Self-Restoring 1920 Steinway XR Duo-Art
By David Stankov
Hi
I have a few questions to anyone out there. I bought a 1920 Steinway XR Duo-Art Quarter-Sawn Oak Case, Butcher Wax Finish in 1981, while in college. I was minoring in Piano Technology, so the piano was completely rebuilt and refinished as part of my class project (it was painted flamingo pink and used in a bar in the 50's). The player mechanism was removed and stored very nicely, in the 50's, and has never been rebuilt. It came with 2 pumps, a "steamboat" style in a large external case (I think this is the original) and an internal rotary (too large to fit between the bracing). At one time I had all the schmatics I could find on this thing, but after 15 years some have grown legs and walked away.
I have rebuilt and refinished an early Wing & Son, 88 note, art case w/ mandolin rail, and a Mathushek Welte-Mignon (according to the s/n built in 1934). I also rebuilt, in college, a 15" Polyfon double comb box in which the lead on the bass notes had disintegrated. I own these and they play well, but I have not rebuilt anything about 10 years. I never persued piano technology as a career.
Okay, after all that, here are the questions.
1) Should I tackle the Steinway myself? (I have been discouraged by several technicians over the years).
2) Is Rebuilding the Player Piano still in print. Can't find my copy.
3) Is the player piano supply company back east still in business.
4) Can I still get reprints of the schmatics.
5) Is there a chapter of AMICA in my area. (Southern CA)
Thanks for any advice you all can lend.
David Stankov
butch@cyberg8t.com |
(Message sent Thu 26 Sep 1996, 18:48:18 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.) |
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