<HTML>Anyone in Washington care to contact this person for an evaluation of this instrument. Any one there know Mr. Van Winkle? Wim In a message dated 10/9/01 3:20:13 PM Central Daylight Time, mctipps@bentonrea.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Mr Blees, My husband and I are looking at a 1914 Blasius and Sons 6'3" grand piano.  It is being offered by a local (we live in Washington state) technician, he is asking $9500.00 for the piano. This piano was totally rebuilt in the 60's, restrung, new pin plank, block and pins, and hammers.  After it was rebuilt it was hardly used.  The  sound board and blocks are in excellent condition.  Mr. VanWinkle, the technician, has put in new felts and did a total regulation.  He also went through and did some fine details that he considered necessary to make the piano the way he wanted it like adjusting the  pedals.  When asked when and what the next repairs he would expect would be he replied that in about 20 years we would be looking at facing the hammers. My husband and I are novice at purchasing a piano and would love to have your opinion on the value of this piano.  I realize that without actually seeing the piano it may be a difficult task, but we would like a ballpark figure if possible.  We like the piano, but not if he is asking more than what it is worth. Thank you. K'Lynn Tipps    </XMP>mctipps@bentonrea.com </BLOCKQUOTE> </HTML>