This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment I would tell them that you are going after them for the balance of the = contract. You could offer to settle for the piano. If you did that you = would never have to look over your shoulder or worry about badmouthing = etc. =20 Bill Peterson ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Farrell=20 To: pianotech@ptg.org=20 Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 10:03 AM Subject: Piano Rebuild Client AWOL 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.=20 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 ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/9a/69/64/2e/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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