recommendations for piano buyer

[JIMRPT@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 16/07/01 10:35:20 PM, dnereson@dimensional.com writes:

<< Should I tell her to just buy the one she thinks sounds best in terms of

tone, or should I tell her you're always better off buying a brand-new

instrument, even if it's not a high-end brand? >>

Dave;
 Value comes into play here and it is not quite as black and white as you 
paint it.:-)
The M&H, even with a bad board, will 'always' command a higher price, 
percentage wise, than will any K&C or, or stenciled, or Samick/YC grand of 
comparable size.
You have named some of the reasons already. Just looking at the market for 
used instruments will tell you that M&H thingees are bringing more than are 
used asian thingees of comparable size, age and condition.

 The question of value must be addressed, both monetary and perceptual. The 
monetary is fairly clear cut, i.e. purchase price + any needed work......this 
you can deal with on any instrument. The customers perception you can only 
influence through education if at all. The perception of value, tone, 
playability and appearance can only be formed by the customer and you have 
little knowledge of the factors the customer will apply in doing 
so............................

Investmentwise the M&H is a better investment.
Basic quality goes to the M&H also.
Rebuilt carefully the M&H will be a marvelous instrument...the asian piano 
will always be what it is.
Since you say that the tone is comparable on the new asian thingee and on the 
old wornout M&H and the prices are comparable I don't know if I would go so 
far as to advise purchasing a new thingee over this old thingee...but than I 
am not there and can't hear/see/feel the M&H.

 Finally I suppose what I am saying is that your best course of action is to 
just lay out courses of action on each piano, along with associated costs,  
then stand back and allow the decision to be the customers.
Just my view.
Jim Bryant (FL)