I would like to know what year it was manufactured and where, what type or style it is and any other information about this piano that is available. It is in very good shape and has been recently tuned and sounds great. Thank you for your assistance. Patty

12/23/09 * Question;

My wife and I inherited a piano made by the Shaw Piano Company of Erie PA. The piano was left behind from the previous owners of our house (we saw it as one of the signs that we should buy the house since our last name is Shaw). We are in the process of having some work done on the action so that the piano is usable. There was no bench or stool with the piano. Does anyone know if the Shaw Piano Company sold benches or stools with its pianos? If yes, does anyone happen to have a link to pictures of a Shaw piano stool or bench? I'd like to take a crack at replicating a stool or bench from the same era as the piano.

Thanks,

11/20/09 * Question;

My Mason & Hamlin Grand, which was moved from Boston to San Francisco a few years ago, has developed small cracks in the bridge that I had not been aware of until the tuner showed them to me yesterday.  He recommends using super glue to stop the cracks from getting worse.  Is that a good idea?  Is it necessary?

Reply here

RE: 11/20/09

Greetings.

I saw your posting on your Mason and Hamlin piano bridge cracks. Super glue can work fine. Obviously there are other things to consider. How bad are the cracks? Is the bridge cap coming de-laminated from the bridge base? How far have the side bearing pins moved? and so on. You have a terrific piano and need to consider that it is probably worth investing whatever it takes to do it right.

Michael A. Stumpf, DaCapo Certified Piano Service, Richmond. Virginia (804)291-1120 

11/17/09 * Question;

I am looking for a player piano repair person. I have a 1914 Stroud in need of some repairs. The late great Michael Kitner of Carlisle , PA repaired the complete inside workings of this piano in the mid 80's. 

the material on all of the bellows have become very stiff. Mr. Kitner replaced the large bellows, he never got to the piano key bellows before he passed away.

I would like to have this repaired as well as checking the moving parts looked and having the piano tuned. The piano worked well before the problem with the bellows.

I would like to have someone come and look at it and give me a estimate the costs.

if you would like to respond to this mailing please put (Player Piano) ins the subject matters.

Thank you,

  Sandie

The piano is located at my home;

Sandie  sandie@pa.net

Shippensburg, PA 17257

10/18/09 * Question;

I'm trying to find the plastic parts to a Kimball grand pedal lyre

The plastic parts hold the pedals in place and one end broke off

Kimball went out of business in the 90's so this might be hard to find 

Daryl Durand ddurand@kc.rr.com

Interested in getting estimates on a piano move/tune.  Local move, Seattle's eastside. Thanks!

Reply here

Hi I recently receive a piano in a demolition job of an old home. It says it is a “SHAW PIANO COMPANY ERIE PEN.” The serial numbers are 6604. The hammers inside say that the patent is Nov 26, 1878, it appears in good condition all the keys work, it needs to be tuned and the exterior finish needs to be redone, any value to this old beast?  I appreciate any help.  Eddie

Need some help.  I have a Mason and Hamlin piano that has been passed on to me through family.  Above the serial # is the letters “AR”.  I didn’t think Mason and Hamlin made a model AR.  It’s A or AA I thought.  Any thoughts?  Thanks 

9/17/09 * Question;

You are my last resort!  I have been trying for find out to set a resale value on a digital piano.  I have contacted the place of purchase, the Yamaha Corporation, E-Bay, Craig's List, etc. on and on, trying to find how to put a value on a Yamaha PF-1000 Digital Stage Piano.  It has a bench, discs, headphones, and was never used!  This belonged to Mom who never used it, and it ended up being stored in a climate control facility and looks like brand new. No scratches, honestly, never used!  What would the value of this be, so far no one in the family wants it.  Please, any help????

