<HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>Re: Juarez Cosmetic piano restoration</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> <BLOCKQUOTE> The very nice gentleman that purchased it for 33k was looking for his las= t & dream piano. Bad dream  I value it maybe 12 to 15K. The restoration estimate 24K It hurts me---and it really does hurt---when I see good people do something= thoughtless and ultimately foolish.  Two things come to mind: 1. Piano rebuilders that do less than great, or at least honest, work on St= einways and M&H pianos. There’s no way that I can think of that you can justify doing this to= these great old pianos, or to unsuspecting, unsophisticated, or trusting cl= ients.  Bad job. 2. Piano buyers that think they can navigate alone through the insanely sha= rk-and-weasel-infested waters of the low and middle end of the piano rebuild= ing business---it’s just a bad idea. The best, best way to buy a Stein= way or M&H is to find a reputable piano restorer through a personal r= eferral, buy the shell, and let him/her do their thing.  You’= ll spend between $8K and $15K for the shell, and between $25-30K for the reb= uild.  Then you’ll have a piano for the ages....but people are to= o impatient, too paranoid, and too cocky to find a relationship like that an= d receive the gift that awaits. Mr. Nichols, please know that the standards of excellence that the shops of= myself, Dale Erwin, and others on this list are very, very high.  I do= n’t think you want to get into a debate club thing or a pissing contes= t with anybody here.  Perhaps this is a great time for a reality check = regarding your piano restoration business---I don’t know.  That&#= 8217;s up to you. With my best wishes..... David Andersen    </BLOCKQUOTE> </BODY> </HTML>