I have a 1900 Bösendorfer piano with Viennese action (Ivory keyboard) with the action damaged by time and wear.
Currently, the action is at the limit of being playable... unfortunately.
I have read around the web that there are solutions: replacement of the hammer way... etc... but I haven't yet found what I need.
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I would like to be able to keep the ivory keyboard... and change only the rest of the action (excluding dampers, as they seem fine).
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I have consulted several people who advised me a total replacement of the Viennese hammer way with a modern double escapement one... (which would also be better from a purely pianistic/modern point of view), but others advised against such a choice because replacing the original hammer way with a modern one would compromise the sound of the piano.
I am not the best person to provide you with answers, but I intend to move your topic to the most suitable section of the forum, so as to avoid your questions being forgotten.
I agree with preserving the identity of the piano. It can be restored while leaving the Viennese action intact. The hammers need to be examined. Some of that type are covered in leather. It could be an interesting restoration, but in my opinion, historical value requires leaving as many original parts as possible. One must also verify the tuning stability and the condition of the strings, as well as the load on the soundboard. Replacing the hammer rail (appropriately reproduced to be identical) does not mean replacing the entire action.
