Scrapping a 100 year old piano! Much scrap metal value? What else can we save from landfill?

[@mikeferguson7251]

I just finished repurposing an 1894 W.W. Kimball, Co. high top that had been abandoned outside an antique shop in north Georgia. It took me about sixteen hours to turn it into a low top and now it's going to be a stage prop for the Historic Holly Theatre in Dahlonega, GA. I now have a much greater respect for the craftsmen who built this magnificent piece. Hooah!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That's awesome Mike! Well done 😁

[@Soup____345]

This is one of the few videos of piano destruction I actually support. You took the time to look through the whole thing and salvage what you can instead of doing what other people do and burn it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes PM - it pained me to see people treat old pianos in a violent and uncaring way! Thanks for watching 👍

[@juanjusto1058]

Detesto ver

[@pats359]

Respectful autopsy of a piano, thanks. I found a free one, well cost a carton of beer for delivery. I considered disassembling but, whilst some keys don't work, it brings joy to visiting children who like to smash out a tune. Also, it makes a quirky plant stand on my front veranda. Beautifully made instrument.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

We have a community piano out the front of our shops and yes, the kids love having a go! 👍

[@bobadams1696]

Such good content. Really appreciate your work.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Bob, appreciate you watching! 👍😊

[@juliemarczak8744]

Thank you for respecting the history of the instrument❤️

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Julie, I was horrified at what some people do to old pianos!

[@nickc9092]

I have recently taken the harp and keys out of an old upright. Leaving me with the outer case. Which I have now converted into a record player and vinyl storage unit. Looks great.🙂

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Fantastic Nick, that sounds an excellent idea! I'd love to see a pic of it..

[@nickc9092]

@@TheUltimateRecyclerThanks. Hopefully this will link to a rather shaky video of my handiwork. Cheers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ25oKluZq9orqMsi=qiPUAIztBehTESUs

[@HomesteadMercantile]

This pleases men SO much! SO happy to see someone who truly appreciates what can be done using the parts from old pianos. If I was able to physically bring home all of the vintage pianos I see for free on Marketplace...I would do just that. I can't believe some younger people can't see them as art and refurbish or revamp the parts to make a living at. Hubby and I are in late 60's and early 70's and just can't do the labor. I have been made suggestions to younger people and they just stare at me like I have lots all of my marbles. 🤔

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Pamela! Don't worry - marbles are over-rated anyway! 😉🤣

[@samp619]

As a young man, I would SO help you move all the pianos. It's a shame these magnificent instruments that someone worked hard to build are getting tossed left and right.

[@onetimearound1275]

Thank you for your video- these pianos are also being made into beautiful desks- a bookshelf would be wonderful too!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching. Yes, I've seen some amazing repurposing projects using old pianos!

[@darijoe1]

Thanks for zooming into the brand and serial number. An online serial number check of this Holling and Spangenberg piano showed this was built in 1886. I wonder if anyone manufacturing it at the time would have thought it would not be disassembled for another 135 years!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That's very interesting darijoe - thanks for that. It was a little older than I thought!

[@padraicbrown6718]

When we look at this old piano, we tend to regard it with nostalgia. Perhaps grandma used to play on Sundays and the family would have a sing along. In the 19th century, there were very limited opportunities for especially village and country folk to hear music except in church or barn dances, but a piano and the latest sheet music brought Bach and Mozart and eventually Joplin and Wagner and Strauss into the home and school. For this piano's first owner and for all the musicians who played on these cheap pianos back in the day, they certainly were grand! Sadly, most of the workmen probably didn't care much at all about the pianos they were actually making. At that time, in the US at least, there were over a thousand piano manufacturers and each factory employed scores of men, and probably some women and children as well. There wasn't this idea of the loving craftsman pouring his heart and soul into each instrument made. Rather, workmen --- some skilled, many semiskilled and others day labourers --- got paid on piecework rates. This week you might be fitting all those tiny rings of felt; next week you might be gluing hammers together. The faster you worked, the more sets of hammers you could make in a day. You probably wouldn't understand how the hammer worked or exactly what it did, but by God you could glue all the pieces together in your sleep! At about $1.50 per day, it would take a cabinet maker several months of 60 hour weeks just to afford the piano he helped build! It was really no different for violins, harmoniums, clarinets, cellos and any other musical instrument. We see them in antique shops and think, gosh, that's so old, it must be valuable! The story is the same: men in a factory doing piece work making tens of thousands of little bits and bobs from wood and metal and slapping them together into relatively cheap musical instruments for the rising classes of people who could now afford them. You could buy a cheap violin for $1.85 or a parlor guitar for $2.45. A harmonium (reed organ, even more popular than the piano in mid century!) cost $24.75 while a piano could cost $225. (All US 1880s prices from Sears.) I really hope this parted out piano found several good homes! That $AUS175 (approximately half a day's wage for a low skill worker in the US in 2024) is what now represents the gruelling factory work of the lads who put it all together! Whatever its parts become, it will at least be a survivor! And perhaps as some rich bloke drops a few thousand on a bespoke drinks cabinet whose door was once part of this old piano, he'll think kindly of the lad who got paid a few cents to glue the bits together 135 years ago!

