I have come to learn something that is very disturbing to me and I would like to hear some feedback on other experiences. We have a dealer here in town who is "ethically challenged". I have heard many horse manure stories about this outfit but this one takes the cake. I guess it has been going on for some time but it is new to me. The process goes like this: Ibach pianos are imported to the U.S. from China and sent to this dealer. Ibach, (for those who don't know), used to be a reputable German manufacturer who is no longer in business. Nevertheless with the German sounding name and history the dealer has chosen to pass these instruments off as German. Oh but wait... the story gets better! Rumor has it, (from what I would consider to be a likely reliable source), that this dealer has been removing the "Made in China" words off the plate and replacing it with "Made in Germany". (I'll pause for a minute so you can finish being ill...) Apparently this has been known for some time by other dealers ever since some used pianos started showing up as trade-ins. From what I am told this dealer has been doing these kinds of practices for many years. The owner is pretty darn good at getting around the law, (sort of an amateur law expert- and very good at it), and typically is able to tie up and drag out any accusations so that it becomes more trouble than it is worth to pursue. Since there is no longer a German Ibach there is no authoritative company to report it to. The Chinese could care less as long as they are selling pianos. I have also heard that this dealer has changed serial numbers on older used pianos to make them appear younger. To what extent and quantity all of this is going on I couldn't say. I'm certain that this must violate all kinds of laws. As far as I'm concerned this is no different then a used car dealer rolling back the speedometer on an older car or calling a Yugo a Volkswagon. As mentioned however, no one seems willing to challenge the guy. I guess he is just to crafty. I would like to make it clear that I have never personally seen one of these modified instruments. Being relatively new to the area I simply haven't had the pleasure. I did visit the dealer once however and the air stenched of B.S. Other than some used product I didn't see too much on the floor that was not Korean or Chinese, primarily Chinese bearing various names. Perhaps as many as a hundred units. Some were those lovely things in loud colored polyester like red and green. I couldn't wait to find the door. At least for the moment I suppose that there isn't much that can be done except wait until trouble strikes which I figure it eventually will. At least I know where I will be NOT be referring potential buyers. I am curious to hear any other such stories or experiences. Perhaps others have found ways to create embarrassing attention to such dealers? Let's chat a bit about this. Rob Goodale, RPT Las Vegas, NV.
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