In my area, most old uprights are beyond their useful life. 80-100+ cycles of large humidity swings ruins pianos. So much wear, lost motion, out of regulation, fragile parts, loose tuning pins, etc. I tell my customers to avoid old uprights unless it's a Steinway or Mason & Hamlin, and they want to spend the money to completely restore it.<div> <br></div><div>When people ask me about what they should try to sell their old upright for, I tell them to give it away for the moving.</div><div><br></div><div>I've heard it's different on the West Coast where the climate is not so harsh. Here, old pianos are toast.</div> <div><br></div><div>-- <br><div>John Formsma, RPT<br></div><div>Blue Mountain, MS</div><div><br></div><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Tue, Nov 29, 2011 at 8:27 AM, Noah Frere <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:noahfrere@gmail.com">noahfrere@gmail.com</a>></span> wrote:<br> <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">I gave an estimate for repairs/assessment last week of a 90 year old Werner upright who's player components had been removed. The insides were as expected, though on the better side. Only one broken note (hammer flange), few if any cracks in soundboard/bridges. However, the sound was clearly 90 years old and the bobbling hammers, etc. left much to be desired. <br> <br>The seller was asking $275, to which I immediately responded (the potential buyer and I were alone) that it was too much, and I would ask for it for $50, but go up to $100 or even $150. Soon afterwards my attention went back to the case, which I had forgotten about, and realized it was in very good condition. The owner came in, and, hearing about the condition of the interior, and the $100 offer, began to cry. She needed to sleep on it. <br> <br>As the hours and days progressed, I started double-guessing myself. Had I over-emphasized the interior while ignoring the quality exterior? <br>Maybe it <i>was </i>worth $275. <br><br>Hmm...<br> </blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><div><br></div><br> </div>