> From: Michael Waters <mwaters@ruralnet.net.au>
> To: automatic-music@foxtail.com
> Date: Sat, 10 May 1997 23:45:01 +1000
> Subject: Knabe Soundboard Decal
>
> Does anyone know were if you can buy a replacement decal for the sound
> board on a Knabe Grand?
>
> I couldn't see one in the "Player piano Co's" list, is there somewhere
> else to look?
>
> While on the subject of the Knabe's, can any of you tech's out there
> give me any idea what cost I would be looking at to have 6'6" grand
> restored? restrung, plate reguilded, piano action rebuilt, repolished
> case, etc. (the works in other words). But not the Ampico I'm doing that.
> Only catch is you'll have to come to Australia to do it!!!  "Who wants
> a holiday here?"...

New soundboard and fallboard decals are available at:

    Decals Unlimited, Inc.
    9333 96th Street N.
    Mahtomedi, MN  55115

    Phone: (612) 429-4465
    Fax:   (612) 429-5115

Call and ask for a catalogue. They produce extremely high quality decals
for hundreds of piano brands, including those for pianos no-longer in
production. These are also the "rub-on" transfer type, making
application much easier and better than the old-fashioned varnish type.

Soundboard decals are VERY expensive, but give any restoration a look of
class and quality. Most will run in the $100.00 range, with fallboard
decals averaging around $25.00. Once applied they should be clear-coated
with your selected finish and rubbed down.

In regards to rebuilding the piano...

I am a Registered Piano Technician and spend much of my time rebuilding
grand pianos. I recently rebuilt a 7" Knabe for a client. In my
experience, most pianos in the 75+ years age range are due and deserving
of a total rebuild in order to insure reliable long-term future service.
This usually means all new action parts (I prefer Renner), new hammers
(I prefer "Able" from Germany), new keytops (unless they are salvageable
original ivories), and new key bushings. I also install a new pinblock
regardless of it's current condition. If the soundboard and bridges are
not too deteriorated they can be repaired and reused, otherwise
replacement is often prudent unless there are budget restrictions. I
also usually include a full refinishing of the case at this time while
everything is disassembled. When completed with new strings, tuning
pins, felts, etc, the piano should look and play like new. My typical
fee for this kind of work is about +/- $10,000.00, depending on a
variety of factors including whether or not the soundboard/bridges were
replaced. I believe my rates are pretty competitive and that this is
probably the price range you are looking at. If a rebuilder is offering
this kind of service for substantially less, I would get nervous about
what kind of quality workmanship and parts you are getting. Of course if
you do the refinishing work yourself, this will also bring the cost
down. Good Luck!

Rob Goodale, RPT