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About Ralph Onesti
Expertise
I am a Registered/tested member of the Piano Technicians Guild with 45 years of experience in all phases and levels of the acoustic piano. I will answer any questions regarding acoustic piano only. Electronic keyboards and player/reproducing pianos are outside of my expertise. Anything to do with: Construction, Service, Tuning, Purchasing, Selling, Insurance Appraisal, Rebuilding, Repairs, Legal issues, Maintenance, Environmental issues, Finish issues with acoustic pianos. My full resume can be found at: http://www.onestipiano.com

Experience
In business since 1964, Extensive Rebuilding/Repair/Service facility. A certified, tested, member of the Piano Technicians Guild, Member of the Technical Advisory Service to Attorneys. Have performed piano service on Concert Stage, Recording Studios, and in the home. Http://www.onestipiano.com

Organizations
The Piano Technicians Guild, Master Piano Technicians of America, Technical Advisory Service to Attorneys. (TASA), IAPBT.

Publications
The Piano Technicians Journal

Education/Credentials
Attented Temple University, Drexel University, Philadelphia Community college all in the areas of engineering and Music. I taught a two semester course in Piano Technology and the related acoustical physics at Temple University. I have taught extensively for the Paino Technicians Guild and the Master Piano Technicians of America.

Past/Present Clients
The list is rather extensive. I would suggest you go http://www.onestipiano.com where there is a comprehensive list of clients past and present.

You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musical Instruments > Piano, Organ, and Keyboard > 5

Piano, Organ, and Keyboard - 5

Expert: Ralph Onesti - 11/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: What is the value of a 1920-1930's Baldwin Howard that has been rebuilt inside w/ original ivory keys. Outside case needs to be refinished.

And, would you purchase the Howard over a 2004 Knabe in perfect condition?

Thank you so much for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Mary:

Before we even attempt going for a value here...you have to tell me what "rebuilt" means.

I'll need a list of what was done.

for instance, a complete rebuilding would include:

New action; hammers, shanks, whippens, back checks, etc.
New soundboard
New bridges
New pin block
New strings
Plate refinished
all hardware chrome plated

So where are we on this?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes - everything has been replaced inside the piano. Part of the problem is that I don't know pianos - I am buying this for my daughter who has played for 5 years and her teacher feels (has felt for 3 years now) that she needs a quality piano. Our daughter is the only one in the family that can play so I don't want to spend a fortune - nor can we - but we do want to get a very good piano that will hold its value. Thank you so much for your help - this is a great service!!

Answer
Well...

If they did a complete restoration, and you had it looked at by a registered piano technician to verify the status...the piano is probably worth around 25,000.00.

But, before I forked over any money for a 'rebuilt' piano, I would have it looked at!!!!

Go to http://www.ptg.org Find a technician with 10 years or more experience in pre-sales evaluations.

don't listen to any teachers, or other individuals who think they know something about pianos, listen to the registered technician with the experience.

Then, have that technician put a number on the piano. And that technician as to be YOUR technician that YOU hired!!!!

I said 25K, but if it's a lousy rebuilding, it may be worth 25 cents!

Careful here!!!!!

Let me know how you do.

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