Sadly, it does happen. Sometimes there is more to the story than that but I think on these types of jobs-or any jobs for that matter-you have to be willing and able to give all the information without fear of the outcome, i.e. whether they will go for the job or not. Some people will try and play hero: "I can make this piano exceptional for very little money". And they end up doing a poor job or not being realistic about what is actually required, or both. I believe that the more thoroughly and competently you present the information necessary for individuals to make informed decisions, the more confident they will be in your ability to do the job properly and the greater likelihood they will use you or, if they opt not to go ahead, appreciate your honesty and thoroughness and continue to employ you as their resource for whatever they choose to do. Either way, it's good for business, reputation, referrals and customer relations. We are craftspeople (hopefully) but it is a service business. David Love www.davidlovepianos.com From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of wimblees at aol.com Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2009 8:38 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Commercial value vs. sentimental value It is one thing for a rebuilder with the ability and credentials like Del, Ron, David, etc., to rebuild a piano, regardless of it's original quality. But I'm afraid what is happening way too often, are for technicians who do not have the ability to do even the most basic repairs and restoration, claiming they can make the piano sound and look "like new", and convince the customer that their "heirloom" piano will be worth thousands of dollars, when all they are doing is some cosmetic patch up, shape the hammers, blow out the dirt, and give it a tuning. Although there are many technicians who have the ability to do a lot more, for the most, unless a piano is completely "gutted" and brought back to life, in the long run, anything less than that is not worth it. At least that's my opinion. (flame suit on). Wim From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org <mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org?> ] On Behalf Of Delwin D Fandrich Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2009 12:21 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Commercial value vs. sentimental value I don't know whether or not David would rebuild it, but I would (and have). Not only was it an often distained Howard grand, it was less than 4' 7" in length. And then I ended up giving an all-day seminar on the project because it ended up sounding so, well, musical is the word that comes to mind. At least that was the word the 30 or so technicians used after being given the opportunity to play it and compare it with the half-dozen or so new and well respected grands surrounding it. Yes, the owners understood that they would never be able to sell the piano for anything like what they were putting into it. But, still, it had been grandma's piano and then mom's and now daughter's. They did not want a new and supposedly "better" grand, they wanted that grand. The just wanted it to perform and sound as good as possible. I believe it is our responsibility to tell our customers (and potential customers) the truth about their pianos. Present all of the facts including the hard, economic realities. And then, if the owner so chooses, do the work and do the best you can do. Regardless of the perceived or pre-conceived value of the brand. Some of the best and most successful pianos--in musical terms--that I have rebuilt over the years have been pianos others have dismissed as junk pianos. But, if we are to be the craftsmen (and women) we claim to be, that is our job. It is also our exciting challenge. It is relatively easy to start with a piano like a worn out Steinway B and remake it into a Steinway B that performs on par with a new Steinway B. It is both professionally and technically challenging to start with a sub-five foot grand of questionable vintage and turn it into a great little piano, even when its performance is judged directly against new and larger grands by a highly regarded maker. It is also highly satisfying when one can pull this off and see the tears of joy welling up in the eyes of the owner when she sits down to play the newly rebuilt piano for the first time. Would I have rebuilt this piano for myself? No, of course not. But I certainly do not regret having done the job for this owner. Nor does this owner regret having spent the money on a piano that is worth about one-fourth to one-third the amount they put into the job. We owe it to our customers to be honest and give them all the facts about their piano. Including the fact the we, and probably most others in the profession, may not regard their particular brand an/or type of piano highly. But once the owner has considered this and weighed the alternatives and still decide to go forward with the project it becomes our responsibility to act like the professionals we claim to be and work our particular form of magic to the best of our ability. ddf _____ From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org <mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org?> ] On Behalf Of wimblees at aol.com Sent: April 10, 2009 7:09 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Commercial value vs. sentimental value David Same scenario as you just stated, but it's a same vintage Howard grand. Would you rebuild it, even if the customer begged? Same scenario, (except for the soundboard)*, but it's a 1920 Settergrin explayer upright. 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