[@bluemoon472]

@@padraicbrown6718interesting history! Thank you.

[@graymouser1]

I took apart a ~1910 a few years ago as well. Generally crap wood, but veneered really lovely. Sure, it's closer-grained than anything you'll find these days, but that grain is often not the least bit straight. Still, I turned it into a new computer desk & preserved all the wonderful veneer doing it. The rest of the wood has slowly started becoming other things. My family guesses "It's part of an old piano" each christmas now.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That's awesome mate, well done! 😊👍

[@robertprieto2730]

Repurposing! Love it! Only trash is the felt left at the end-amazing

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep and I managed to find new homes for all of it - eventually!. Next time I think I'll do a complete dismantle as the sound board was the least desirable and still very heavy!

[@nesco713]

I just started to take a 1880 piano apart. Amazing how much change falls into the piano through the 🎹 . Also, the pins by the keys seem to be brass. Took all the keys out and hammer section off. Then turned it into a desk.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That's awesome! I've seen them turned into drinks cabinets as well. Nice work 👌

[@ilickcarpet]

*So* many funny remarks in this video; I found it thoroughly entertaining-so much so that I subscribed to your channel! "It's just a harmless piano...unless it falls on ya." 😆

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Haha, thanks ilickcarpet and welcome!! 😁

[@gregreilly3438]

I just finished taking apart a 1906 Winter & Co. Piano, including removing all the strings. A ton of work. It is amazing how well built it was. Shame to lose her, as it was my great aunts who got it as a child. Would I do it again? Nope. But was an interesting project.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I feel the same Greg... They are amazingly well built and a fair bit of work to dismantle, although as you saw, I didn't do all the strings! Would I do it again? Probably - as I've sold most of the timber parts and have done quite well out of it! 😁

[@irishgoldstacker8018]

You're absolutely right. You can not get rid of a piano. I helped someone scrap one a couple of years ago. Nah no one wants them as nice as they are. Pity.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It is a pity... but sometimes you just need to be practical! Thanks for watching CS 👍😊

[@arise2945]

I just went to an estate sale and there, in the basement, was the free upright piano. It had been badly painted in the local university's colors at some point. I hate to think of what its fate will be. Thank you for showing respect for the materials and the labor of the 1800s craftsmen who made yours.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I've see them painted badly as well - but it does protect the old timber, so that's not such a bad thing. Hope its fate is not too gruesome!

[@srnineproject5569]

I pulled an 1894 piano apart a couple years back, primary interest being the keys for some inlay work and turning small finials from the ebony. There were several hinges that are very unique and the tons of screws pulled from it are absolutely amazing with very little rust and they are cut so precisely, nothing at all like what can be purchased at the local hardware store of today. I cut the strings with a large set of lineman cutters and some good leather gloves, they do have quite a twang when they let loose! Really get a sense of appreciation for the fine craftsmanship that is built into something like this, such detail!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes, they display remarkable craftsmanship from long ago! Quite an experience dismantling an old piano! 😊👍

[@summereellsmusic]

I actually just got finished completely restoring an 1885 George Steck. To say it was a lot of work was an understatement, but as I'm a professional pianist/restoration and piano tech in training, I enjoyed the experience and hours put in. I actually just posted a video of it to my channel! Not to fish for views...but I found it funny how this video popped up right after I posted mine! Ha

[@ianwattsOfficial]

Recycling,, that's great 👍💯 well done ✅ especially for spare parts

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Ian! 😊👍

[@dawnaskey4975]

Very beautiful piano pieces. I am hoping to take apart mine and salvage what I can, but you give me hope that I might find one to play in a few months.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

There are usually some quite good ones around for very little money - the expense and hassle is moving them!!

[@carlocondoluci574]

Strings are covered with copper. You can release the the tension cut them off top and bottom. Place them in a fire and get the copper. Ivory keys tops are made in two halves. A thin long one and a wider short one. Also they have a waive pattern if you look at them whit a light say at 2 degrees

[@e.n.l1976]

CUrrently unwinding a piano's worth of wires, I've been using a jig (2m length of 32mm plastic pipe with a 16mm hole drill out at one end. Start unwinding with pliers until i've got couple of inches of copper unwound, then attach the steel wire to the drill chunk, feed the copper wire through the 16mm hole and then pull on the copper wire while the drill is turning. It's going fairly quickly and getting some nice bright copper.

