As I posted previously I have a very run-down 1921 Chickering Ampico
upright in storage in Michigan, which I'm considering scrapping due
to its condition and the fact that it would cost $1,000 to have it
moved down to where I live and up the eight external steps that lead
into my living-room.

Today I went to look at a Weber Duo-Art baby grand, I'm guessing
5'4" or smaller.  From the back of the instrument to the front of the
keyboard it was 68".  I forgot which angle to measure a grand from in
order to determine its size.

 [ A humorous piano tech said the length of a grand piano equals
 [ the width of the doorway that a Polish piano mover needs!  ;-)
 [ The 68" piano is 5'8" total length, which is 5'2" for the basic
 [ piano plus 6" extended case for the Duo-Art spoolbox.  -- Robbie

The Duo-Art is completely un-restored, mahogany cabinet.  As a person
with little experience on piano restoration, but relatively proficient
player piano (and pipe organ) rebuilding skills, would you recommend
I buy this piano?  It is local and could probably be bought and moved
into my living-room for $1,000 or less.

I'm also curious as to the expected costs for materials in making
a reproducing piano play again.  All tracker bar tubing will need to
be replaced as well as other hoses.  The pneumatics will need to be
recovered.  Am I to expect the pouch leather might possibly still be
at all functional?

Would anyone recommend I try to replace the hammers on a grand myself,
using hot hide glue, having never done it before?

I am anxious to get a piano, but sincerely don't want to make the
wrong decision or spend money foolishly.  I do play piano by hand and
am considering forgetting a player all together and getting a 1990s
Yamaha studio upright, but what fun is that?

Thanks to everyone for their help and expert opinions!

Damon Atchison