JWMiller's Starck sounds like a perfect project piano.  There is nothing
in a piano that cannot be restored.  Many pianos that appear to not be
of any quality will, when restored (not, got-goin') have surprising and
thrilling tonal quality.  Do not judge the poor fellow on his current
and star(c)k appearance.

In the past, I have restored instruments that have even been under
water.  If it is complete (and even that is not a problem), then it
is restorable.  Ultimately though, there is no such thing as a "partial
restoration", especially if it is painted and contact papered.  It has
been simply "got-goin'".

Here's how to proceed/start:

     Not tunable?  Larger pins and restringing (or new pinblock)

     Contact paper and paint?  Stripper and lacquer (sprayed) or oil
     finish (Min Wax Antique Oil Finish.  EASILY applied by any novice.)

     Player wheezie?  New leather gaskets, new leather valve facings,
     new leather pouches, new supply hoses, new tubing, reglue with hot
     hide glue.  Clean all metal parts (gently).  Recover all pneumatics
     and supply feeders and reservoirs as well as all accessory governors.

     Bridges and soundboard loose?  Re-glue and screw appropriately.

     Veneer loose?  Match, reglue and replace.

     Wheels don't work?  Turn piano on back, tighten screws and oil.
     (99% or worst case replace or stabilize wood where attached.)

     Piano action worn and tired?  New shanks and hammers, new dampers,
     new jack springs, new felts.

     Keyboard crooked?  Level keys, check friction in keys (and action).
     Refelt (with correct thicknesses.  Front, middle and back checking
     with micrometer ANY sample in good original condition.)  Rebush keys.

     Install restored parts in restored/restrung case.  Regulate piano
     action.  Regulate action of player to action of piano.  Regulate
     roll speed governor and all accessory devices, etc.

Is all of this worth it?  Well, the Aeolian Engineers were cross-examined
during a lengthy court case in 1927.  They were asked about how long
would a player action last? (Work)  The Aeolian Engineer replied, "About
twenty (20) years."  Now this was in 1927.

Let's say you put $9000. into this piano and with normal maintenance it
lasts (functions) for 20 years.  Isn't that a better and more enjoyable
investment than the car you just paid $35,000. for and in five (that's 5)
years it will be worth nothing and in twenty (that's 20) years will
probably not even exist.  A properly restored player will more than
likely last longer than you will.  If you don't spend it on something
that will give you as much simple pleasure as this, well, I guess you
can buy a better coffin when the time comes.

RESTORE IT!  You'll be glad you did.

Robin Pratt