[@carlocondoluci574]

@@e.n.l1976 Gllad to know...Nice Idea.That's a good procedure, The one about the fire i never tried it personally. it was told to me by my piano tuning teacher when copper was less valuable , I Would love to know the weight of copper without steel,, Aftertought.... how do you hold the other end of the string? loose spinning hook pheraps? Jusrt rambling...by hand and heavy duty gloves? you really got me going there😃😄😄😄😄

[@outofcontrol4499]

Regarding the strings: They are under tension but they're not very elastic. When you cut one they don't really whip around. I cut mine with an angle grinder (eye protection a must). The biggest risk would be getting stuck with a wire. If you want to remover the tuning pins order a specialty socket online (they're a tapered weird size), chuck it in an impact gun and have at it. I wound up cutting the harp below the tuning pins with an angle grinder. It took about 15 minutes to remove most of the harp by cutting the webs.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for sharing your experience mate! The next one I get, I am planning a total dismantle so will follow your advice 👍😊

[@padraicbrown6718]

@@TheUltimateRecycler --- Concur with outofcontrol. I tried to "tune" a string one time with a wrench. The string snapped very cleanly and remained in place. I did get the eerie echoing sound though! Piano tuning wrenches are relatively cheap. If you don't want to completely unwind the sting, just detension them and zip across the lot of them with the angle grinder. Nice work on the careful deconstruction, though I do have to say even that instrument could have been restored. But if you've got no one nearby who does this as a hobby, your solution is quite practical.

[@13612]

I have 2 pre 1900 art cased uprights in my connex that one will become a wall piece in the house. I plan on cleaning them thoroughly inside first and look forward to finding something if nothing but a penny will be quite awesome and a little dust bunny or 2.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Excellent Earl, I hope you do better than a penny! 👍😊

[@montgomerydodds7363]

I'm rebuilding the action on one it's so much work.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes, I can imagine! Good on you for tackling such a project! 🙌😃

[@timmcintosh-fe9gn]

One time my mom had an old piano upright needed to be moved out of the dining room. I had to talk her into it she said where am I gonna put my pictures as I started to roll it out the door just hit me. I started taking part and I had to cut some pieces it made the most beautiful man over a fireplace you ever seen Black screws attached to the wall. It was the old house it had plaster stuff. There was wood anywhere you put screw thinking. I was thinking that you could build the shape of it on a jig and put it anywhere on the wall. 21:30

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Excellent idea Tim! Yes, the timber can be re-used for many beautiful things! 😀👍

[@Erainia]

at 10:00 thats not the sound of springs! Thats the actual wooden soundboard, its specially crafted with a specific piece of soft wood (usually spruce) and held into a perfect curvature with those wooden ribs on the back of it to make it resonate with unparalleled effect and sonority! The wonders of piano crafting :)

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Amazing craftmanship indeed! Thanks for watching 😊😊

[@Wrightwayrecycling]

I have done one of these. It's a lot of work.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It sure is John, but I'd probably do another because I love saving the old timber. Next time I think I will dismantle the sound board as well!

[@pedalingtheplanet]

I have a lovely old piano acquired for free 20 years ago. I have sadly never played it because I live in a rowhouse and the noise issue is always an issue. I want to get a nice digital piano, but it pains me to think of the piano's fate, so much so that I might leave it in place and put the digital one in my redone basement coal cellar.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Digital pianos are certainly more versatile when it comes to practicalities, but they totally lack the charm of an old piano! Thanks for dropping by Lisa 😊

[@joetroyner]

I have an air powered player piano built in the 1880's by a NY company I believe. Everything is there, it just needs a little love. Had an antique guy look at it and he told me the term they use for old pianos of any type is "dead elephants". Really sad, but I have no choice but to scrap the thing..

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It is sad, but at least we can reuse and repurpose the beautiful old timber! 😊👍

[@billhatcher9303]

Best to loosen the strings before removing the harp frame. That thing can implode and injure if it’s up to tension and out of the wood.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes safety is important on these things Bill, but I didn't dismantle the main frame at all - and managed to sell it as a complete unit 👍

[@aaronlindsay6213]

I'm in the middle of tearing down our Kimball at the moment we have to move unfortunately the cats have peed on it. No choice but to junk it. The inside is amazing!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I always marvel at the workmanship from long ago - especially when you consider it was all basically hand tools with no electricity!

