Valuation

[Robert Goodale]

Hello,

These pianos are very fascinating instruments and are continually 
becoming more rare.  It is very sad and disgusting when techs or dealers 
looking to "make a quick dollar" gut the player system.  They themselves 
have no appreciation for them, a very selfish attitude.  Only a tiny 
percentage of them have survived to this point, thousands were gutted in 
the post war era and are now gone forever.  The more common upright 
pumper players are disappearing at an even faster rate.  It will be a 
sad day when technicians stand around at PTG conventions and say: 
 "Remember those old players we used to see?  Boy I'd sure like to get 
my hands on one of those again.  Too bad I destroyed a dozen of them 
earlier in my career".

All that aside, the piano you have is one of the lesser valued because 
of the piano itself.  The most desired AMPICO players where installed in 
Knabes, Mason & Hamlins, and some Chickerings.  Fisher was an 
introductory model purchased by more middle income families. 
 Nevertheless it should be treated with the antique respect that it 
deserves.

It is unjust to try and value the instrument at $2,500.00 "without the 
player".  In reference to the above the value should be reflected as a 
total unit.  Also, the fact that the player had been "re-whatevered in 
1978" means nothing.  That was 24 years ago and by now the pneumatic 
cloth is probably aging enough that it should be replaced again anyway, 
(a very big job).  Furthermore, the idea that the player was rebuilt 
should also be speculative.  There are many "teknishuns" out there who 
call themselves rebuilders.  Replacing the tubing and patching a few 
leaks does not constitute rebuilding.  Unfortunately few consumers know 
the difference.  The system may have been rebuilt or maybe not and 
either way that was a long time ago   Players can still play and not be 
working correctly.  This is especially true with players of this type 
with expression controls that must be rebuilt and adjusted to exacting 
standards to perform as they should.  Also- a player can only play as 
good as the the piano.  If the action is worn out, dead strings, etc, 
etc, then the piano needs to be rebuilt.  This is a major consideration 
when determining value.  Again if the piano was "rebuilt" you need to 
determine if it really was.  Even so that was 24 years ago and no-longer 
means much.  Based on your description I would speculate that it was not.

In determining the value without personally inspecting it and based on 
the quality (brand) of the piano, and the likely need of a complete 
restoration of both the piano AND the player, I would place an estimate 
of between +/- $3,500 and $6,000, leaning probably more toward the 
lesser number.  Keep in mind that a complete restoration of the piano 
would probably cost between $10,000 and $12,000 and you can add another 
$3,000 .00 to $4,000.00 on top of that for the player, (assuming that 
the former "rebuilder" didn't damage anything and all the parts are 
present).  The future owner would have to foot the bill for this.  My 
point is don't get piggy, sell it for a fair and honest price.  Gouging 
someone is more likely to seal the fate of the piano since it will 
probably wind up at a dealer who got stung with it as a trade in and 
will ultimately gut it for that quick buck to get it off the sales floor.

As others have suggested, you might want to get on the MMD and consult 
enthusiasts there for a buyer.  Visit:  http://mmd.foxtail.com/


Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV


Based


Paul McCloud wrote:

>I would like some help with making a value estimate.  The piano is a
>J&C Fischer,  Serial # 15260 (1926) and has an Ampico reproducer on
>board.  The player works, but could use a little alignment.  I've never
>seen such a plumbing arrangement under a piano before.  A motor the size
>of a washing machine motor drives a belt and pulley maybe 14" in
>diameter!
>    Anyway, the piano itself is in fair condition.  Bridges and
>soundboard look good, no cracks.  Has a good singing tone throughout.
>Was re-whatevered in 1978 with new keytops.  I don't know if it was
>restrung, but the strings look crusty.  Bass is ok, little tubby but
>sounds good anyway.  Hammers are extremely hard, like rocks.  Needs some
>regulation, little or no aftertouch in places, etc.  Case needs
>refinishing.
>    My boss told me it might be worth $2500. without the player.  I
>don't know anything about the player, how much it might add (subtract?)
>from the value.  Customer wants to know how much to ask for it to sell.
>I'd appreciate any comments.  Thank you,
>    Paul McCloud
>