Luke Myers mentioned saving the original finish.  On many pianos
the original finish has "alligatored" which can be un-done with much
work.  First, the finish must be cleaned, dirt gets into the cracks
of the finish.  Then there is a product (or used to be, I haven't
looked for it in years) call "Re-amalgamator."  It is applied with
a _fine_ brush and softens the finish so it oozes back together.

After it has cured, one can polish the finish and end up with a
good-looking finish that is the original.  Do not use this over the
name-board decal though, as the decal is in the top surface of the
finish.  Results vary, but it can save an original finish and avoid
a complete refinishing job.

Don't forget that the piano front panels come off, usually the side
posts are just screwed on, the cheek blocks too-it is much easier to
work on with all the parts separated.  I have seen folks go so far
as to use a piano tilter and with the piano on it's back to take the
bottom legs loose even! This is especially useful if the tops of the
legs have some ornate carving.

Play 'em if ya got 'em!

David Dewey
Oroville, Calif.