This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment Steve, See my message back to Terry. You, too, are most probably the owner of = the piano in question via mechanics lien. Check the state statutes = regarding this to see what you must do to perfect the lien at this time. = Most states require a posting of intent to dispose of merchandise left = un-paid for. Once you are comfortable with satisfying the requirements = of the mechanics lien, proceed as though you are the owner and dispose = of as you see fit. Joseph Alkana RPT ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Stephen Grattan=20 To: Pianotech List=20 Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 11:03 AM Subject: Re: Piano Rebuild Client AWOL Hi Terry, Get any past due and future due funds ( to reassemble the piano and = needed parts) in advance and send in writing to her a new contract = stating what you are going to do and what warranty you will offer (if = any) because the job will not be complete. Do not proceed without = receiving a new signed contract from her. I have had this happen twice = and it is no fun. In fact one such problem is occurring now. Customer = moved to Vegas and we have not heard from her in 5 + years ! Steve Grattan Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com> wrote: I've just run into a first for me. Couple years ago I contracted = with a local couple (the husband to be specific)&nbs! p;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 work! ing 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.=20 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/4b/85/f2/66/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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