Old Bechstein

[Farrell]

I think the question is "what is the salvage value of an 1878 Bechstein?" This thing sounds like it needs everything from top to bottom, inside and out. I just bought a 1902 6'4" Knabe for remanufacture for $3,000. If the piano is desirable for restoration, the $4K price may not be too far out of the ballpark - although I think there are likely a lot of rebuilders who would pass on something that is likely to be a bit odd to work on like this one - so that might tend to lower the value a bit. If I had the $$ I might want it - but I don't have the $$.

Terry Farrell
  
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Herman Sorgatz" <pianoman@newnorth.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 12:08 AM
Subject: Old Bechstein


> I have been asked to evaluate an old Bechstein. It is in an old house which has been sold. The buyer of the house would take the piano if it were worthwhile. The owner of the piano thinks it is worth about $4,000. I do not do this often. Here is what I found.
> C. Bechstein  6 foot 2 grand with square tail
>  #10056 ( Pierce puts it at 1878) Ebony, fair cond.
> Those big fat legs all of which are cracked.
> The outer rim is delaminating top to bottom.
> Major cracks in sound board. Some loose ribs.
> No down bearing in bass, a little in the treble.
> Major damper problems, Not lifting crooked, loose. unglued Etc; It has waterfall keytops. some are cracked and scratched. They are held on with small brass screws. Some loose tuning pins. The bottom of the pin blick is covered with veneer so I could not check for cracks. I did not want to remove the veneer. Badly out of tune about 180 cents flat. i do not know where the owner got the $4000. figure I don't think so but I don't do this that often. What say ye?
>  Thanks a bunch
> Herman Sorgatz    Associate PTG
> pianoman@newnorth.net
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