Maybe we should all think about getting 1-900 numbers. $3.95 a minute. LMAO Roger At 07:43 AM 8/10/01 -0400, you wrote: >Good Morning. > >Basically, I'm just venting right now, so if you don't want to listen, then >please delete. > > >I got a call yesterday from a woman who has an 'old piano, and we're >thinking of "restoring" it'. Ok..I make an appointment for late yesterday >afternoon. > >It's an old piano allright..it looks like a circa 1930ish Wurlitzer Grand, >but there's no markings anywhere..case has been 'painted' (important for >later conversation)..the key cover is the hinged type, similar of Wurlitzer >and I'm sure others in that era. > >Anyway, there's a bunch of ivory missing..the pedal lyre is not connected >because the previous mover told her that the holes are stripped out >(yup)..hammers missing..action plays like a Mack truck trying to do 60mph in >2nd gear..we've all seen them. > >SO..she says to me.."If this were your piano, what would you do with it? >Ans. - I would restore it from top to bottom..that's what it needs to bring >it back. > >.."and we're talking alot of money, right?" >"well, what would be considered alot of money to you, ma'am?" > >"$2500." >"..then yes ma'am, we're talking alot of money" > >"OK..then what would it take to get it playing again" >(looking for a way out of this one already).."well, you need to fix the >pedal lyre, replace the broken ivory, or think about replacing the ivory >with new keytops.." > >"oh NO NO NO..we like it old..just the way it is..we know it's been >painted(black), but we like to keep things as they are". > >"..well, if you like to keep things the way they are, and you know the piano >has been painted, then you know that your feelings about keeping things as >they are have been compromised.." > >"oh no..that is how the piano was GIVEN to us, and we want to keep it the >same." > >"...........ok...............then why are you asking me to 'restore' your >piano?" > >"well, we don't really want to restore it (no kidding)..we just want to get >it playing again..what will that cost?" > >"$xxx". > >"wow, that sounds like alot to get it playing again..it probably hasn't been >played for 20 years..that's how long we've owned it" > >(where's that hole I dug for myself?) "..ma'am, I don't like doing 'patch >work', and that's what you're asking me to do..I can do it..I won't like it >much, but your piano will play after I'm done". > >"well, thank you very much for informing us about what we have(fire wood). >I'll let my sister know what it will cost to get it playing..it's her >piano..she lives in Missouri". > >"you're welcome." > >roo(k) >
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