[pianotech] Upright price

[Mike Spalding]

Noah,

In agonizing over the difference between $50 and $275, you and the 
potential buyer are missing the more important point.  To make it play 
and sound like a piano again, it will cost how much?  $500?  A thousand 
dollars?  More?  Is the buyer willing to spend that kind of money?  If 
not, the buyer shouldn't buy it at any price.

Mike

On 11/29/2011 8:27 AM, Noah Frere 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...