As some of you know, I have a Mason & Hamlin upright screwstringer piano that was originally built in 1889. I had my tuner in this morning, but the piano did not end up getting tuned. It needs a good bit of work done on the action as well as a few more things. He doesn't feel as if he can do the repairs it needs. He did give me the names of two techs who should be able to do the work. I'm going to have them come and give me estimates. I don't know what to think. I love my piano, but if it's going to cost a lot to get it fixed up.... I know I can't afford to buy a new one right now, and I'm not sure I want a new one. Did I mention that I love this piano???

Good thing I also have the digital, as it looks like, at least for the short term, I'll be using that a lot.

Sorry to hear about your M&H. You're fortunate though that your tech at least was honest enough to admit that the repairs were beyond his capabilities rather than just wade in and make a hash of it.

With luck, one of the other techs will be able to do whatever work is necessary and perhaps even stage it in a way that does the most "bang for the buck" repairs first with follow-ups to do the rest later.

Good luck (and it's a good thing you bought the digital!)

Oh, that's so sad, Mak! Here's hoping the estimates won't be too high.

aww... i loved my ancient Steinway.. may it rest in peace wherever it is.. pic below.

i worked on it for years w/ techs and gave up after i realized my skills needed a more responsive piano. i found it not worth the investment.. most of us only have so few piano dollars alloted in our lives.

i fought against selling my piano for years and truthfully in retrospect am very glad i did.

i wish you peace

Yes, that is one of the reasons I like him so much- he's always been honest about the piano and what can or can't be done.

I'm hoping that the repairs can be done as you suggest- what's truly necessary right now and the rest a bit later. I've left messages with the two recommended techs. We'll see what they say.

Maybe you could do like Johnny Cash did with that Cadillac he sang about...I mean, you do attend the M&H tours and you live pretty close JK Mak...here's to some better news...

You mean I can "get it one piece at a time"? ROFL Good one- hadn't considered that... Hmmmm, now where did I put that big backpack????? Oh, say- you wouldn't happen to be drivin' out here in a motorhome, wouldja??

Sure, you love your old piano but...

When you have the quotes, compare those with the price of a more modern used piano. There may not be a huge difference. Once you get your hands on a new baby, you might love that even more.

And now that you have the digital, you need to ask what is the purpose of the old girl? For you to play, or to just look pretty?

If you want to play, it would do no harm to start looking for a replacement. It might actually be fun -- hope your old piano is not offended by your infidelity

geezh, MAK, sorry to hear this.

Just in case you have a change of heart, there is an 1889 Chickering grand (6'3") for sale on craigslist; totally rebuilt in 1993. She's a beauty!! I've been trying to talk my sister into coming down to try her out with no luck.

There aren't any pics online but I contcted the owner and she forwarded me a few. If you'd like, I'll fwd them to you in an email!!!???

BTW, how long have you owned the M&H? I owned a very old (1900) very small Trowbridge baby grand for 30 years. Broke my heart when I had to let her go (pinblock failure).

bruceee- Yes, I know- it may well be "that time." It's just that I love to play that piano- the sound, the feel, everything about it speaks to me. But, yes, all things have their life span, including pianos. I will evaluate once I know what it will cost to repair this one.

Terry- I wish on the Chickering. Unfortunately, I have no place to put a grand in this house. If I could convince hubbby that we don't NEED the living room (sofa? TV? who needs that!!), I could knock down a wall and then... But, no, upright would be the way I'd need to go.

I've had the M&H for more than 20 years. Our oldest daughter learned to play on her- from age 5 till she graduated high school. Middle daughter took lessons for a few years and dropped it, but can still read music to a small extent. Youngest daughter tried piano, didn't work for her and is now giving guitar a go. And now I play - or attempt to, anyway. So the M&H has been played well. We'll see what the techs say, I guess.

Well, one of the techs came out to look at the piano today. It's actually pretty good news. He pulled the action out and poked and prodded a while, played up and down the keyboard, checked the soundboard, pedals, dampers, etc. And said that (for it's age) the old girl is in excellent shape, really. As far as he can tell right now, repinning the action should do it, unless something shows up once he gets the action apart. But he really didn't think there would be anything significant. He was really impressed with the condition of the ivories- there are 2 with decent chips and one with a tiny chip. And the case is in good shape, too. Well, duh- I take care of that piano!!! It's not too badly out of tune, either, but that's one of the really nice things about a screwstringer. It holds a tune really well.

So, the repair should be a couple hundred. I was quite relieved. I have been trying to get hold of one more guy, just to get a second opinion, but so far, no luck. If I can't get to him soon, I think we will go with this fellow.

*Phew* Talk about relief!

That's great news, Mak! I'm glad you'll be able to keep the old gal around longer.

I take it that we won't have to help you out next week at the tour??? lol

GOOD NEWS

Not this year.....

glad it all worked out Mak

Great news!!

Mak, I'm so relieved that you will be able to keep your dear old piano. I was really worried for you; yes, I could hear all the sensible advice, but then I could hear your heart crying out even more loudly.

It's best to play an instrument you really love.

maryrose- you hit it exactly. I knew all the stuff that people were saying already, of course. My head was telling me it was an old piano and may have hit it's life span. My heart was telling me "I don't care! This is MY piano!" I'm just glad it did not have to come down to a choice.