I am looking at a Steinway A3 to purcahse as a 'core' piano to get rebuilt. Serial number puts it very late for that model (1942-ish).
This is probably an excellent rebuild candidate.
Any thoughts on such a late model? Any difference between them and those from the teens or 1920s? Just as good? I gather there was some change in plate manufacturing in the 1930's. Does that throw anything into question or affect the quality of the late A3's? Some rebuilders have told me they really value the teens and 1920s models; I haven't heard anything bad about the last production but was wondering if anyone had any comments or insight that would argue against purchasing one from that era to be rebuilt.
The cases on the earlier A3s had more detail and I think the veneers they used in the teens and 20s were often ( not always ) more impressive. Obviously if the piano is black this doesn't matter.
As for the plate, Steinway stopped making their own plates before your piano was made, but it is possible that the plate in your piano was made by Steinway and just sat around until your piano was made. The plate is probably fine.
If the piano is in good original condition, it will be a great rebuild candidate. The most important thing will be who does the work.
