Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/29/2006

Question
The piano is not in bad shape at all overall. The veneer is chipped off four corners, to the glue on the lower left corner next to the keys, just slightly on the lower right next to the keys, about half a Dorito on the upper left lid and just slightly on the upper right lid.  (Maybe whomever had it banged it up on the left, I don't know).  The ones on the right could probably be sanded and blended/stained and you probably wouldn't even notice.  The ones on the left need some sort of coverup, I believe.  I could take pictures, if you want.  I like your point about pianos having parts you can take off. That is very true. I talked to my dad about it and he said that he can refinish just about anything, as long as there isn't water damage or bug damage.  So, that is good.  Thank you for your advice and in advance for any more you may have! :)

Jennifer
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Followup To

Question -
I was given an Emerson Upright Piano--serial 101840.  It is in good shape overall, keys are all there and complete, the tune is good, etc, but the corners of the upper portion need to be refinished, as the vaneer is coming off.  It also has a few scratches here and there.  How do I go about doing that, while maintaining the original beauty of the piano?  I understand to have a piano refinisher do it would cost thousands, or so I have read.  My husband and father both build furniture, so I was wondering if this could be a project to undertake?  Thank you for any advice you may have.

Jennifer

Answer -
Hi Jennifer
Nice to hear from you.
Jennifer it should not cost thousands to have your piano refinished, but at least $1500.00 in my neck of the woods (Canada).
While its a time consuming job, its not that hard for me as pianos have so many removable pieces that can be worked on on my bench.
The tricky part for your piano will be the veneer repair.
Old veneer comes in so many types and thicknesses that its hard to match unless you have a supply salvaged from many different wrecks (I do).
How would the piano look just cleaned and waxed?
Or is it that bad?
Get back to me please
Eileen


Answer
Hi again Jennifer.
You are very lucky if you have a Dad that can do this work for you.
And you can certainly use wood filler where the missing veneer is. I have certainly done this when a veneer match was impossible.
It will just need a bit of extra attention when you do the staining.
Good Luck.
Regards
Eileen