acrosonic wippens, anyone?

[Andrew and Rebeca Anderson]

When it comes to pro-nouncing a piano dead I've stuck to one rule:
	What will its market value be after it is repaired versus what it 
cost to repair?  Is there enough sentimental value in it to really 
make up the difference?
	If the piano was cheap when it was bought new (no-name), has an ugly 
case, and needs everything done to it, I recommend dumping it.  If 
the case is pretty but the ratio is still bad, I suggest converting 
it into a desk or book-case, particularly if they don't want to 
afford actually completing the job.  I've seen too many kids saddled 
with a cheap PSO to be willing to participate in the crime!  I point 
out where a poor piano that has its potential fully realized will 
still be a poor imitation of a piano.  I discuss the availability of 
used older pianos that have potential.  I discuss new pianos and how 
they excite the students and offer a full palette for the student to 
play with.  If they truly cannot afford a piano I discuss the 
difference between a synthesizer/keyboard and a digital piano, touch 
and tone.  I recommend shopping around (I sell pianos too) and point 
out that this is an educational investment with impact in areas of 
math and science.
	When they worry about wether the kid will like it and stick to it, I 
point out that they are programming their child to fail.  My wife is 
an accomplished professional pianist.  In her early teen years she 
had to be dragged to her piano lessons crying.  Does she regret her 
parents attitude that music lessons were no more optional than 
school?  Not at all!  I have yet to meet an adult that regrets their 
parent's insistence that they continue their musical education.  At 
this point the parents are nodding with a glint in their eye.  They 
usually are regretting that they hadn't stuck with their lessons.  I 
do point out that not all children will end up playing the piano, 
some will move to other instruments.  But music majors (in some 
schools minors too) are required to have piano-competence and will 
have to pay for lessons in college to gain competence.  Music is a 
real profession now-a-days.  Musicians make a living, music teachers 
do too and very good ones at that.  	
	I add that the parents can add a PianoDisc system when the kids 
leave so they can continue to enjoy the piano, but a recommend 
against it while the kids are learning--unfair competition.
	Be honest with your clients.  Be clear about what they can 
expect.  If it was a PSO to begin with and the design doesn't 
anticipate anything more don't mislead them.  People will spend 
thousands on a TV entertainment system.  Point out that the TV isn't 
used as an education tool (be real here).  Point out that it is an 
expense, not an investment (loses fifty percent of its valu while in 
the box after leaving the store).  Contrast that with a good piano 
and its total impact.  The choice can be made obvious.

JMHO
Andrew