Piano, Organ, and Keyboard/5
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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!!
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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Answers by Expert:
Ralph Onesti
Expertise
I am a Registered/tested member of the Piano Technicians Guild (RPT) with 47 years of experience in all phases and levels of the acoustic piano. I will answer any questions regarding acoustic pianos only. All questions and answers are to remain public. Please to not include sensitive material! If they are marked private, I will change them to public. My answers may be of assistance to others. If privacy is an issue, please contact me through my web site: http://www.onestipiano.com Electronic keyboards, organs, and player/reproducing piano mechanisms are outside of my expertise. Anything to do with: Construction, Service, Tuning, Climate Control Systems, Piano Disc, 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. The shop's work comes from all over the world from private clients or other techncians.
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 Piano Technicians Guild and the Master Piano Technicians of America.
Awards and Honors
Service Award for the Rose Tree Media School District in Pennsylvania
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.
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