[@lfurches]

My mother was a pianist and organist for our church until she retired in the early 90's when she past away one of my brother's took the piano and is regretting it. Her's was a student size grand so smaller that the huge concert ones but still it takes up a lot of real estate, Thanks for the video. Our church had a similar one as you took apart although it was covered in thick black lacquer. Cheers from North Carolina, USA

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching! Cheers from Oz!

[@ScrapMetalTV.]

Would have loved to see a video of you playing 🤣. Nice breakdown 👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Haha... no trust me - you wouldn't have loved it! 🤣🤣🤣

[@onnotasler5548]

Hölling & Spangenberg was indeed the manufacturer. Hof-Pianoforte-Fabrik just means that it is a manufactory that makes pianos and is purveyor to the court of Saxony. Zeitz is the town where the piano was made. The company existed from 1814 to 1986, and built a total of about 37'000 pianos, according to a quick check in the encyclopedia.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for that - great information!! I didn't quite get around to checking the company's history!

[@chuckspires-hl8md]

I have repurposed pianos all of the time. Making mantles, picture frames, my version of old 60's and 70's black light art, stair runners just all types of ideas come to you if you are into saving these things.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Good on you Chuck - repurposing the materials is excellent work 👍😊

[@bryancunningham1095]

I wouldn't be surprised if the soundboard spruce could be used to make instruments like guitars, violins ect... the spruce is probably 100 years old and that's pretty desirable because of the tight growth rings.i saw a u-tube where someone leaving that horizonal keyboard panel that you took off in place then he took a die grinder and zipped all the strings then he could remove the cast iron harp.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes, the timber would be well over 100 years and has beautiful grain! I may try and remove the harp next time and salvage more timber for home projects! 😊👍

[@cameronmorman5866]

I dont think a luthier would be able to make use of it. Although some pieces would probably work well for the body of something like a flying V-style solid body.

[@Lauraallemang5555]

Thank you. I have to scap mine out also. Very true no one wants them. I want to repurpose mine aso.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching Lorianna 😊👍

[@kazhilly]

A long time ago I got myself an empty piano case just like this one, I wanted to make it into a stand for my keyboard and sound equipment. Unfortunately it didn’t work out. Not only was my keyboard too wide to fit, but the Main problem is that once the cast-iron frame is removed, the whole cabinet looses its rigidity and it wobbles and all of the strength is Gone, despite of trying to straighten it with crossed steel cables from corner to corner. It really is fascinating how the Iron Frame keeps everything together and straight. It’s still a shame, but it just happens.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep, the cast iron frame is an integral part of the piano! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@marsgroup1925]

Today I scrapped my pieno ,I got seas ,may be silver in my pieno button center and more ect

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Cool! 👍

[@donaldoliver9728]

How much did you get for it

[@lanie-ok]

Great vid, thanks. About to do the same, very helpful.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Excellent! Save as much of the timber as you can - it usually is beautiful to work with!

[@lanie-ok]

@@TheUltimateRecycler Yes, thank you, our intention. The keyboard lid, upside down, earmarked for toilet roll holder in the small room! And the rest for some caravan lining and front curved legs to hold curtain rail for partition to bedroom of caravan. Weight not important as it stays on site.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@lanie-ok Fantastic! 👌

[@rexgraphicsvfx]

This Piano looks like mine from F. Hundt and Son Stuttgart. I got it for free as well and it's my first piano ever. Someone told me its over 100 years old as well but it plays really beautifully. Actually I can understand why no one wants them, we were 3 men carrying this thing and it was a menace xD

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yeah, if they were lighter.. and smaller, then maybe they'd be more popular!! Thanks for watching Rex😊👍

[@cameronmorman5866]

Those brass pedals are sought after with guitar pedal builders for quirky effects pedals.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Probably why they sold so quickly then I guess! Thanks Cameron 😊👍

[@gordonbrackett7220]

The spruce soundboard can be made into guitar tops.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I don't have any of this piano left actually Gordon - all pieces found a home. I think the soundboard has become a feature on somebody's deck 😊

[@МихаилМишков-м7б]

Beautiful things were made a long time ago. From a simple stool to a musical instrument. I don't like modern minimalism. I love everything "old" and cozy.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

And old pianos are indeed beautiful! Thanks for watching 😊

[@МихаилМишков-м7б]

@@TheUltimateRecycler People are born and die. Fashion comes and goes. And it remains forever - Like the sound of the ocean in a seashell!

[@robbysguitars8223]

The piano soundboard is excellent for making acoustic guitar tops.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

The timber you mean? It is all very nice timber to work with!

