<HTML>In a message dated 12/15/2001 7:13:40 AM Pacific Standard Time, Wimblees@AOL.COM writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Subj:Re: Bridging the cap Date:12/15/2001 7:13:40 AM Pacific Standard Time From:    Wimblees@AOL.COM Sender:    owner-pianotech@ptg.org Reply-to: <A HREF="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</A> To:    pianotech@ptg.org In a message dated 12/15/01 1:49:51 PM !!!First Boot!!!, mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I have done refurbishings on a couple family heirloom spinets for $2,000+ - refinish, refurbish action, etc. - make 'em look like new and play as good as they can - VERY happy customers. </BLOCKQUOTE>   Wim Blees writes From my point of view, and perhaps there are others who have 20 plus years experience, when I find a piano such as an "heirloom" spinet, or Phil's Howard grand, I can't, in good conscious, recommend the customer spend the money I would need to charge to refurbish the piano. $2000 to refinish, restore the action, tune, regulate, etc., is just not enough. Maybe Terry can afford to do it for that price, but I can't.  By the same token, to do what Phil wants to do to that Howard will be in the $12,000 - $15,000 range. Maybe he can do it for much less, but I'm sorry, I personally can't justify charging that kind of money on that kind of instrument. </BLOCKQUOTE>   Wim    YOU DON'T HAVE TO JUSTIFY IT THE CLIENT DOES.             You are operating  on really  good ethics and intentions (here it comes) BUT whereas I approach potential projects as you do there are cases where it is not my business to tell the client how to spend their money.  I can advise them yes. If they understand that the outcome will be less than might be desired with no guarantees and they want to finish and string grandmas Betsy Ross spinet then the decision is whether we want to take on such a job or refer it. I may think it's dumb to do so  but my opinion doesn't count unless they like it.   I recently  did a  very complete remanufacture on a 1905  ornate upright. Originally well made but completely dilapidated. I explained the realties as to worth and investment as you previously stated.  If the outcome can be assured and the client is not hung up on the investment argument, which Terry was talking about earlier), then A decision can be made. Hey you can fix any thing if you invest enough time and money.    In this case the client got full belly package,case and veneer reconstruction , re- finish and new keys with ivory. Her beloved  Victorian upright and child hood friend restored. Don't sell emotional attachment down the river. What's the piano worth now? who cares if she doesn't and she got a really great outcome.  Value is ascribed in different ways by us all.    My point is that  there are individual situations where the client will want to proceed after all our usual initial warnings of lack of financial feasibility, tonal outcomes and other prudent counsel.    It is our job to give good counsel but it really is the clients right to spend there money how they will . If we don't wish to take in a certain job that's our free choice. I hope you can see where I,m coming from.  My Two Cents worth-Dale Erwin </HTML>