Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts
Posted - Apr 05 2012 : 2:28:00 PM
I will post pictures when I can but I just got a lovely old upright piano for $99 at the local ST. Vincent De Paul thrift. It sounds great and has no broken ivories. However, the finish is very bad. It has done that thing where is gets all bumpy and thick in places and the wood doesn't seem very protected...
So do I refinish it and make is new/pretty looking again or do I respect the antique finish? I am sitting in the middle of the road with either decision- What says the farmgirls?
Alee, is the bumpy and thick places from water damage? I'd love to see a picture of it first before I say yes or no. Do you know how old the piano is? Don't part with the ivory keys if they are real ivory. Can't wait to see the picture. Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3320 Posts
Posted - Apr 05 2012 : 2:40:03 PM
I used to do a LOT of refinishing, but it sounds like you have some "veneer" issues going on. If it were me? I'd consider painting it. There are some wonderful color washes out there or even a deep dark ebony!
Did you check to see if the sounding board was intact? We spent some major bucks on an old piano only to discover it was pretty much worthless because of a cracked sounding board-
Do you play Alee?
Melody Farmgirl #525
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts
Posted - Apr 05 2012 : 3:59:50 PM
Everything seems to be in good condition- it sounds good but needs a tune. I will get some pictures sooN!
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts
Posted - Apr 06 2012 : 4:00:09 PM
Lucky you, Alee. I'd like to see pics, too. Depending on the age/maker, I'm leaning toward Melody's suggestion of painting. I did that once to an old upright I bought in a thrift store.
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" 'Br.Dave Gardner'
Antique Piano- To refinish or no?
Posted - Apr 05 2012 : 2:28:00 PM