I just bought a Nordiska upright and one of the keys (E key just left of middle C) makes a tinny ringing sound after you release the key.  The store we bought it from was out to my house to tune and voice the piano, but said that all pianos make that sound.  My kids have been playing on their piano teacher's piano all summer long and I've never heard her piano make that sound from any key.  He said it's where the brass strings end, and that's why it makes that noise.  I don't believe him and am looking for a resolution for this. 

Can anyone tell me if my piano is suppose to do this and if not, how can it be fixed. Thank you, JoAnn

I would like to know a good local technician that can rebuild a Winter upright.  Up til about a year ago it was in fine shape.  Needs restrung, peddle, and pad work, at least.  Either, in home or shop is ok.  Would like to get estimate so I can have this ready for my mother by Christmas. Myles  386-409-2674 if no answer, please, leave message.

Reply here

8/26/09 * Question; 

Does anyone have a recommendation for a tuner in Rapid City, South Dakota?  I have a new Mason & Hamlin AA that has been customized a bit by PianoCraft in Gaithersburg, MD. 

Elements of customization:

* Individually tuned aliquots.
* Custom hammer weight
* Optimized hammer strike point
* Full action regulation - Multiple passes
* Action geometry analysis
* Create "Dynamic Response Action" with custom mass pattern
* Voicing - Custom tone build
* Voicing - Mass load bridge
* Voicing - Voice soundboard ribs 

Thank you,
Rodney Michael

Reply here

Is it necessary for an Arkansas piano tuner to obtain a (Form W-9) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)?

RE: 8/24/09  A W-9 is a form people want you to fill out if they pay you more than $600 for the year. A TIN isn't really necessary, just fill out the W-9 with your SSN. Melissa Hernandez, Enrolled Agent

I'm looking at a Strauss upright with serial number 92434.  Where can I find information about the origin, age, parts for this piano?

Thank-you, Mike

I have a dismantled 1898 upright Steinway piano.  Any advice on what to do with it?  Thanks!

8/7/09 * Question;

I just bought a 4 year old J Strauss & Sons piano and got it tuned ASAP because it was an hour and 45 minute move -- and of course, that piano got  taken apart,  etc., during that  move. Should I have the PLAYER PIANO mechanisms, fitted underneath the piano, checked out also? There is some slight buzzing and  fantastic Registered Piano Tech John Gundersen from Neptune, NJ said that the Player Piano mechanism, underneath, may be the culprit, causing some vibration. He did an excellent piano tuning job. Sincerely, Michele Spadaro, BA, MA Music  Ed., Jersey Shore resident

Reply here

8/6/09 * Question;

Hi - I recently bought a Shaw upright (Erie, Penn'a on key cover) with Wessell, Nickel and Gross patent stamp Nov. 20, 1878 on action at a rummage sale for $40. It's in pretty good shape, all things considered

- has two missing hammers, needs some TLC. Anyway, I know it's pre-1900 because of location.  Serial number is 12207 - anyone know what year of manufacture is? Thanks!

5/31/09 * Question;

Can anyone give me some information about Kirschner uprights and Wilking pianos? Are they of decent quality in general (if well maintained, I understand)? Manufacturing history? Also, is the use of aluminum instead of steel a reliable construction for uprights?

Reply here

I am contemplating the acquisition of a piano that is being offered for free. The ad is as follows:
 
"upright wurlitzer, former iu piano, one key sticks a little, needs tuned..."
 
IU is a local reputable university. I understand the need for a tuning, but the issue of a key sticking, what kind of problems might this be signaling? How serious could this be, potentially? I have not yet seen the piano, but would like to be a little better informed about spotting potential money drainers/worthless instruments.  

Reply here

RE: 5/21/09

Hi, Your piano key sticking problem is a humidity problem where the piano should be in a place of a constant 45 percentage of humidity using perhaps a Holm 4 gallon humidifier. If the key sticks constantly whether dry air or humid air is around it then the key needs to be taken out and shaved a bit and shimmed. If it is a temporary problem you can put the key under the front lip up and out to loosen it.

Not  really a costly problem if you call a technician in your area that is CERTIFIED. 

