>>These days, you can buy a very decent piano for less money than it costs to rebuild an old one. Ditto for cars, ditto for TVs, computers, etc. Dean Dean W May (812) 235-5272 voice and text PianoRebuilders.com (888) DEAN-MAY Terre Haute IN 47802 -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David Love Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 5:47 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] NY Times article on pianos As I said, monetary investment. The other investment issues you mention (establishment of learning music, scholastic achievement, mental stability...) are certainly valid reasons to buy a piano--the best reasons, in fact--but do not necessarily require spending money in excess of the final value of the thing you are spending on to take advantage of that opportunity. Enough philosophy, my point wasn't that complicated. You don't buy a piano (the lay person that is) to make money (investment), you buy a piano for the enjoyment and hope to keep the costs in line with your level of commitment. These days, you can buy a very decent piano for less money than it costs to rebuild an old one. That's a fact. Welcome to the 21st century. In so far as I make a good part of my living rebuilding old pianos I'm not crazy about that fact but it is a fact. Even as a rebuilder who used to buy, rebuild and sell, buying pianos on spec to rebuild and make money is more and more difficult as prices drop, the amount of available inventory increases, and my willingness to work for less doesn't. At this point, the piano's resale value which is tied to name recognition (manufacturer's name that is) is a large factor in making that decision and many good rebuilding opportunities in terms of potential musical outcomes get passed on because there's not enough value in the piano to make a reasonable profit and justify it. So get over it and get on wit' ya life. It's too short as it is. You are fortunate (as am I) to have customers who are making decisions about rebuilding their old pianos on other than pure dollars and cents. Occasionally I do find something that I just can't pass up. Those are still sitting in the back of the shop on their sides. The cobbler's children go unshod. David Love www.davidlovepianos.com -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Joseph Garrett Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 12:28 PM To: pianotech Subject: Re: [pianotech] NY Times article on pianos David Love said: "Buying a piano has never been a good "investment", not monetarily. Well, except maybe when the rate of inflation hits 20 percent. At least then it makes it seem like one. Once you drive them off the lot..." Define "investment".<G> If you are looking at it, strickly, from a financial standpoint, I'll give you that. However, you cannot put a $ sign on sheer aesthetic beauty of the furniture designs, the musical beauty, and the longevity. Name one thing, other than a house, that continues to last as long, with minimum amount of $ for maintainence? There is none, imo. (not even the $ invested in your kids!<G>) Not to mention the establisment of learning music, scholastic achievement, mental stability, (all of which have been written up in medical journals and such), and a sense of value in those things of years gone by. As for the dollar values that you put on "rebuilding"? Everyone needs to realize that you are quoting California prices, which are unlike any other part of the world.<G> That's my take on that. Joe Joe Garrett, R.P.T. Captain of the Tool Police Squares R I ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2197 / Virus Database: 2437/5165 - Release Date: 07/30/12
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC