Gang:  Thanks to MMD, Jon Page and the piano gods I will soon have
an Ampico action to install in my 1914 Chickering.  I have refinished
the cabinet, rebuilt and adjusted the action, so my question is, should
I restring it as well?  Being the second owner I am sure they are the
original strings.

I've discussed this with two local technicians; one said, "This old
piano isn't worth it."  I beg to differ.

The other says, "It wouldn't make that much difference."  Not having
a reference, I'm not sure.

The #1 bass string sounds more like a 55-gallon drum falling off a
truck than any kind of musical note; the rest sound okay, but I would
think they have lost some, if not a lot, of their tone qualities after
86 years.

If I re-string it, should I do the whole kit-and-caboodle or just the
bass strings?

Thanks

Tim Mattice