In a message dated 4/7/99 9:55:23 AM Central Daylight Time, pianobuilders@olynet.com writes: << Personally, I'd even be reluctant to "sell her some new strings." Regards, Del >> Although it probably wouldn't happen in this case, you could be named in an eventual lawsuit and accused of selling strings that "wouldn't work". You might be able to testify your way out of it but that would surely cost you more than the profit you might make from a small, retail sale. Staying entirely clear of this situation, not even giving your opinion would be the safest. It was probably a poor quality "baby" grand with a thin, delaminating pinblock and an action which had never been removed for service during the piano's entire existence. The customer probably cannot even play the piano but had a spot in her South-facing (sun-drenched) picture window for a "nice baby grand" that she wanted the whole neighborhood to see. The refinisher is more than likely going to get the job "done" one way or the other and the piano delivered and tell her that it "just needs to be tuned". She'll call around asking "How much do you charge...?" and when she finds somebody, that person will come and do something, I'm not sure what but she'll pay for it and that will be the end of the story. The "piano" will occupy that resting place until she goes to hers. Your only problem may eventually be at the estate sale when after looking at the "beautiful baby grand" for less than 30 seconds, you declare it "worthless" and the estate sale people get mad at you and say that they'll call someone "honest and competent" and swear they'll never do business with you again. That's the piano business. Good luck. Bill Bremmer RPT Madison, Wisconsin
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