[@bryancunningham1095]

You can check if ivory keys by picking a spot on the key out of site and heating something like a paperclip red hot on the end now touch that spot if it melts its plastic, if it smokes and doesn't melt then its ivory, ivory is a lot like your finger nail.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep, I have used this method in the shop with ivory/plastic ornaments! Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@joanknight2713]

I have an 1850’s Haines brothers square grand that weighs a ton and has to be moved. No one wants it but the wood is beautiful, maybe rosewood, and ivory keys. So I found this video about scrapping it but it breaks my heart to think about doing it. Plus the cost of moving it will be $167/ hr.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It's heart wrenching to wreck such lovely old furniture Joan, but sometimes practicalities and economics dictate that it is the best option! At least we can repurpose the timber where possible and it can live again! 😊

[@dieselgolfer]

Yes Sir, you´re right. This Piano was manufactured in East Germany, City of Zeitz.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Beautiful German quality! Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@beerkale1]

Anatomy of a Piano. Fascinating to see how it was put together.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes.. I do have great admiration for the craftsmen of old!

[@RunnymedePianos-ee1kb]

I rebuilt one of these for a customer, but was a better design. People still want pianos, but they want younger more modern pianos or better made pianos. Had this not been in a shed it’s restorable and saleable.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks mate. I have trouble just giving away pianos generally - even if they are in good condition! I guess it depends on your area, but in rural Australia very few people want a piano and it would not be economical to restore this one even if in much better condition. Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@cristian7051]

I like that Logo / Emblem at 2:38 minutes into the video ..Its a really nice piece...The two soldiers standing next to the coat of arms...really nice...Is it brass?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes it's brass - I should totally remove it now that you mention it! Thanks! 😁

[@brianlopez8855]

The strings and sound board would make a great wind chime if suspended under cover, outside. All those felt washers would be worth keeping. Why not unwind the pins to slacken the wires off safely ?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

There's certainly many upcycling options Brian 👍 I didn't unwind all the pins as i didn't have that many hours spare! It would be very time consuming..

[@streetcopper1151]

Once again you live up too your name 👊🏻some of those pieces would my a awesome shelf .. the coins is so cool 🤤..Just like you said it is so cool to see what was in in and how they put it together.. just just do make stuff like that anymore..awesome video as usual my brother 👊🏻

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Seth.. Yes, I do like seeing the quality of workmanship in antique stuff! 👍😊👊

[@streetcopper1151]

@@TheUltimateRecycler was the Scenery of the old piano factory how was That put in there burnt ?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@streetcopper1151 The picture and the medallion images were ink stamped I think. Either that or some type of transfer.

[@streetcopper1151]

@@TheUltimateRecycler that’s awesome 👊🏻

[@marciac.9634]

Intriguing as usual.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I'm glad I'm consistent! 😁 Thanks for watching Marcia 👍

[@michaelamos2336]

The sound bar looks like something that will hold tools hang it on the wall

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

You would want a very strong wall! It's super heavy!

[@jacobsmithjr]

I found this video because I'm thinking starting a piano scraping business. Like you said people are giving them away.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

They are certainly easy to come by - but not so easy to move and not really a lot of value as far as a business goes!

[@soerenbode]

Very interesting video. Thanks for putting all the effort into making these. And you seem to be a never-ending idea-fountain. Love it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching and enjoying! Hopefully never-ending!! 😀

[@GonzoTheRosarian]

The supporting beams on the back look like how Steinway builds their uprights…

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I don't think I've seen a Steinway, but it certainly looks to be excellent craftsmanship! 👍😊

[@kingofcastlechaos]

Cool video. It's been 2 yrs since you posted it, did anyone buy the sound board and did you get the $50?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks mate. Yes - eventually sold it for $20 just to move it on! If I did this again I think I'd dismantle it for the nice timber!

[@JustAnotherAdrian]

So frustrating....I have been trying for nearly three years to give away a 100+ year old, working and tunable, piano. As i get closer to giving up on a new home I'm tempted to leave it out in the rain as I've seen done. You can then pick out the valuable pieces once it falls apart. 😢

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It is sad that no one wants these things - but at least if we can re-purpose the parts, that's better than burning them!

[@TubinPanther13]

Nice video :) I appreciate the respect you showed for the piano. How did your selling of the pieces go?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks 😊 I just checked and I've sold about $100 worth of bits & pieces! I still have the main soundboard and I took some timber home for future projects!

[@carlocondoluci574]

@@TheUltimateRecycler old soundboard are dried out and sound no more. What is valuable in a piano is the ivory keyboard if the wide part is long enough. Keylenght changed trough time. and the black keytops if they are made of ebony. Black key tops can be useful to a luthier to make guitar or violin saddles. So basically you can offer the whole white keyboard to a piano restore man.

