upright piano recommendation, please

[Alan R. Barnard]

Idea.

Work with them to find a quality pre-WWII upright with pinblock and
soundboard in good condition.

Refinish. Restring, new hammers, damper felts, keytops and other parts as
needed. Regulate.

They get a one-of-a-kind beauty, save on their budget, and you make some
money.

Just a thought. I've done it. 1906 Hamilton for a Bed & Breakfast. Made good
money and they love it. The only downside is the question of the piano's
value for insurance purposes, etc. Ah, says I, the insurance company won't
give it much value at all--no matter how it looks, plays, sounds, and
satisfies.

But ... oh how lovely those long strings sound over a big board with
well-voiced hammers and a well-regulated action!

Alan Barnard
Salem, MO

P.S. From the list you gave, I'd take the Kawai, personally.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Koval" <drwoodwind@hotmail.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Cc: <caut@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 9:08 PM
Subject: upright piano recommendation, please


>
> Dear lists-
>
> I'm asking on behalf of a customer that will be shopping for an upright to
> be used in a newer middle school.  Their budget is roughly $10,000.  The
> music teacher has been told that a 52" upright has the same soundboard
area
> as a 6' grand.  Therefore, she's been thinking about the Boston, Yamaha
U3,
> and Kawai.  It won't get a ton of use, but will be their only
'performance'
> piano, so musicality, and durability are primary concerns.  Feel free to
> suggest a shorter instrument, if you have a favorite.  Offlist, if you
would
> prefer.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Ron Koval
> Chicagoland
>
>
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