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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 > Bell Piano Age

Piano, Organ, and Keyboard - Bell Piano Age

Expert: Ralph Onesti - 11/1/2009

Question

Piano

Hi!
My mother-in-law has gifted me with a Bell piano. As you can see by the picture, it has been horribly painted. I am considering refinishing it, but realize it will be quite expensive. I'm wondering the age of the piano and whether it is worth (or even can be!) refinished. The serial number is 9567.

Answer
Hi Michelle:

The piano was built in 1901.

Let's be objective here.

1. It's a Bell...Canada was never known for high quality pianos.

2. It's really...really...old. In today's technology...this piano is way behind. No piano of that vintage is up to 'snuff' so to speak.

3. Refinishing is, and you are correct, very expensive.

Objectivity says...don't do it. Of course, if you attach an heirloom value to it, that is up to you.

However, you are wondering if the piano is worth it, and objectively, the answer is: No.

That being said, I have had clients give me way too much money to rebuild pianos that return no value when they are finished, except that elusive heirloom value that exists only in the mind of the owner.

If you need a piano...let's go shopping.

Regards,

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