Arthur Allison 1867

[Weeble78]

Hello everyone
We have an old piano from 1867 which has been in the family for about 25 years. It appears to have woodworm in the keys. Would it be worth treating or selling? If anyone could help or advise that would be great.
Thank you
Anna

[Colin Nicholson]

Hi Anna, welcome to the forum.

It would be helpful if you could send us a photo of your piano, and possibly where you see the date? .... pianos are not usually dated when they were built, this may be when the company became established - and 1867 seems too soon. Also a good clear photo of the damaged key(s) would help.

You may need to have the insect damage inspected by a piano technician/tuner/ restorer to make an assessment - this will depend on the extent of the woodworm (if it is woodworm?) .... and which parts of the keys it has affected. Also, if the woodworm is still active or not. If the piano keys have either single or double bushings - it might not be as early as you say.

One way to cure woodworm is to FREEZE the parts in a freezer for a few days - however this depends on the key coverings? If they are ivory, they may get damaged and break. All wooden parts may need to be stripped down - removing bushings, key tops etc and put in plastic bags - the put in a freezer.

Depending on the age/ condition of the piano/ design etc.... this work may be uneconomical and cost alot to sort out professionally. I dont ever say that's "what you should do" - this is just a general guide. If your piano has suffered insect damage, then the mechanism may also have suffered.... clicking keys? .... and its expensive to have it put right.

Hope that helps.

If in doubt - sell it.... but let them know.

Colin

[Weeble78]

Hello!

Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply! That's great advice. I don't have any photos I can post on here as the piano is at my parents' house, but my father has had the insect damage confirmed as wood worm and it is pretty much throughout the keys.

The piano itself is ok, it was refurbished maybe 15 years ago although has been sitting in a damp room since then with a heater and currently sounds terrible. It was bought from the local Post Office for £30 and served as a practice piano for me while I was growing up.

Dad has said it seems to be pretty well spread so he doesn't think it feasible to take out all the keys, so he may well see if anybody would care to buy it as you suggest. I read him out your advice and as the piano is out of use anyway it may be best to pass it on.

Thanks again for your help.
Anna

[Colin Nicholson]

.... a piano with chronic insect damage.... dont inflict it on anyone, do the right thing..

here is a suggestion ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJzG7CSYg3U

[vernon]

Guy Fawkes