1. Inspect and play if at all possible, at least test key action to get an idea what I am getting into!
2. Explain to Lyn in great detail what a bargain it was. Try to restore self respect.
3. Take too many pictures of the parts of it that I shall be able to remember. Miss out the bits I shall forget.
4. Strip, wash/clean, (then the instrument as well).
5. Repair breaks/joints, make missing bits (keys, bearings, necks), tighten posts, make good threads. Mow the lawn.
6. Oil, polish, plate, varnish, whatever. Mend the fence.
7. Re-pad, re-cork, check springs.
8. Rebuild, lubricate, seal pads. Mow the lawn.
9. Adjust key action and check pitch over range.
10. Check pads and do keys again - preferably right this time.(This is where extra adjusting screws get put in or I make three different improved sorts of umgrumit
before using the standard one . . .)
11. Photograph it.
12. Then, most important, play with it until fed up (one day to one lifetime).
13. Try to sell it at not too much loss. (Funny this is number thirteen . . . )
14. Wait patiently for three minutes. Find another!
A word about guarantees --- none!
Having said that, if any repairs or modifications that I have made fails because I have done it badly, then I will do all I can to correct the problem.
5. Repair breaks/joints, make missing bits (keys, bearings, necks), tighten posts, make good threads. Mow the lawn.