Mistreated piano tale of woe

[TheGOSM]

Hi folks. It's another restoration-related problem, I'm afraid.

I own a Bluther upright piano (East German-manufacture, I'm told) which is in disastrous condition. It was bought about 25 years ago, but it has been unattended in a flood-prone, unheated and very damp house, for about 15 years. It never actually sat in water but many other wooden items in the house are quite wretched-looking due to the dank atmoshere, that encourages mould. I have a feeling that the polyester (?) finish on the piano hides a multitude of sins.

It has not been played or tuned for over 10 years. I haven't looked at it very closely but I do know that nothing comes out when you stike a key.

What do you reckon the chances are of bringing it back to life? I'm willing to spend a bit, considering that replacing it with the same make and model would cost megabucks. On the other hand, while it does have sentimental value, but I'm not made of money. Any thoughts?

[vernon]

Get a technician to look at it.
A good one will decide if the best first step is to remove the action to a drier location to dry out SLOWLY.
Similarly the keys.He will se the state of the bushings and strings etc. You may be very lucky and it is just seized up and may dry out..
However, until it is completely dry( some months) any damage may remain un -exposed.
Standing the action in the sun can work wonders. You need it looked at first.
I have a similar casualty at the present of which I have high hopes.
bw

[TheGOSM]

Ooh, do tell me about your piano. Mine was left in the care of a relative who wasn't coping very well, hence the parlous state of the environs. What happened to yours?

[vernon]

This one had been stored in a fish and chip shop on an island till it got in the way too much. Then moved into aan old damp flat and used to stored amplifiers,washing etc.I could only just see it but until I get it into the workshop I really can't assess it it's potential.
I only bought it to save it from a grave earlier than I judge it warrants..
Not a usual way of buying stock but it was made in the factory where I was apprenticed,is of a model of which I have made many and I am just wondering if I may have actually made this one! I can't tell till I have it disembowelled on the bench as soon as it arrives.
bit sentimental and daft I know