on 6/16/03 12:23 PM, Patrick C.Poulson at pcpoulso@pacbell.net wrote: > Hello all, and particularly to those in the SF-Bay area: A client of mine > has been talking to a piano broker over there who has a1915 Steinway O in > original condition for sale, at $18,500. The dealer is a woman by the name > of Susan Gilmer. She claims it is in excellent condition, but will need > hammers soon. (At least!) Anyone familiar with this person and her > reputation? My customer would have a three hour drive to inspect the piano, > so we are trying to arm ourselves with any available information. Thanks, > Patrick C. Poulson > Registered Piano Technician > Piano Technicians Guild That's really too much money for an original condition "O", especially if the board needs to be replaced. I think the statement "will need hammers soon" tells you all you need to know about the "broker's" concern for excellence and/or the client's cost/benefit ratio. Why don't you find your client a private party "O," charge her for an evaluation, and then restore it or be in charge of subbing out the restoration to honest, reliable people? Talk to David Love; he does excellent work. The right number for an "O" in that condition, depending on the veneer and the ivory, is $10-14,000.00 I'll bet you a hundred bucks that "broker" bought it for $8K, didn't do a damn thing to it, and now wants to sell it for 18.5, and will give you "such a deal" for 15. Fuhgeddaboudit. Hope this helps..... David Andersen
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