you can pay me now....

[Wimblees@aol.com]

In a message dated Mon, 1 Jul 2002 1:56:44 PM Eastern Standard Time, ANRPiano writes:

> I think your approach has value, however if you have 130 pianos with a value of only $1.2 million I think there are other issues which can be brought to bear.  With those numbers in mind you have a lot of smaller, lower quality or worn out pianos which certainly need replacing or rebuilding.  Spending money on rebuilding can certainly be justified in most cases from a life expectancy perspective.  We can't stop at tuning and regulating.  A rigorous rebuilding schedule can actually increase the value of the inventory in an amount greater than the cost of rebuilding.  I think, in my very limited experience, that is where most schools get themselves in trouble.  They purchase the pianos and do virtually nothing but tune them and occasionally regulate them.  20 years later they have become, in their myopic view, land fill.  
> 
> So if this increased efforts involves a long term rebuilding schedule, keeping the value of the inventory from dropping, it is a much more justifiable expense, from a strictly cost perspective.
> 
> Other benefits could include:
> 
> 1) Better pianos can attract more and better students.  It is very attractive to perspective students to see well 
> maintained instruments in the practice rooms.
> 
> 2) Enhanced prestige for the institution.
> 
> Just my 1 cents worth
> 
> Andrew Remillard

Andrew

Good to hear from my alma mater

You bring up some very good points, as well. This is why we need to discuss this. Would the addition of an extra technician keep the pianos going for longer than 30 years? However, for $35,000, over a two year period, you can buy another Steinway B. 

The student issue is also something to consider. My chair has told me several times that over the last 5 years or so, the school has lost some very good students, because they did not like the condition of the practice room pianos. So, will the addition of another tech help keep the pianos in better condition, which, in turn, will attract more and better students? Another question to ask.

Keep the ideas going. I beleive this is where we need to continue doing our home work.

Thanks, Andrew, for your response. 

Wim