Piano evaluation proposal

[Farrell]

No doubt, chances are, you are correct. Most folks simply are not in the market for a high performance grand piano - and certainly are not in the market to spend that kind of $$. BUT, some want that unique combination of high performance, are willing to pay for it - and hey, anyone buying a new or not-worn-out-used Steinway, M&H, Bosendorfer, etc., etc. qualifies - AND they want to keep the family heirloom piano - well, that's who sometimes can be interested is this sort of arrangement. I have done business with these types - they do exist - not many of them, but you won't know unless you cross that ground with them.

Terry Farrell
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From what I was able to glean from their post, I think they'd have a heart attack if I hit 
  them with that kind of price. But who knows. I'll include your post when I respond to them 
  tomorrow and we'll see what happens. Thanks. 

  Avery 

  At 07:51 AM 6/13/2006, you wrote:

    This sounds like a potential fabulous opportunity for a rebuilder. The K&B are generally well-built pianos. 1912 should have metal action brackets - but yes, the actions do have weird parts - the action will be more expensive to properly rebuild than normal - either need to use custom parts, or convert to more traditional action.
     
    The owners obviously know it needs rebuilding - they may not be aware of the full extent needed, but they clearly appear to be half-way there. The piano is obviously a family heirloom - no other piano is going to work in quite the same way.
     
    Such a small piano is potentially a prime candidate for belly design improvements (need to evaluate rim, framing, plate, etc to determine what exactly can be done with it). IMHO, assuming the thing needs a new soundboard, I would just recommend a full remanufacture with a redesigned belly (assuming plate, etc. allows proper redesign) and tell 'em you (or whomever) can make the piano sound and play better than any new small grand for $30 to $35K and see then where the family heirloom thing pushes them.
     
    Hey, if you are not interested, I'd jump at an opportunity like this!
     
    Terry Farrell

      ----- Original Message ----- 

      I got this e-mail today. Should I tell them what I "think" I should? 


      I don't want to deal with it at all but if it might be worth it, I 

      could refer it to someone else here. 


      Isn't this the brand, Conrad, that you made a planter out of? :-D Or

      am I thinking of something else? 


      Comments? 


      Avery Todd

      University of Houston


        The piano is a 1912 Kranich & Bach 5'4" baby grand that has been in  

        the family since the 1930s. It has been primarily a furniture piece  

        for the past 25 years and probably hasn't been tuned in nearly that  

        time. There are a few dead keys. It has been in a climate controlled  

        home in Houston for over 40 years.  There is no water damage or major  

        structural compromise that we are aware of.


        We anticipate some reconditioning will be necessary and possibly even  

        partial rebuilding.


        We are contemplating the addition of a PianoDisc or similar system to  

        allow for recording and playback.
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