So, Kimberly took to the internet again to find a better way. Since we never do anything the easy way, it should be no surprise that rebuilding an old piano quickly became the route of choice. Especially since we really want a Steinway.
We located an 1871 Steinway, which after some research by Kimberly turned out to be a Style 1 Grand. It is 7'2" according to the Steinway records, but 7'4" according to a tape measure. It was originally shipped to Cincinnati on June 6th, 1871 finished in rosewood.
About 50 or 60 years ago, a rebuild changed the legs to the art deco straight spade design and covered it with a black finish. Our refit will restore the original style legs, although they are difficult to find, the fretwork music desk, and the rosewood finish. The pictures of the shiny piano in the gallery are of an 1873 slightly smaller piano that is representative of what ours should look like. The only major difference will be the color, which will be a bit more red for ours.
The blocky picture titled "Fallboard" is the logo we plan to put on the fallboard, which is the underside of the keyboard cover.
Click the image for the gallery. It's exciting to think we can breath new life into a 137 year old artwork.
By the way, we intend to have a party when it turns 150 in 13 years.
