I've seen underneath the oak veneer on my piano, and it's birds-eye
maple.  Apparently it was not too uncommon in the long-ago, and was
used because of its stability, density, etc.  If I wanted to get rid
of a hardwood piano, I'd simply put it out on the curb next to a live
extension cord, with a sign saying, "Free hard maple - You cut it up",
or place an ad in the paper or online.  I know that woodworkers like
myself would love to come with a circular saw and/or reciprocating
saw and cut it up for the wood.

I'd sell the metal plate to the metal scrap yard.  They pay a couple
hundred or more per ton.  I don't have to break it up at mine, I just
have to be able to unload it myself when I get there.

Bill Mackin
Hiawatha, Iowa