Brambach

[Billbrpt@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 9/2/99 5:42:31 PM Pacific Daylight Time, you write:

<< Any comments? I'm inclined to be rather pessimistic in my assessment of
 worn out lesser name brand grands, but the customers of course are
 expecting some fantastic "Antiques Roadshow" appraisal figure. >>

I am really impressed with the comments being made here.  I have a profound 
sense of respect for Jack Wyatt, just the sight of him and to hear his 
friendly Texas drawl bring a smile to my face.  The one thing which impresses 
me the most about him and which always impresses me about anyone who is like 
him, is that he most often has an educated, factually backed, detailed 
opinion of a piano that most other technicians would simply dismiss as a 
"PSO".

Conrad H. and I had a long, drawn out dispute that involved this same make of 
piano.  Now this time Conrad wrote what I consider to be exemplary of a 
well-written post.  It is an easy vent to frustration  to gripe about some 
piano that you thought was poorly made.  The "PSO" acronym, while not really 
offensive, simply degrades all analysis and description into one easy 
dismissal.  So, I'm glad to see that Conrad took the time to write something 
of true value.

Doing an appraisal can either be the very easiest work you do and sometimes 
without even opening your toolkit and sometimes the most difficult.  If you 
see a piano which you would not recommend, you might be able to make that 
determination quite quickly.  But be careful not to do it too fast.  You need 
to show the customer in detail why it is not recommended.  That will take 
time and that is what you are being paid for.

If you simply say to quickly, "Don't buy it, it's junk", you are very likely 
to anger the customer and have that person doubt your opinion and not 
evenwant to pay you.

On the particular piano you mention, you are likely to find a piano which may 
need rebuilding in order to function.  It is going to me more likely than 
usual that it will have a cracked soundboard and loose tuning pins.  If you 
are just getting into the rebuilding business, it could be a good project for 
you to repair that soundboard, replace the pinblock, string it and replace 
the hammers, etc.  A big-time rebuilder might not be interested.

It can be a nice living room piano if it is in good shape and has a humidity 
control system and string cover.  If you rebuild, insist on those afterwards. 
 Our shop always used to call them "*Humilation* Control Systems".

Good luck and make the situation work for you, don't let it work against you.

Bill Bremmer RPT