[@carlocondoluci574]

Also if he is not interested on the black keys you take them back and try offering them to a luthier. Ebony is a really hard wood and if want to have some fun drop it in water and see it sink. Bye

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@carlocondoluci574 Thanks for your comments carlo, I've only just seen them. I managed to get rid of all the piano over time - even the main frame went to a loving home! 😊

[@terrielang6730]

Thanks for posting this video. We recently bought a house with a 1916 baby grand with a walnut case. I've tried everywhere to find a new home with no luck. We have decided to take the top and make a coffee table. I hope i can sell the other parts.

[@jwybecker]

As a piano tech I am glad you took the time to take the good stuff out. Piano timber is always good quality even if it is secondary wood under veneer. I'm curious what sold and what didn't. Did you realise your projected total?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks 😊 I did manage to sell all of it - even the large heavy sound board! I just looked up my records and I managed a total of $153 for all the parts! Everything went eventually - but I did discount some stuff when I had to move shops and reduce stock.

[@jwybecker]

@@TheUltimateRecycler Good on you. If I came into your shop I would ahve bought the legs and the decorative panels. I see so many pianos and they truly don't make them like they used to. Althoug that said, there are some fine pianos made in terms of build qulaity, but just not the same in the design.

[@amyn.8316]

yes, I need to repurpose our old piano. thank u. no one wants to move it!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That's a common reaction - they are so heavy!! 😲

[@elisims9475]

its a shame I love old uprights so much but it has to happen and i'm glad you didn't just burn it or chuck it in a dumpster.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks eli, I would never burn such beautiful old timber!

[@davidk8699]

I wonder if the keys could be carved into knife handles

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Hmm possibly! I'm sure someone will do something crafty with them! 😊

[@nldawson11]

I was wondering the same thing about all the wood in the frame. I wonder how much of that is hard wood. Wood is quite expensive right now so for a knife maker to get one of the many free pianos online, I imagine it would go a long way.

[@stephenfiore9960]

1x(12/28/23)…..6:00……done cool thank you

[@powerspeakingpro6606]

How did you get the very top off (the part that folds back on hinges)? Is is screwed in somehow or just glued? Thank you!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I don't remember now, but I think it was screwed as I remember thinking that the piano dismantled quite easily without anything being glued (unless the old glue had totally dried up and let go already!)

[@jeffreyhalverson2611]

Those coins are probably 90% SILVER! That penny is probably worth over 15 bucks:)

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for commenting Jeff - I see you have corrected your statement! 😊

[@thomashenden71]

Old pianos may have ivory in the keys that obviously must be kept to repair other pianos.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep someone did buy the box of old keys 👍😊

[@PinkPanther4958]

2:50 That B sounded like a harpsichord

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Not much of it sounded like a piano Silvia! 🤣

[@chriscrawford1958]

I’m stuck with a broken piano that nobody wants. It was left in a rent house. I’m too old to move it! Been trying to give it away for almost two years!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Even good condition pianos are hard to give away Chris! You may have to take it apart!

[@OmaBike]

I was waiting in line at the landfill and the big box truck in front of my was filled with pianos. The attendant opened the back to count them. I don't remember, but I think there were 22 pianos in there.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Wow! 😲 That's kinda sad!

[@PVZBlover]

The Cabinet Will Be Repurposed As A 88-Noted MIDI Piano By Using A Musical Keyboard

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes, I've seen that done and it can work very well. The problem there is that you still have a very heavy and bulky piece of furniture which very few people want.

[@JamesBroxson]

I scrapped the inside of one and turned the body into my computer desk.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Awesome! Well done James! 👍

[@itsjudystube7439]

I can’t bear it when pianos die. Not enough is being done to promote the beautiful sound of an acoustic piano compared with the dead sound of a keyboard. I don’t blame people for having to get rid I just feel sad about it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yeah Judy, I do agree but it comes down to practicalities sometimes!

[@e.n.l1976]

They can sadly get to a point where they won't stay in tune anymore and at that point there's really not much you can do with them. Just in the middle of scrapping one of my two for that very reason, using some of the timber for shelves/wood work, the cast iron is going to the scrappy so will be recycled into something new and there's even a fair chunk of copper on the strings. I've held off doing this for a good few years but it takes so much space up.

[@KatherineGrace1]

How do I find out how old my piano is? I have one that belonged to my grandmother and mother. I just don't know what I should do with it. I am emotionally attached to it, and I think it is classy looking/sleek looking and beautiful but it is just sitting in my garage with sticky keys. 😔 Ivory keys. I don't know if it's worth keeping or can be repaired.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

There may be a serial number somewhere that you can research Grace to establish the age. They can all be repaired but usually it's not economical to do so unfortunately!

