Hi Wim, Our professor wants a value quote for insurance purposes.  However, when I appraise an instrument, I give three prices: Replacement cost of brand new; The price a "downtown" store might put on it; and a price she could expect to advertise if she were to sell it herself.  She isn't planning on selling it (I don't think), but in Lincoln, NE, she would have to advertise a huge area probably from Chicago to Dallas, or farther.... Yes, "good" condition meant that it needs work albeit several thousand dollars worth, but if a new one costs $140,000, then several thousand isn't so big in perspective..... Best, Paul <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%>Wimblees@aol.com Sent by: caut-bounces@ptg.org 05/04/2007 06:53 PM <table border> <tr valign=top> <td bgcolor=white> <div align=center>Please respond to College and University Technicians <caut@ptg.org></div></table> <td width=59%> <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>To</div> <td>caut@ptg.org <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>cc</div> <td> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>Subject</div> <td>Re: [CAUT] Hamburg Steinway</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> In a message dated 5/4/07 11:56:27 A.M. Central Daylight Time, pwilliams4@unlnotes.unl.edu writes: Charles, Do you believe a 30 year old Hamburg in good condition (other than needing stringing and a new stack) might fetch between $45-50,000? or more? Thanks Paul Paul   You said the piano is in good condition, yet it needs to be restrung and needs a new stack. That is not exactly chicken feed. Or is that why you consider the piano in "good" condition, instead of "excellent" condition?   There are some questions that need to be answered before an appraised value can be put on the piano.   Why does the professor want it appraised? Is she looking to sell it, or for insurance purposes? If she's looking to sell it, how long is she willing to wait, and how far afield does she want to advertise, and for how long? If it for insurance, does she have "replacement value" insurance, or "as is" insurance?   A shameless plug. For more information on appraising, please attend my Estimate and Appraising class at the convention.   Wim   <hr>See what's free at <a href="http://www.aol.com?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000503" target=_blank>AOL.com</a>.