1935 Story & Clark

[Clyde Hollinger]

Walter,

I assume the "rebuilding" was done before she bought the piano.  So if it met
her criteria then, and she is "a talented musician," why doesn't it meet her
criteria now?

Unless there is more to the story, I am having a hard time working up any
sympathy.  Hopefully she didn't think she could buy a "fine instrument" in
*any* condition for $2500 (and a teeny baby grand at that).  It sounds to me
like she got what she paid for, so the only problem is the person claiming to
have rebuilt it when s/he should have said it was fixed up a little bit (maybe
even that is a stretch).

If doing the work you suggested will work wonders, why not try that first?  She
might actually like the piano after that is done and decide to keep it, but if
not she can use it as a trade at any future time.  Or, yes, I would also favor
her returning it if the dealer agrees, but she'll have to spend considerably
more money to get anything that will be much better, I suspect.

If $2,500 is all she has, in my opinion she would be better off getting a
vertical in better condition than a grand in poor condition.  That amount
should buy something pretty decent, maybe a nice used Yamaha P22.  Even a new
47" Pearl River shouldn't be much more than that, but she should be sure to get
one hot out of the factory so she doesn't end up with one of the really poor
ones.  (If you haven't seen one recently, take a look before raining fire and
brimstone on me.)  <G>

Regards,
Clyde

eipiano@msn.com wrote:

> Looked at an instrument yesterday purchased by a local woman from someone
> claiming to have "rebuilt" it.
>
> 1935(?) Story & Clark 4'5" Baby Grand serial # 134536
>
> Appeared to have all original parts (included dirt, dust); lyre bolts have
> been stripped, keys tops have been poorly recoverd with odds & ends pieces,
> fall board has been replaced, but nice looking case. Lots of rattles and a
> sluggish action, pins are tight.
>
> The woman is a talented musician with little money and has put $1000 down
> with $1500 owed.
>
> Her decision:  Return it for the $1000....OR have some work done and use it
> for a trade.
>
> A good cleaning, regulation, pitch raise, some voicing and key tops will do
> wonders, but it will never be a fine instrument.
>
> Opinions?