---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment At 12:03 PM 2/15/2006, you wrote: >I've just run into a first for me. Couple years ago I contracted >with a local couple (the husband to be specific) to remanufacture >their old Baldwin M grand (5'3") - new soundboard, action, finish, >etc. The piano was originally purchased new by the woman's >grandmother and was handed down to her (read: sentimental value - no >other piano will do). They put the first 1/3 of the contract fee up >front. I completed building the new soundboard, bridges, ordered >parts, etc., etc. The next step was to move on to refinishing - that >is when the next installment of funds was due. > >I tried to contact them at that point (several months after I >started) and was unable to - all phone numbers disconnected, etc - I >tried internet searches with no luck. I now learn that the couple >got divorced, the woman moved to the Carolinas and the man seems to >have disappeared from the face of the earth. > >I stopped working on the piano a long time ago because it seemed I >did not have a client and roughly 1/3 of the work had been completed. > >This morning I get a call from the woman's mother inquiring about >the piano. I explained the status and she asked if I could just "put >it back together" and that she had no funds that she wished to >invest in the piano - but realizes that it may cost something to >make it whole again in some minimal fashion. > >So now I'm trying to figure out some sort of solution to this >situation. I seems very clear there will not be a "good" solution to >this situation (unless, of course, the husband is found and is >willing to complete the contract - which mom will try to do - but >I'm not going to hold my breath). I only wish to get paid for the >work I do to the piano. I do not wish to hold anyone to complete the >full scope of contracted rebuilding tasks - that would be best for >the piano, but I don't think anyone will want to pay for it. I'm >going to figure up a fee for making the piano whole for the least >cost. That will be such an awkward solution - new fabulous belly - >peeling finish - dull plate - so-so action with chipped/cracked >ivory keys. I feel so uneasy about such an end. And I know the lady >won't be happy with the piano either. > >Does anyone have any constructive thoughts for a least-bad outcome >to a situation like this? Maybe there is some avenue/direction that >I have not thought of. Thanks. > >Terry Farrell > > ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/e4/56/ad/c4/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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