In the last Digest DL Bullock wrote:

> All this work merging pianos is fine if you like, but what a waste.  I
> consider this whole idea as wasteful laziness. I see absolutely no
> reason for this sawing, notching and fitting parts from one piano to
> another

OUCH! what a response.

 D.L. you are assuming the parts  from the piano I used was The prime
example of a restorable unit. I assure you, it was a shell of a unit, with
many major parts missing. I doubt you would have even bought one in that
condition!

I certainly don't have 100+ pianos to pick the ones I would pefer to
restore. I take pleasure in taking a bunch of junk (some if it the
rebuilders throw out and some of them have no doubt laughed at me after I
left with the absolute worst they had) an turning it into a beautiful
musical instrument.(the laughs stop once they hear it play I have
noticed.)

 Honestly, you have no seen either of these units, and do not understand
 the circumstances.  If you have any _constructive_ suggestions I am all
 ears.

You wrote:

> All this work merging pianos is fine if you like, but what a waste.  I
> consider this whole idea as wasteful laziness.

 "All this work" or "wasteful laziness" which is it? It cant be both.
wood deteriorates like anything else. it must be replaced if it reaches a
certain point, paticuarly in the area that bears tension. I have
absolutely no desire to risk having a badly rotted strung back pull apart
and seriously injure Chris or I while chipping.

Then again. you have to consider what the piano will be worth.  Do you
think a restored upright would sell for $15 thousand?

Both of these pianos had major problem. neither of them had enough to
rebuild both. not even close. Nor would I rob a restorable unit of parts
either.

> it is a waste of your time, because all you are doing
> is putting off the inevitable, you might have 2-5 years left in this
> action or that soundboard, but it all WILL have to be restored before
> too long.

you must have missed my last posting where I said

> After this is done, the piano will be restrung, and the nickel plating,
> hammers, butts and damper felts replaced.  And anything else that looks
> questionable.  When the piano suits me, and only when it does, we will
> rebuild and install the Ampico.

2-5 years????? It will last the rest of my lifetime

Sometimes we have to look about us and face economic realities, but the
end result will be the same. it will be a fine piano It will sound like
it should and play as good an any other Ampico A out there. Originally
it wasn't a Ampico either, it was an empty player.

Best Regards
Andy & Chris Taylor
Tempola Music Rolls
http://home.swbell.net/tempola/index.htm