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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I've just run into a first for me. =
Couple years ago
I contracted with a local couple (the husband to be specific) to
remanufacture their old Baldwin M grand (5'3") - new soundboard, action, =
finish, etc. The piano was originally purchased new by the woman's
grandmother and was handed down to her (read: sentimental value - no =
other piano
will do). They put the first 1/3 of the contract fee up front. I =
completed
building the new soundboard, bridges, ordered parts, etc., etc. The next =
step
was to move on to refinishing - that is when the next installment =
of funds
was due.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I tried to contact them at that point =
(several
months after I started) and was unable to - all phone numbers =
disconnected, etc
- I tried internet searches with no luck. I now learn that the =
couple
got divorced, the woman moved to the Carolinas and the man seems to have =
disappeared from the face of the earth.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I stopped working on the piano a long =
time
ago because it seemed I did not have a client and roughly 1/3 of =
the work
had been completed.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>This morning I get a call from the =
woman's mother
inquiring about the piano. I explained the status and she asked if I =
could just
"put it back together" and that she had no funds that she wished
to invest in the piano - but realizes that it may cost =
something
to make it whole again in some minimal fashion. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>So now I'm trying to figure out some =
sort of
solution to this situation. I seems very clear there will not =
be a
"good" solution to this situation (unless, of course, the husband is =
found and
is willing to complete the contract - which mom will try to do - but I'm =
not
going to hold my breath). I only wish to get paid for the work I do to =
the
piano. I do not wish to hold anyone to complete the full scope of =
contracted
rebuilding tasks - that would be best for the piano, but I don't think =
anyone
will want to pay for it. I'm going to figure up a fee for making the =
piano whole
for the least cost. That will be such an awkward solution - new =
fabulous
belly - peeling finish - dull plate - so-so action with chipped/cracked =
ivory
keys. I feel so uneasy about such an end. And I know the lady won't be =
happy
with the piano either.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Does anyone have any constructive =
thoughts for a
least-bad outcome to a situation like this? Maybe =
there is some
avenue/direction that I have not thought of. Thanks.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Terry Farrell</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
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