Is it worth paying Steinway for restoration

[bheald]

I have a 88 year old Steinway Model A that I inherited from my Mum.  It's had various bits of work done on it over the years and I'm not really happy with the sound, which is a bit dead in the upper registers and the keys are also a bit heavy.  Steinway have proposed a two phased approach: £5k in London regulating, voicing and weighting the existing action, followed possibly by a much more expensive rebuild with a new sound board.

On the one hand I don't have a problem spending money on something that gives me tremendous pleasure that will set it up for another 88 years of playing; but also keen to know that it's not a completely mad plan.  So open to alternatives, etc.

[hfmadopter]

Well a Steinway A is surely worth the treat you describe above. I think what remains is to search out if Steinway themselves really is the only source to do the task. I'm sure there are other very competent re builders in the area. Also, if Steinway is to do this task find out what % they really do themselves vs farming it out. In theory at least, they should know their own instrument best.

What you describe having done should cure your problems with the piano, if that is what you are asking.

[kalee21]

If a full restoration is needed, I suspect it is given the tonal problem you mention, why not have the entire job done back at the Steinway factory in Hamburg.  It will have to go there for a new soundboard and pinblock anyway.  Given the magnitude of the job, I would telephone or email Hamburg and discuss the project with them directly.  Do get a quote for a new action rather than just rebuild of the old one.

[g_s_223]

I would enquire how much of the proposed work is done wholly locally and in-house, and ask if you can visit the workshop to see where such restorations are done. I have heard it said that some brands accept restoration jobs which are then shipped out to Poland/Czech Republic/etc for the work to be done there. Obviously a big profit is had at someone's expense. Of course also you would ask for references from satisfied customers, which you would follow up and verify.

If you PM me, I can recommend a very competent London-based piano technician who could give you a completely independent assessment of your options.

[musicprinter]

I have had two Steinway pianos restored by Steinway - one a Model A (1896 in black) and one a Model O (1907 in rosewood). On both occasions the work was done to the highest standards although it was quite expensive. I would certainly ask them for a quotation. Good luck!