Piano Rebuild Client AWOL

[David Skolnik]

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Terry -
As distasteful as it may seem, you should get some legal advice, 
ASAP.  After that, you can decide how benevolent to be without digging 
yourself in deeper.  I wonder if you could end up on Judge Judy? X;{

David Skolnik


At 01:03 PM 2/15/2006 -0500, you wrote:
>I've just run into a first for me. Couple years ago I contracted with a 
>local couple (the husband to be specific) to remanufacture their old 
>Baldwin M grand (5'3") - new soundboard, action, finish, etc. The piano 
>was originally purchased new by the woman's grandmother and was handed 
>down to her (read: sentimental value - no other piano will do). They put 
>the first 1/3 of the contract fee up front. I completed building the new 
>soundboard, bridges, ordered parts, etc., etc. The next step was to move 
>on to refinishing - that is when the next installment of funds was due.
>
>I tried to contact them at that point (several months after I started) and 
>was unable to - all phone numbers disconnected, etc - I tried internet 
>searches with no luck. I now learn that the couple got divorced, the woman 
>moved to the Carolinas and the man seems to have disappeared from the face 
>of the earth.
>
>I stopped working on the piano a long time ago because it seemed I did not 
>have a client and roughly 1/3 of the work had been completed.
>
>This morning I get a call from the woman's mother inquiring about the 
>piano. I explained the status and she asked if I could just "put it back 
>together" and that she had no funds that she wished to invest in the piano 
>- but realizes that it may cost something to make it whole again in some 
>minimal fashion.
>
>So now I'm trying to figure out some sort of solution to this situation. I 
>seems very clear there will not be a "good" solution to this situation 
>(unless, of course, the husband is found and is willing to complete the 
>contract - which mom will try to do - but I'm not going to hold my 
>breath). I only wish to get paid for the work I do to the piano. I do not 
>wish to hold anyone to complete the full scope of contracted rebuilding 
>tasks - that would be best for the piano, but I don't think anyone will 
>want to pay for it. I'm going to figure up a fee for making the piano 
>whole for the least cost. That will be such an awkward solution - new 
>fabulous belly - peeling finish - dull plate - so-so action with 
>chipped/cracked ivory keys. I feel so uneasy about such an end. And I know 
>the lady won't be happy with the piano either.
>
>Does anyone have any constructive thoughts for a least-bad outcome to a 
>situation like this? Maybe there is some avenue/direction that I have not 
>thought of. Thanks.
>
>Terry Farrell
>
>

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