[@alanpecherer5705]

Everything you do to (repair) a piano, you have to do 88 times.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@alanpecherer5705 At least you should get good at it by the last few keys! 🤣

[@dufus7396]

I remember 70 entertaiment smashing them and putting them through a hoop

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

We've all smashed things we probably shouldn't have! 😲

[@muhammedAl_iraqi]

Nice

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks! 😊

[@Kindness_222]

What would someone charge to do this?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

To remove a piano and dismantle it for you? I don't know - but as it's not a highly skilled job, a local handyman would probably charge out a few hours of his labour time and maybe travel

[@Nas_Atlas]

Very nice if you can locate some felters all that material can be reused. I just scrapped out two pianos. I saved some of the wood but the cast boards were scrapped. Did you have any luck selling the main sound board and the other pieces?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I still have the sound board Nas Atlas, but I have priced it at $100 as I'm happy for it to hang around for awhile and kids love playing with it! I also still have the keys and the hammer assembly, but pretty much everything else has gone!

[@starjazzbell6941]

Enjoyed your content. But, I wish you had shown how you removed the various sections.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching! If I get another to do - I'll try and give more details on dismantling! 👍😊

[@stephenvale2624]

Simple test for ivory. Take a tiny bit and burn it. If it smells like burning hair, it's ivory.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep - a red hot needle is the easiest way I believe. Thanks for watching Stephen 👍

[@stephenvale2624]

@@TheUltimateRecycler Pianos are marvels of engineering and art. Sometimes you can save them, and sometimes you can't, but even rescuing pieces can be worth the effort. I am currently evaluating a barn-find giant art deco AM/FM turntable console for repair, and have similar decisions to make regarding its fate.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@stephenvale2624 Yep, it's tough making those types of decisions! At least the console radio isn't quite as heavy as a piano!

[@stephenvale2624]

@@TheUltimateRecycler Circa 1942 Firestone Air Chief Radio Record Player. It is really heavy, but not in the weight class of a piano! It's in rough shape, and I wish I had received it before the guy two owners, back tried to remove the veneer rather badly, but the electronics still work and i haven't even replaced all of the capacitors yet. The speaker is dust, but the case is built like a tank. If I do try to restore it just for fun, maybe I will make a KZbin video of it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@stephenvale2624 Yes you should! I'll watch it! 😊👍

[@cristian7051]

I think for that emblem itself you can get a good price if you sell it on ebay..they are very collectable....check it out on ebay

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It is only small, but yes - it is a lovely old emblem. I'll check it out 👍

[@cristian7051]

@@TheUltimateRecycler Hope you will get a good deal out of it :)

[@thefeelingbelief3904]

Could old pianos be cast into the ocean as a hotel for marine life?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I guess so - I would like to be the one who has to 'cast' them!

[@thefeelingbelief3904]

Ive seen a video of marine experts placing concrete and wire blocks near coral reefs to provide new homes for ocean life. It is a thing. But yes, you can be the one to start off the project. A flume that you push pianos down from a trawler could be fun. Sploosh, sploosh, sploosh. A grand piano would be a citadel for lobster, eels, shrimp, octopus eggs. These would be food for the higher ups. The whole food chain would revive. And a burgeoning ocean would give musicians inspiration for piano recitals. The circle would be complete.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@thefeelingbelief3904 Ah yes, a symphony of underwater tunes! I believe sound travels much better through water too! 😁

[@thefeelingbelief3904]

👍

[@HouseholdDog]

If you are saving the nice woodwork I fully support scrapping it. It would definitely be a shame to burn it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I would never burn one of these beauties! All the timber was passed onto people who will love & use it! 👍😊

[@queeniesongs]

Piano teacher here -- go ahead and repurpose those old pianos and scrap them for metal and wood. If the soundboard is warped, there is no saving it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I'm not sure that the cast iron soundboards had warpage problems, but I know the timber ones did! Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@ccscomments757]

I saw the prices that you were assigning these pieces. I was wondering if you actually got that much for all of it? I have a similar piano problem myself, but I was wondering if the local school, had a shop full of kids willing to disassemble and scrap a large number of pianos, for at least the scrap metal and wood possibilities? I'm sure any number of communities have far too many old pianos hanging around.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I just looked up my records and I managed a total of $153 for all the parts! Everything went eventually - but I did discount some stuff when I had to move shops and reduce stock. If I did another, I would completely dismantle the main sound board and keep some of the great timber for my own use! If may be a good project for schools or community groups! 😊