Kathy in Canon City, CO

3/20/09 * Question;

Where can I find the material used on player pianos bellows? My bellows ripped apart and I need to replace the material. I need a PC. 4"X 30" long. Please advise

Richard Masse

Essex Jct. VT

Reply here

1/15/09 * Question;

We were given a 1952 Shoninger Spinet and wanted to use it as a starter piano for our kids.  Once we looked at it closer we discovered that more than 20 of the plastic elbows were broken.

I have seen advertisements online for Vagias Elbow Replacement parts.  The adds seemed to indicated that a person can replace them on their own.

Here are my questions:

Do these replacement parts work?  Should I try to do it myself or get a tuner to do it?  If it requires a tuner, would it cost more than the worth of the piano?

Thanks, Connie

Reply here

Hi Connie,

The replacement elbows do work; however, I would recommend that you hire a technician to do the work. Removing the action from a spinet can be challenging. It is generally not to expensive to have done and worth doing if the piano is in good shape otherwise. Call some technicians in your area and ask what they would charge to make an assessment of the pianos condition and replace the elbows if there are no other major problems.

             Allen Daniels

           Daniels Piano Restorations

12/15/08 * Question;

We have an upright player piano.  A tuning schedule inside is first dated 11/08/1916.  The piano was made by the Shaw Piano Co in Baltimore MD.  We were wondering what year.  The number inside is #24607.  It plays, but needs tuned.  The inside player parts are still there but the bellows are dry.  Thanks.

Reply here

RE: 12/15/08

Hi!
 
I saw your inquiry about the Shaw upright piano you have.  You were wondering how old it is. 
 
I also have a Shaw piano, but its place of manufacture is Erie, Pennsylvania, and it was bought by my great grandmother, brand new in 1896.   It is a beautiful mahogany upright grand, well made with a fine quality sound board, with ivory keys, and it still plays very well.
 
I looked up the Shaw company and found that it was bought by a Baltimore man and moved from Pennsylvania to Baltimore in 1900.  So that is your window of time.  Yours was manufactured in 1900 or later.  That's all I know.  I hope you enjoy your old treasure.
 
Sincerely, Art Watson

RE: 12/15/08

I recently saw your question regarding your Shaw piano. The previous responder was absolutely correct about the Shaw Piano Co. In 1900 it was purchased by Chas. M. Stieff, Inc. and moved to Baltimore, MD. The serial # 24607 shows that it was manufactured in mid 1911. I hope this helps. 

Steve Francis, Tustin, CA

11/24/08 * Question;

Does anyone know about the Mason&Hamlin/symetrierand?

It is being offered for free with these comments from the owner:

 This piano was used by my children for piano practice. Both of them are now in their thirties. The piano was used in a jazz club, in Harlem, for years when I purchased it.

please note that it hasn't been played in over 15 years so it needs some work

Please add your comments about this. should I stay away from this deal?

jk

Reply Here

I need the opinion of a professional.  I recently purchased an older piano and called up a tuner to come out.  I also explained to him that it was an old upright that needed a wire string replaced and that we were going to use it as a starter piano. I inquired about what it would cost me. He told me $99 to tune it and $30-$50 to replace the string.  I said fine, just do it. 

He came out while I was at work and told my wife everything that was wrong with the piano and the costs involved if we wanted to bring it up to pristine condition.  He kept talking and explaining to my wife about all the options and ended up staying 2 hours.  My wife was courteous and listened and of course we declined on everything except the tuning.  He told my wife that it was a third string and not worth replacing  He then brought the piano up to pitch and said he would be back in a month to tune it.   He charged us over $200 and wrote down consultancy and education in the bill.  

I did not ask for a consultant.

I was not told there would be a fee for that or that he charged by the hour.   My question to you is.  Is bringing a piano up to pitch a separate fee? Or is that part of the tuning process.

To pay someone over $300 to tune a piano was not what I agreed to.  Please tell me what is standard in your profession.

Reply here