Pianotech

  • 1.  ownership of old parts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-02-2018 19:25
    Question:  does anybody know who legally owns the old parts, when parts have been replaced?
    Thanks,
    Linda Scott, RPT


    Linda Scott
    pianositter.com


  • 2.  RE: ownership of old parts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-02-2018 19:33
    Good question!  I don't know if there has been any precedent set but my opinion would be that that could, or should, be written into your contract if you think it is a concern. I've honestly never had anyone request their used parts back. 

    Chris





  • 3.  RE: ownership of old parts

    Posted 01-02-2018 19:35
    Technically, the parts belong to the piano's owner. If they have any value (use), you can discount your services or the price of the new parts at retail for them. Many times customers want the old hammers and such for art projects.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 4.  RE: ownership of old parts

    Posted 01-02-2018 19:37
    What does the contract say?
    No contract?
    Then that's the proble
    -chris

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    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: ownership of old parts

    Posted 01-02-2018 19:57
    M





  • 6.  RE: ownership of old parts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-02-2018 20:48
    I agree with John. I’ve never had a customer ask for the parts, but maybe it’s something we need to start asking.

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 7.  RE: ownership of old parts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-02-2018 23:01
    I restored an 1835 Erard grand, preserving as much original as possible. The parts that were replaced - a dry rotted pinblock- I carefully saved and catalogued and returned with the instrument.

    I always offer but have never had a request for parts replaced. I generally save them for a while for my own reference, just in case.

    I'm currently working on a 1902 Chickering model 116, saving all parts for my own reference again, but also because the customer considers this a salvage operation. She may want them.

    Nancy Salmon
    LaVale, MD 21502





  • 8.  RE: ownership of old parts

    Posted 01-02-2018 22:26
    I had some old but nice brass pedals to replace the three cracked or worn out ones on a clients piano. The husband and the wife asked for the old pedals because they were sculpture artists and would use them on one of their artworks. About a month later they junked the piano, I had replaced the pedals on, and bought a new/used piano without consulting me. It turned out to be a better used piano. She worked for the local newspaper and jumped on the piano for sale ad. before the paper went to print. I've had other clients who let me declare their piano deceased but wanted certain parts of it and then let me take whatever else off the piano case or interior they didn't want. I was surprised that one didn't want the ball and claw bench with the back on it. 

    Bob Highfield

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    Robert Highfield
    Lancaster PA
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  • 9.  RE: ownership of old parts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-04-2018 10:05
    Linda,

    I would simply ask them if they want the old parts or should I discard them as I usually do? Then let them decide.

    Or am I thinking too simplistically?

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 10.  RE: ownership of old parts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-05-2018 00:20
    Thanks to all for your input!
    Warm greetings,
    Linda Scott, RPT