Estimates
All projects in my shop are done on a time and materials basis. Estimates are based on the
average unrestored condition in which a particular project is received at my shop.
This is revised every so often as time passes. It is also very difficult without completely
disassembling a unit to determine the full extent of the work that needs to be done.
There are certain conditions (listed below) under which I cannot guarantee initial estimates
or completion date; the client will be notified promptly that such conditions exist and what
additional cost the project may incur. If the customer wishes to withdraw the project there
will be charges for labor and materials plus re-assembly up to that point.
#1. Previous attempts at repair
This is becoming the most common problem with most actions; undoing the damage caused by
inexperienced or fly-by-night repairmen and the materials they used can be a real nightmare.
Also in this category is the player action that an enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer took apart,
realized that he got in over his head, or just ran out of steam. In some cases, the action
gets put in boxes and ends up in the garage or basement where parts are lost and categories
#2 and #3 come into play.
#2. Humidity, pests and overexposure
.
Humidity damage is the most common for pianos which have been in basements. Many foot pumps
that I restore have some degree of delaminating; some damage is not apparent until the cloth
is removed from the boards. In most cases I must fabricate these pieces. Moths and silverfish
do a great deal of damage causing the need to replace felt which would have otherwise been
unnecessary. Mice chew on wooden parts, their leavings can severely corrode metal parts. Storing
an instrument in a barn or unheated garage is very detrimental. Metal parts corrode, sealers
break down and wood fibers soften, making it too weak to hold screws.
#3. Missing or damaged parts
In many cases parts will be missing or damaged. Many players use white (pot) metal castings
which fatigue and crumble with age. I have a large supply of old parts but occasionally I may
need to enlist the services of a machinist or fabricate pieces myself, possibly retrofit
alternate parts if fabrication is unfeasible.
#4 extreme age and/or rarity
I have restored a number of common makes of player actions and have come to know what to
expect with each type; once in a while a project will turn up which I have not yet encountered
or is one-of-a-kind. Rebuilding procedures for these actions must be done from scratch; jigs and
templates must be made that may never be used again and quirks, which are unique to these
projects must be worked out.
#5 Price Fluctuation in Materials
Estimate Charges
Charge for on site estimate is based on traveling expenses from my shop in Woodbury.
Charge is waved if estimate is accepted at the time it is given or the client brings instrument
to the shop. Estimates are good for a period of one year.
GUARANTEE:
A one-year guarantee covers only materials and labor done by Short Mountain Music Works.
This guarantee does not extend to parts and materials that have not been replaced or modified
by Short Mountain Music Works. Any unauthorized attempt to repair the unit will void this
guarantee.
Moving & Shipping
Unless otherwise agreed upon it is the client's responsibility to arrange and pay for moving
an item to and from my shop. A recommendation of movers in the area will be provided upon
request. UPS is preferred for smaller items and will be adequately insured when returned.
Insurance
It is also the client's responsibility to insure the project for its duration in my shop
against any liability beyond my control such as fire, flood, and terrorist attack.
Payments
Up to a 30% deposit is required to proceed on all projects. Large and/or extremely labor
intensive projects may be divided into phases requiring payment after completion of each phase.
Payment in full is expected when a project is completed and before it leaves the shop.
If payment is not received within 30 days, item may be subject to storage charges.
Abandoned Projects
Any project not claimed (during the process of restoration or after completion) for any reason
after one year becomes the property of Short Mountain Music to dispose off as seen fit.
A Word On Materials
I am very proud that were ever possible, I use the highest quality authentic materials in my
restorations. Over the years suppliers, such as Player Piano Co. have introduced substitutes for
many of the basic materials used in rebuilding. Pnuematic cloth of nylon, vinyl hose, sponge rubber
valve leather replacements, polyeurathane pouches and so on. These items are aimed at inexperienced
rebuilders and first time do-it-yourselfers. Most of them fall short of expectations either
in durability or in function. In addition, some of these synthetics require adhesives which are very difficult to deal with.
Many rebuilders agree that one of the most important aspects of rebuilding is the wise use of
glues. Traditional hide glue dries rigid and gets more so with age and won't gum up sanding
belts and tools. Hide glue will also release it's bond with heat or extreme cold. Most modern
adhesives are difficult or next to impossible to remove. Some adhesives, like contact cements,
loose bonding power over time or are sensitive to solvents used in leather preservatives.
The bottom line is that a good restoration under the right conditions can last up to 25 years or more. The use of authentic materials will make the job easier the next time around.