Old Upright piano fell over in Moving truck

Conrad Hoffsommer hoffsoco@luther.edu
Wed, 07 Sep 2005 08:44:49 -0500


At 07:23 AM 9/7/2005 -0600, you wrote:


>Hi,
>
>I had looked at a 1913 Cable Upright Piano and found it to be in very good 
>condition. The piano was only slightly out of tune and all they keys 
>worked and there was no unusual sound (like buzzing) coming from it.
>
>I contracted with a professional moving company to move the piano.  When 
>they opened the door on the moving truck to take the piano out, they found 
>it had fallen over on the keyboard side of the piano.  Apparently they 
>hadn't secured it properly and it toppled over.  (I still can't figure out 
>how they didn't hear or feel it).
>
>What I have found so far is that the 3 pedals were broken off, the top lid 
>of the piano separated from the top of the pin block, Some of the bass 
>keys are not leveled anymore, There is buzzing when playing some of the 
>bass strings, and some damage to the wood (mostly scraping).
>
>I looked over the soundboard, plate, strings, and the part of the pin 
>block I could see and cannot find any cracks but I was unable to find the 
>source of the buzzing.
>
>I am just beginning as a piano technician and don't have enough experience 
>with this type of problem. This was going to be my piano to practice on.
>
>The moving company did put in writing that it fell over in their truck and 
>have said they will pay for the necessary repairs.  I am worried about 
>possible damage I cannot see considering how old the piano is.
>Has anyone had this happen before?  Any ideas on what may have broken or 
>been damaged or what to look for?  Any advice on dealing with the Moving 
>company?
>
>I would appreciate any advice on this.
>
>thanks,
>michael



Call in your local, friendly RPT to give an assessment/estimate.




Conrad Hoffsommer - Keyboard Technician
Luther College, 700 College Dr., Decorah, Iowa 52101-1045
1-(563)-387-1204 // Fax 1-(563)-387-1076

- Right now, I'm hoping to live until my age matches my golf score,
- Until then, I'll have to be content to have my IQ match my handicap.


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