Steve, that device looks quite interesting. If it works (it looks like it should), send me a hi-res image for the TTT column.
As for the original question: I tend to be on the conservative side of extensive repairs to low-value instruments. It really depends on the instrument, and how many worms reside in the can, just waiting to wriggle out. If I do extensive work, the instrument should sound and play noticeably better. Often they don't.
"Our job is to serve in any way that's moral and legal, not to manage our client's financial decisions for them."
Ben, I'm not sure we can separate the two. They often rely on us for financial information about value and cost--we might be the decision-making authority in many instances when the customer really doesn't know. Even a trusted piano teacher may not be a good source of that information.
Another aspect of poor instruments: many customers have no point of comparison as to the vast gulf between a poor and a good instrument. They might say things like "I don't need a Steinway" as if it's an either-or choice. They may have absolutely no idea that a good modern piano really can be better. What I've seen is that when I am able to get customers into a better piano, they have a revelation and are much appreciative.
Often, when I tell the customer not to sink money into an instrument, they tell me they appreciate my honesty, especially because they know I could have easily talked them into expensive repairs. I tell them "Sure, I make a living fixing pianos. But I'd much rather have you playing a better instrument."
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Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-22-2022 01:08
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: What would you do?
Fwiw, this device has shown up on Ebay from China. It looks promising in that it might better reintroduce the tension into the hammer felt similar to the original press. I've ordered one just to see, about $40. It does necessitate removing the hammer assembly from the action but it seems with two of them one could get a good rhythm going and the repair would be invisible.
The sellers don't seem to understand what the tool is for, they think it's for removing a grand hammer from the shank. They call it a "piano hammer shank press". (?)
It looks like they used a key pounder for the picture.
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Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2022 22:02
From: Tremaine Parsons
Subject: What would you do?
I would certainly pitch raise it first. I'm sure you know this but others may not.
Tremaine Parsons
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Tremaine Parsons RPT
Georgetown CA
(530) 333-9299
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2022 00:49
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: What would you do?
I arrived at a customer's home expecting repairs on some sort of upright. What I found was a 1960s Haines Brothers (Aeolian stencil) home console with the entire tenor and most of the bass section hammers coming unglued. The staples were only decorative and didn't reach to the wood molding and the glue was obviously inadequate.
My rule on instruments like this is complete honesty. The piano in this condition is a "leave it at the street" instument and was his ex-wife's pianos with no sentimental value. I can attempt to re-glue the hammers, but the whole job, with the pitch raise tuning will exceed the value of the instrument and would still be questionable.
A comprable or slightly better instrument will cost him about $1500 to $2000 from a dealer. A similar piano from the open market place will likely have similar problems. New hammers will cost about $1000 plus regulation (and the pitch raise).
After careful consideration he opted for new hammers!
This might be fun... or a disaster...
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Blaine Hebert RPT
Duarte CA
(626) 795-5170
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