Regarding the Tim Mattice 1914 Chickering rebuild:  I have good friend
who earns his living by buying, rebuilding, and selling old Steinway
grand pianos.  He repairs or replaces what is needed.  He always
refinishes and restrings the piano.

He resells the pianos for more than I would want to pay, but they do
look and sound great.  The friend looks at these pianos as valuable
musical instruments, somewhat like an old violin.  If you intend to
listen to the piano after you rebuild it, restring it.

Bill Finch