Definitive Answer (for me) was Clunker pianos - what do you do?

[Alan Barnard]

 This was my response to this issue some time back. It's still true when you live in der schticks!


Ode to Old Uprights

They're dirty, they’re dusty,
Smell mousy and musty,
(Should long ago have been scrapped),
But we take out tools, try not to look fools,
While children watch us, enrapt.

They look pretty sad,
But to make the folks glad,
(And because they are willing to pay),
We glue and adjust, scrape out goo, gunk, and rust,
And drench the old block with CA.

“Oh bother,” we say,
“This just ain't my day,”
(When strings they are asnappin').
Mend stickers, glue shanks, fix keys
—and give thanks,
For the fee that is coming our way.

Alan Barnard
Salem, MO




Original message
From: "Dean May" 
To: "Pianotech List" 
Received: 4/10/2008 6:48:43 PM
Subject: RE: Clunker pianos - what do you do?


What Steve said.

Dean 
Dean May             cell 812.239.3359 
PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272 
Terre Haute IN  47802 




From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Stephen Grattan
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 4:27 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: Clunker pianos - what do you do?

Michelle,

I also have a simple rule-of-thumb.  I give the customer- in writing, a full assessment of the piano, its current value and its potential value - then let the customer decide.  I have had many cases where I have given the customer dozens of reasons to junk it and they will say "It was Grandmas - I want to do it"  The money is green, they have made an informed decision, I have full-filled my obligations and I like to pay my bills- so I do it.  Have a great day!

Steve Grattan 
Lost Chord Clinic 

----- Original Message ----
From: Andrew and Rebeca Anderson <anrebe at sbcglobal.net>
To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 4:18:32 PM
Subject: RE: Clunker pianos - what do you do?

Michelle,
I have a simple rule-of-thumb.  If the cost of my work far exceeds 
the potential value of the piano I refuse to take the job.

Andrew Anderson
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