Hi all,

could anybody give me an estimation of what a complete refurbishing (as in sanding down all the old laquer and apply completely new layers) for a Steinway B would cost? The instrument is in such a shape that a real thorough treatment is needed.

I have no idea at all, and most workshops over here outsorce them to car-painters. What could such a complete treatment cost? I just need some kind of reference before I get the offers in. This is me acting completely as a middle-man, but I really would like my customer to get reasonally quotations.

Between $7,000 and 14,000 depending upon your location

It depends on the calibur and quality level of the refinisher. There are also other variables that will affect the end cost. Veneer repair,gashes,dents,cracks, missing pieces etc. are an additional premium. As for quality,there are different levels or types of even lacquer finishes. A"spray finish" and a "hand rubbed finish" are your 2 major types. Even a hand rubbed lacquer finish, there are guys that do 5 coats as opposed to 25 coats. More material the better, of course.
You also have to factor in replating of the hardware if not brass.

I had a refinisher that used to constantly complain of all this work and prep he had to address in refinishing these vintage pianos. I told him,if it didn't have all these issues than it probably wouldn't need refinishing,would it ?

Now sourcing out to car painters is a little tricky in that one doesn't see many hand rubbed satin cars. Hi gloss polyurethane is a different story. I have to admit the high end car painters have a higher standard of prep in that you don't see many Mercedes or Lexus or ? with wavey hoods.

The price can vary as curry stated.

If you are asking as a middle man, you should quote it as the price of the person who does it, plus incidental costs, plus your markup. If you do not have a person to do the work already, you need to find one before you can give a quote.

I would urge you to check year of manufacture. There were some early 70s Bs that have a casting problem with plate....

The only problem I've seen in the 70's Steinway B harp is the aestetics as for the casting being a bit crude /ruff as in "not smooth". Nothing a little or alot of bondo can't cure. You wanna see a crude casted harp,check out the harp of a late 70's Aeolian M&H or Knabe.

I have not read responses to your question. But would offer a general word of caution on doing any refurbishing of B Steinways manufactured @ 1972. There is a plate defect in those castings, makes it impossible to equalize tuning in that register... We have ditched our D, and Bs that remain are .... whatever.
SM

Thanks all,

I haven't checked the serial number, but I know that for sure that this B is older than 1980 (because I remember playing it in concert about then )

The instrument is completely restored (as in all action, hammers and strings replaced) - the outer finish leaves a lot to desire, though.

Patrick,

I hope you're not planning on selling your Yamaha. That piano sounds great. If you get the Steinway, keep the Yamaha. Looking forward to hearing your tunings, and playing, on both instruments.