[@davidk8699]

I think you are underpricing the bracc pedals. scrap price would be 1/2 that $10 or more I reckon, and they will be good pure metal.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

The pedals were actually steel with a brass cover plate - so probably very little weight in the brass unfortunately. Thanks for watching David 👍

[@steveciarico9824]

Give it to a wood worker. They can make cutting boards out of the wood

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I've managed to get rid of all the parts Steve, and some of the timber did go to woodworkers! 😊👍

[@JamesBroxson]

@@TheUltimateRecycler I'd love to see an Updated video synopsis of how the salvage went overall/ besides the obvious joy of salvaging for salvage sake, what you made monetarily off of it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@JamesBroxson I've kept notes - I'll look it up when I'm back in the shop 😊

[@JamesBroxson]

@@TheUltimateRecycler thank you. Besides the altruistic aspects I always love showing people who doubt salvage the unexpected benefits/ incentives. ☺ Good on you mate!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@JamesBroxson Just found my sales info - Everything has gone for a total of $153! Much of the timber will be repurposed into other things! As far as monetary return, that's not too bad! (And this video has so far made me $422! 😁)

[@MarkH10]

What is the wood??

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I'm not sure Mark. Some was probably Pine or Oregon (Douglas Fir), but there may be other European timbers used as well. It all has beautiful grain 😊👍

[@MarkH10]

@@TheUltimateRecycler ty

[@mistajingels]

Pianos have a lifespan and unfortunately they get to a point where they are no longer viable as an instrument. Restoration costs thousands. Very few are valuable. This is a sensible outcome!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching and your sensible comment! 😉😀👍

[@Jack-fs2im]

It is sad but at least you recycled some of it.they are traceable from the serial number.Made in the 1880,s prob

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I managed to rehome it all eventually! Yep, I think it would have been late 1800s. Thanks for watching Jack 😊👍

[@hanneloremaisch8297]

Interesting

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Hannah 😊

[@KenJohnson14072]

here's how I have fun with the left over parts ;) warning, volume alert :o kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaO8qZVtirmZbrc

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Very melodic! Thanks Ken 👍

[@alanpecherer5705]

Old pianos are so problematical. It's pretty rare that you can do anything with them except to throw money at them. My late Mom had a 1928 Baldwin baby grand (horizontal) which she loved. Beautiful piano, carved walnut, but pretty much worn out. We can put $5K into it at which point it will be worth about $4K....maybe. There's just nowhere you can go with these old pianos.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yeah it sure is a problem! And even though some people are very clever at turning them into a desk or drinks cabinet, they are still very heavy and cumbersome and just not that practical to repurpose!

[@yogiperogy]

The finish looks messed up. Must have gotten wet. I doubt the key covers are ivory. They’re in too good condition. Given the age, they will have been recovered.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks mate - yeah, I think it had been wet and the veneer had all lifted/warped. You are probably right about the keys. I ended up selling the box lot for $20 😊👍

[@johnhess351]

Not very ultimate on that piano job. You bailed out before you got to the good part: Unscrewing the 188 pins and busting up the cast iron harp with a sledge. You ended up still having a big heavy and nearly worthless object.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Fair point John but I didn't have the time! Next one I will go all the way! I did sell the soundboard eventually though! 👍

[@Godeseternal1]

Its just a piano that no one wants. It's not a human soul. Just look on craigs list and you'll find them free, at least one or two every time I look

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

You are right - but for some reason pianos seem to have more of a personality than other pieces of furniture!

[@Godeseternal1]

I agree. If I had more time to dismantle it, I would. I've dove into projects with good intentions in the past and regreted once I got started.

[@jeffreyhalverson2611]

Sorry, shoulda checked first:( Our American 'silver' contained real silver until 1964. I see these pennies were bronze. So sorry to doubt your scrapper's instinct and knowledge:(

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Haha, that's ok. I wish we had used more silver coins!

[@newtonframes]

Old pianos are not a problem... Your brains mightbe. Just a bit of time and research and you can make it fully playable again, it's all simple mechanics. These are NOT like old CPU's, c'mon

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Let's not bring my brain into this!! 🤣 Yes - without a doubt it could be made fully playable and even the water damaged timber could be restored. But for what reason? There are way more secondhand pianos on the market than there are people who want them! WAY more! Even pianos in excellent condition are almost impossible to sell to cover the invoice from an average removal man with a good back! I'll tell you what - next time I get an old piano (in any condition) in a house-lot that I have to clean out... I'll give you $50 to come and collect it! 😁

[@LTakaisis]

Wonderful answer...