Fish or cut bait on 1965 Baldwin SD-6

[ellensmom]

About 15 years ago I "rescued" a 9-foot Baldwin concert grand, sorely abused by high school students and bound for the junk heap, and spent $1000 to have it fixed up and keys resurfaced. My children played it for 5 years or so, and then went off to school and adult life. Last tuning was about 5 years ago, by the kindly tech who did the original repair work and kept it limping along. He retired, no one was playing the piano, and I noticed last week that highest string was broken. Guiltily called a new guy, who came today. His prognosis was grim. He says it's all out of alignment, causing some keys to occasionally stick, and others to hit only two strings instead of all three. A large string broke during tuning, one of 3-4 strings rusty from mouse urine (before we got it, I hope!). $250 later (and that's not repairing the big $90 string) his advice-- it  "needs everything" and should be sold as is to a piano store or someone who would rebuild it completely because it is an old money suck that will not get any better just sitting in my living room being neglected. The thing is, we LOVE the piano and the way it sounds, even if it is stupid to have a 9-foot piano in our living room. We have hung onto it, thinking that our 30-year-old daughter will someday be in a house instead of an apartment and want to move it across the country. But perhaps he is right-- the market for such behemoths is not good now and promises to get worse, and we should cut our losses on this luxury we cannot afford. Any thoughts out there from other parents or grown kids? Is this akin to feeding and vetting a horse no one rides? Or should I figure hey, it's in tune now, what's the harm of hanging on another 5 years to see where we're at? I can't believe how sad I feel about all of this, as if a family member got bad news at the doctor!

[iansinclair]

Since I currently own an elderly horse which no one can ride... but still needs feed and vet and farrier... and since I also own three family Steinways, only one of which gets played with any regularity (although that one gets heavy use daily)...

I'm probably not the best one to advise you.

However, if it were I, and I had room for it, I'd keep it.  And have it tuned once or twice a year.  Eventually you might decide to have the rest of the issues attacked, but you're not aiming for concert quality at this point.

You don't say if you play yourself.  If you don't, why not learn how?  it's not that hard, at least up to a point!

[ellensmom]

I just started learning myself, with my daughter supervising via Skype, so we are still both enjoying the piano. And you are right, we don't need concert quality, and we think it sounds just fine.

[quantum]

You did a good thing in rescuing this old Baldwin.  I've played a few that were beat up, yet they still have that resonant meaty tone.  These old beauties are far superior to modern day Baldwins. 

It probably has a lot of potential to be restored, but if you don't have funds at the moment, don't sweat it.  I know someone that picked up an SD-10 ready for the junk pile to have it restored.  It is now being used as a concert instrument.  That should say something about the potential in these pianos. 

It does not appear you need a concert instrument in perfect condition.  You love it and it speaks to you, that is what matters.  I don't think it is stupid to house an instrument you love.  Keep it.  People searching for a new instrument look for one that they feel a connection with.  You already have such instrument in your home. 

You may want to make repairs gradually over time.  Have the ugent items taken care of first. 

[indianajo]

You are not going to get a lot of money for it.  The brand is bankrupt and the name is being used by an importer to sell inferior pianos, so don't expect a lot of respect from the young.   Don't worry about the needs of other students out there, the ones that are not debating the merits of Yamaha vs Pearl River brands are lusting after plastic electronic keyboards.  If you like the looks, it adds class to a living room just sitting there.  If you learn to play it, it will stretch your mind and strengthen your muscles, both of which are useful preparations for old age.  I'd get the bass string done and not worry about the action alignment; As long as keys were not sticking down.  It is not going on a concert stage, it is a home piano, and you don't need the extra volume of the third string anyway, except to balance the other notes.  The only reason to sell it would be to allow you to downsize your living space, and it doesn't sound as if that were imminent.  

[looneytuner]

Hello my name is Stephen Segarra

I Tune and Repair Pianos here in New York.
www.LooneyTuner.com

My advice to you would be to get a second opinion from another professional. Beware of hidden manipulation to get your piano into their hands or into the hands of a rebuilding partnering company. Pianos are expensive and commissions are high.

As long as your ''PLATE'' is not cracked your 9ft Baldwin could be a Rebuilders dream. It is impossible to say for sure without me playing, testing, and tuning in person but what I am saying is very probable.

Now you might be wondering why is it a Rebuilders dream?
If your piano is truly a 9ft Baldwin, once rebuilt assuming you have a professional do the work. Your piano will sound out of this world, nothing short of amazing. With 9 ft bass strings the piano is going to sound thunderous.

I recommend cleaning/Lubricating/Regulating the pianos action.
This should cost between $400.00 & $1000.00.

This way you are done with the sticky keys and should not expect any back for many years ( unless you keep your piano right next to a radiator or in a damp basement)

You can buy sometime on the string life by tuning your piano to itself rather than A440.00 This will greatly reduce the risk of breaking strings.  

Keep this piano don't sell it. Have it rebuilt when you have the funds.


I hope that was helpful goodluck with everything.
www.LooneyTuner.com