[pianotech] Monetary evaluation

[David Love]

It's a difficult time to be selling pianos right now for sure.  Personally,
I try to avoid the word "investment" when discussing purchases or rebuilding
projects with customers.  I know that many customers like to think that way
and some dealers, sadly, also use the term when selling new pianos.  But
there's just no basis in reality to the claim.  All pianos depreciate.
Investment implies growth in real value.  

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Denise Rachel
Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2010 9:40 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Monetary evaluation

Thanks Tom and Dave -- 

Your ideas are sound.  

Back when primo rebuilt pianos used to keep better pace with the new ones, I
used the price of a new one as my standard, which was solidly known.  It's
that middle figure, what the rebuilt will sell for now, that is the
troubling variable.

Also, since many folks have considered their pianos a major long term
investment, it troubles me to label these pianos as no more than rebuilding
stock   --   when they are still serviceable.  I wish for middle ground
here.

At any rate, my gut feeling was similar to the figures you mentioned.
Thanks.

Denise

On Feb 20, 2010, at 10:28 AM, Tom Driscoll wrote:

> 
> 
> 
>> Hello List,
>> 
>> I am having trouble estimating the monetary value of pianos lately.  For
many years I had logical formulas for arriving at a reasonable figure, but
those methods no longer serve.  The influx of PSO and our regrettable
economic situation have skewed the field.  I know of far more pianos for
sale than people looking for them right now, too.
>> 
>> The piano in question is 1929 S&S model M.  Board and bridges adequate.
Restrung in 70's with poor wire.  Original block with size 3 pins. Original
action  --   sluggish to the point of being unplayable.  Case refinished in
ebony, but done carelessly.
>> 
>> I'd welcome your opinions of this instrument, but even more valuable
would be to know your thought process.
>> 
>> Also, I'd like to know exactly what years they impregnated the center pin
bushings.  Just curious, they're easy enough to spot.
>> 
>> Thanks . . .
>> 
>> Denise
>> 
> 
> Denise ,
> I'm in the middle of the same request from a client with a slightly older
but "unbutchered M " .I have yet to see it, but the owner describes the
action as sluggish and tone poor so I think we are both talking about these
pianos as rebuilding stock.
> Someone on list  had recently mentioned $1000 a foot for a rebuildable
Steinway but the few  rebuilders I have spoken with in my area are reluctant
to take on any more spec. pianos.(especially an M)
> The journal has adverts  from buyers seeking Steinways so that may be one
solution to set price.
> 
> Tom Driscoll
>> 
> 
>