I am the proud owner of the instrument in my tagline.

In the process of looking for a piano I became quite intrigued by the inner workings and manufacturing process for both new instruments and restorations. One of my reasons for purchasing an older instrument, besides the cost/quality ratio, was the opportunity to learn a little about restoration and doing my own repairs.

What I have in mind: the action is original, and does work quite well albeit with a few "clacky" keys - probably worn felt I need to replace. The idea is that, with proper maintenance, major repairs can be staved off. I like the feel of the action, and have no intention of replacing it with a modern one. I'd like to learn some of the basics of rebuilding and repairing and keep as much of the instrument to original specs as possible. Obviously hammers and strings are the exception.

My question is this: Besides the obvious sources from Google how can I gain an avocational working education about such things as the grade of felt to use, type of glue to use, how to remove old glue, history of piano manufacturing, and piano restoration in general?

Any tips - books, websites, particularly on restoration - would be appreciated!

Don't underestimate what is involved in learning about pianos. Piano technology is a life-long study. Many techs here on the list have been at it 20+ years, and we are still learning.

Learning piano technology to fix up one piano - one which is well over 100 years old and should probably have been rebuilt decades ago - is a bit like getting a pilot's licence to make one flight.

But if you are really interested, get in touch with the PTG
www.ptg.org

Also, search this forum, as the question "how do I learn ..." comes up regularly.

Very good, I appreciate the response and do realize that there is just so much to learn and have no false aspirations of learning overnight what has taken others decades. Still in deciding to keep the original action I assume responsibility for its upkeep as many techs won't work on it. That was a risk I took and one I am comfortable with.

That site should keep me busy for awhile - fascinating material. Thanks.

There is no reason you can't study and learn how a piano works and do some adjustments and repairs as long as you aren't worried about perfection to begin with. The PTG recommendation is a good idea.

I also recommend a book called: Piano Servicing, Tuning, and Rebuilding by: Arthur A. Reblitz.

A good starting book to see if you are still interested. It's written at a very accessable level and is interesting reading if nothing else.

I believe you can find it on Amazon and others.

...and here:

http://ptg.org/resources-books.php

See also:

http://ptg.org/becomingATech.php

--Cy--