Hi all, thanks for all of your responses, both humorous (Jmc) and practical. I think I may have it re-wired (Buco) and will check out the foam damping (Rrog), as I have noticed that it does seem a bit "floppy and dancy" when I move it by hand. Schub, hope my wife will still be here; just married her after 26 years of dating. No kidding.
But Buconero sent my mind wondering in a thoughful way:
"Having something old is always a way of finding balance with the new".
A golden nugget in that wisdom. Thanks Buc and thanks all. I'm hanging on to her!
Happy New Year!