Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > May 1997 > 1997.05.25 > 12Prev  Next


Not Worth It!!!
By John A. Tuttle

Hi Jon,

You wrote:

> This started with my post a couple weeks ago asking if it is *ever* ok
> to separate a piano from its mechanism. My concern was in regards to
> a Starck I have which is for all practical purposes (in its present
> condition) junk.

I have been rebuilding player pianos for the majority of my adult
life and to date I have found only a handful of straight-line
players that were actually worth rebuilding. Those instruments
all had very recognizable names or very unique qualities. The
value of a totally restored unit has been about half the cost
(or less) of restoration for as long as I can recall.

As I've stated before, the reason people spend thousands of dollars
is because they love the music or have a sentimental attachment
to the unit. Back in 1973, the owner of a large piano house
discovered he could not get his money back when he hired me to
rebuild just the player mechanism of a straight-line player and
I was working for $165/week.

The bottom line is, if it was worth it, retro-fit kits never
would have been invented and Andy Taylor wouldn't be lamenting
over the trade he made for his old Chevy. It never ceases to
amaze me that I am still in business considering my attitude.
It's just my good fortune that there are obviously a lot of
people who have the 'player bug' and the money to enjoy it.
Also consider the fact that a brand new unit is worth about
half the sale price the day it leaves the showroom.

Musically,
John A. Tuttle


(Message sent Sun 25 May 1997, 16:34:29 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  It, Not, Worth

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page