Mason & Risch #5485 - Age?

[Lachlan]

I have just purchased a Mason & Risch, very inexpensively. I have read some of the threads in this forum and found the right serial # on the piano.

It is a Mason & Risch, serial # 5485, I was hoping someone could tell me an approximate age?

While on this topic, I have to have it moved in which it has to be turned on its side in order to get it out of a basement where it is currently stored. I am having professional movers move it, but am wondering if this will adversely affect the tuning potential or any other adverse affects?

Thanks for any answers you can provide.

[Bill Kibby]

The number suggests 1891. It is quite common to have to tip a piano on its side or back, it has no effect on the tuning unless the pins are so loose that the piano is untuneable anyway, but it may sometimes cause minor problems with pedals or notes, which your tuner should be able to sort out easily.

[Lachlan]

A couple other questions regarding this piano.

The exterior cabinet (excluding the back) has been painted. I was thinking of having it restored and wondered if it would be a good investment? Assuming that the sound board is good on this piano.

I am somewhat handy and have stripped wood many times before and worked with wood many times. I was thinking on restoring the wood cabinet myself, to save money and spend the restoration money on the musical/tuning aspects of the piano. Is this advisable?

Thank you for any suggestions or advise.

[Bill Kibby]

It is only worth spending money and effort on the woodwork if the tuner says it will be tuneable.