Old Bechstein

[Herman Sorgatz]

I have been asked to evaluate an old Bechstein. It is in an old house which has been sold. The buyer of the house would take the piano if it were worthwhile. The owner of the piano thinks it is worth about $4,000. I do not do this often. Here is what I found.
C. Bechstein  6 foot 2 grand with square tail
 #10056 ( Pierce puts it at 1878) Ebony, fair cond.
Those big fat legs all of which are cracked.
The outer rim is delaminating top to bottom.
Major cracks in sound board. Some loose ribs.
No down bearing in bass, a little in the treble.
Major damper problems, Not lifting crooked, loose. unglued Etc; It has waterfall keytops. some are cracked and scratched. They are held on with small brass screws. Some loose tuning pins. The bottom of the pin blick is covered with veneer so I could not check for cracks. I did not want to remove the veneer. Badly out of tune about 180 cents flat. i do not know where the owner got the $4000. figure I don't think so but I don't do this that often. What say ye?
 Thanks a bunch
Herman Sorgatz    Associate PTG
pianoman@newnorth.net