Dear MMD Folks:

I am going out later this week to take a look at a Steinway Duo-Art
which has come out of a Beverly Hills Estate. The seller says the piano
is playing, but not recently restored and has no info on its repair
history. It supposedly has new bass strings and is in a plain double
legged case 6'3" with matching bench. My Bowers encyclopedia tells me
that this would make the piano an XR?  The price is reasonable -- around
$5,000. Since it's been over a decade since I've owned or bought a grand,
I'd like to pose a couple of questions to our knowledgeable piano techs:

   1. How can a lay person tell the condition of the bearing, bridges
      and sound board of a Steinway grand. What should one look for
      (other than obvious cracks, shims, etc in the board, buzzing notes
      etc.)

   2. I'm aware of changes in the tubing routing in later Duo-Arts and
      some Ampico B drawers grafted onto late 30's Duo-Arts, but my
      main concern is identifying "hack" restoration work. Any tips on
      this?

   3. Any warnings, thoughts, etc. on buying a Steinway Duo-Art from
      those who own or service them?

   4. Can anyone recommend a good reproducing piano tech in the Los
      Angeles area. Since Hayes MacClaren moved to Southern Indiana,
      I don't know anyone and would appreciate a tip.

Thanks.
- Marc S.