[pianotech] Upright price

[John Formsma]

In my area, most old uprights are beyond their useful life. 80-100+ cycles
of large humidity swings ruins pianos. So much wear, lost motion, out of
regulation, fragile parts, loose tuning pins, etc. I tell my customers to
avoid old uprights unless it's a Steinway or Mason & Hamlin, and they want
to spend the money to completely restore it.

When people ask me about what they should try to sell their old upright
for, I tell them to give it away for the moving.

I've heard it's different on the West Coast where the climate is not so
harsh. Here, old pianos are toast.

-- 
John Formsma, RPT
Blue Mountain, MS


On Tue, Nov 29, 2011 at 8:27 AM, Noah Frere <noahfrere at gmail.com> wrote:

> I gave an estimate for repairs/assessment last week of a 90 year old
> Werner upright who's player components had been removed. The insides were
> as expected, though on the better side. Only one broken note (hammer
> flange), few if any cracks in soundboard/bridges. However, the sound was
> clearly 90 years old and the bobbling hammers, etc. left much to be
> desired.
>
> The seller was asking $275, to which I immediately responded (the
> potential buyer and I were alone) that it was too much, and I would ask for
> it for $50, but go up to $100 or even $150. Soon afterwards my attention
> went back to the case, which I had forgotten about, and realized it was in
> very good condition. The owner came in, and, hearing about the condition of
> the interior, and the $100 offer, began to cry. She needed to sleep on it.
>
> As the hours and days progressed, I started double-guessing myself. Had I
> over-emphasized the interior while ignoring the quality exterior?
> Maybe it *was *worth $275.
>
> Hmm...
>
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