Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > July 1999 > 1999.07.27 > 14Prev  Next


Restoration Techniques and "Purists"
By Don Teach

Is it wrong to be a purist?  Do you mean that because it's wrong when
I try to replicate what a true "craftsman" did in the 1900 to 1939
years?

Is it wrong because I _know_ hide glue is far better than any other
glue on the face of the earth for anything to do with pianos?  Is it
still in use by major piano companies because they are purist?

Could it be that because I have had to redo some idiot's white glue
mess while restoring a valuable antique Seeburg or other nickelodeon
that I now _know_ hide glue is superior?  Could it be that I have been
honored (at least it is an honor to me) to work on pianos that are in
major collections because I use the older methods and materials as the
original manufacturer?

Could experience gained over the last 40 years count for my not caring
for the newest and greatest this or that?  Could it be that I have read
everything that has ever come across my desk about glues and pianos?

Could it be I am second generation and have had to go behind the
workers that rebuilt pianos in the 1940's through today?  Sure, they
were craftsman, but they didn't know that someone would have to follow
behind them and replace the same parts again for another grandchild or
whatever to enjoy.

So why make it harder for the next generation to enjoy our pleasures
of today by using white glue, yellow glue, PVC glue, super glue or
anything else that is hell to get apart.  And while I am on my soapbox:
Why take the time to build anything that isn't going to last?

If you don't have time to do it right the first time, then when will
you have time to do it right the second time?

Don Teach


(Message sent Wed 28 Jul 1999, 02:42:58 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Purists, Restoration, Techniques

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page