9' Knabe query

[Ron Nossaman]

>Yes, Ron, Thursday was a 1915 Estey upright with an attractive (refinished) 
>walnut cabinet, pretty ivories, and everything else pretty much shot.  Young 
>kids about to start piano, and she can't possibly get rid of this beauty for 
>something functional, no matter what I say.  Piano was twice flooded, and 
>still survives.  I'll keep trying, though I wish mother nature had been more 
>successful.
>
>Bill Shull, RPT

Hi Bill,
Sure wish I had an easy way around this one, but I haven't found one. I've
gone so far as to point out that Trigger still looks pretty good, unlike
Roy, but isn't really fit to ride anymore. Even when they get it, they
don't get it. The best I've been able to do is offer to rebuild it at a
price that gets their undivided attention, then suggest that they keep the
old beauty out in the open where they can admire it's looks and dust the
family pictures on top periodically as they pass by on the way into the
back room to play their smaller, cheaper, uglier, but far more functional
second piano. That way, they get to keep the shrine as part of the decor,
and still have something to play. In houses that have adequate space, it's
surprising how often this advice is taken, at least it always surprises me
when people make rational and practical compromises around emotional issues. 

Ron N