Customer ripped off?

[Les Smith]

Bobby, I believe that one of the categories listed in the "Guiness Book
of World Records" is for smashing a vertical piano to smithereens and
then passing the pieces through a five inch metal ring. I would suggest
that the next time the lady hears of someone making an assult on the cur-
rent record, that she donate her Whitney spinet to the cause. Likewise,
if someone some day establishes a piano "Hall of Shame" to exhibit the
worst pianos ever made, one of those Whitney spinets will surely be among
ome of the first inductees. All of which is a way of saying "RUN, don't
walk, away from this piano". Not only was it one of the worst, even when
brand new, but after apparently having been through a fire, and then mis-
represented by the dealer when sold, and the being neglected ever since
it was bought by having NEVER BEEN TUNED OR SERVICED, it is simply not
worth ANY time or effort on your part in trying to salvage it. Any attempt
to raise the pitch (what is it, down a 3rd or more?) back to A-440, will
surely result in numerous broken strings, given the amount of rust on the
strings and pins (to say nothing of what the heat from the fire may have
done to them) plus the fact that the same moisture that caused that damage
has undoubtedly gotten to all the action centers in the action as well means
that you're probably facing major action-work as well. It's just not worth
it, no matter what the lady wants to pay you. Move on to something else more
worthy of your time and effort.

Les Smith
lessmith@buffnet.net