Rebuilt vs. New?

[jr11]

I am curious as to whether people would consider or prefer top quality rebuilt instruments to new. I have a 1915 Mason & Risch 165cm grand that was re-built about 20 years ago, and I have yet to find a new stock piano to equal it's tone, touch and beauty. I am told that because of high labour, shipping costs and lack of affordable wood stock that many corners must be cut on today's instruments. Certainly the ornate carving is a thing of the past. All comments appreciated. Thanks!

[xvimbi]

A "worn-in", time-tested, stable piano is worth more than a brand-new one nobody knows how it is going to turn out. If the sound and touch are to your satisfaction, and there are no imminent problems requiring costly repairs, I'd guard this thing of beauty with my life (or, prefereably, with somebody else's).

[Axtremus]

Some thoughts:

1. For every "top quality rebuild," there are probably ten "low quality rebuild" that wouldn't match up to new pianos using a comparable scale design. It's the skill of the rebuilder that's the primary determinant.

2. Do you know if the rebuilder has modified the scale of the your piano during the rebuilding process, perhaps using modern scale design theories not available in 1915? Used a modern set of action rather than refurbishing the old ones? Used hammers made out of wool processed with modern techniques? Put in new soundboard and pin block manufactured using modern techniques? Used modern glue and finishing material not available in 1915? Employed modern piano building tools and techniques not available to 1915 craftsmen? In other words: how much of your piano is original all the way back to 1915, how much of it is modern?

3. And then there's a matter of personal preference for sound and touch.

Look up Steinway and Sons' patent portfolio since 1915, it's available on their website, and there are MANY patents. Other piano manufacturers must have their patents as well. Granted some piano patents are aimed to lower manufacturing cost. Still, have all those patents/inventions really not improved the "state of the art" at all since 1915?

That said, I agree with you that the planet is running out of certain types of wood traditionally/conventionally considered "best" for sound boards.

In any case, you are lucky indeed to be in possession of an instrument that you hold in such high regard.

[Hmoll]

What Axtremus said is pretty much true.

There isn't much cutting of corners in high end piano manufacturing today, and there's a wide variety of quality in rebuilds.
I suspect your piano that was rebuilt 20 years ago will be ready for some serious work soon.

Pianos are not like violins or fine wine - they do not get better with age. They are under an incredible amount of stress, have thousands of moving parts, and do not last forever.

All else being equal, I would go for a new piano every time.