The piano is getting closer to completion. The sound board has been shimmed and the body has been stained. We were very surprised at the deep red color, as we had seen several other rosewood pianos that were much lighter. It turns out that in 1871 they were using old growth Brazilian Rosewood, some of which had that rich color with the black heavy grain pattern. The next step will be the clear finish coats (lots of them) which will smooth the grain and bring in the gloss.
You can see the "new" legs, which actually look like they belong. Now we just need the cheek molding carved and the woodwork will be close to finished. That process has started and we could have the piano by mid July.
They also have all the new strings, keytops, and have almost completed the rework of the action.
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