Piano Rebuild Client AWOL

[John M. Formsma]

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Terry,

 

I've read several of the responses that are good. I'd also ask a lawyer's
opinion. It doesn't sound as if mom is the owner, so would she have any say
in the deal? Lawyer can tell you for sure what rights you have based on the
contract. 

 

If you can't contact the original owner(s), is it possible that you could
sell the fully remanufactured piano to cover your contracted rebuilding
costs? I'm thinking that any restringing in the old block and having the old
action playing on that beautiful new soundboard/bridge is not advantageous
to either of you, except you would get paid. :-)



John Formsma 

 

 

 

  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Farrell
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 12:04 PM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Piano Rebuild Client AWOL

 

I've just run into a first for me. Couple years ago I contracted with a
local couple (the husband to be specific) to remanufacture their old Baldwin
M grand (5'3") - new soundboard, action, finish, etc. The piano was
originally purchased new by the woman's grandmother and was handed down to
her (read: sentimental value - no other piano will do). They put the first
1/3 of the contract fee up front. I completed building the new soundboard,
bridges, ordered parts, etc., etc. The next step was to move on to
refinishing - that is when the next installment of funds was due.

 

I tried to contact them at that point (several months after I started) and
was unable to - all phone numbers disconnected, etc - I tried internet
searches with no luck. I now learn that the couple got divorced, the woman
moved to the Carolinas and the man seems to have disappeared from the face
of the earth.

 

I stopped working on the piano a long time ago because it seemed I did not
have a client and roughly 1/3 of the work had been completed.

 

This morning I get a call from the woman's mother inquiring about the piano.
I explained the status and she asked if I could just "put it back together"
and that she had no funds that she wished to invest in the piano - but
realizes that it may cost something to make it whole again in some minimal
fashion. 

 

So now I'm trying to figure out some sort of solution to this situation. I
seems very clear there will not be a "good" solution to this situation
(unless, of course, the husband is found and is willing to complete the
contract - which mom will try to do - but I'm not going to hold my breath).
I only wish to get paid for the work I do to the piano. I do not wish to
hold anyone to complete the full scope of contracted rebuilding tasks - that
would be best for the piano, but I don't think anyone will want to pay for
it. I'm going to figure up a fee for making the piano whole for the least
cost. That will be such an awkward solution - new fabulous belly - peeling
finish - dull plate - so-so action with chipped/cracked ivory keys. I feel
so uneasy about such an end. And I know the lady won't be happy with the
piano either.

 

Does anyone have any constructive thoughts for a least-bad outcome to a
situation like this? Maybe there is some avenue/direction that I have not
thought of. Thanks.

 

Terry Farrell

 

 


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