Vogue$

[robert sadowski]

Glenn,
     After attending Bill Garlick's appraisal seminar, the rule of thumb
still seems to be - what are instruments fetching in your area.  I see
dealers getting $2,000-3,000 for what you're describing. I think a
refinishing would up it quite a bit based on the old principle that a lot
of buyers are looking for a piece of furniture.  There are widely varying
opions in this group about what should be rebuilt or reconditioned (or
whatever) and what should end up as firewood.  My humble opinion is that
since  dealers are going to continue to sell poor pianos anyway, are we not
doing a service by at least improving these mediocre pieces beyond the
point dealers are?  There are always going to be people who can't afford
$10,000 grands that don't want a vertical.  There's a market in the
$4,000-6,000 range which is where I've placed myself.  Let me add that I
won't attempt to redo something that has major flaws or shows any sign of
developing potential problems down the road.
     As a side note,  After attending many conventions, you can find
someone in one room teaching the sanding of bridgetops and repinning them
and in the room down the hall someone else saying nothing short of
replacing the entire bridge is acceptable. Many folks, many opinions.  
Hope this helps.

Regards,
Bob Sadowski RPT
Erie, PA.