Hi All...

I have a customer who is considering putting their piano up for sale,
and they would like to get a general idea of what its value would be.  I
may have mentioned this instrument last year if it sounds familiar to
some.

The instrument in question is a Knabe/Ampico B  5' 3" grand made in
about 1930.  The piano is played almost every day, but is all original
and definitely requires restoration.  The walnut (I think!) 6-leg case
is in good condition with the original finish in fair shape.  Inside on
the rim there is a small brass plaque indicating it was a personal gift
given on July 4, 1931.  The piano is located in Western Canada, and
belongs to the second owner who moved here from Ohio.

The reproducing mechanism is an Ampico B which is not functional and as
far as I know it hasn't been tried in 30 years.  It is entirely original
right down to the cover underneath and the last roll it ever played is
still in it.

I would appreciate it if anyone can give me any help in evaluating this
instrument, preferably by email at the above address and I will forward
any comments.  The owners are moving back to the U.S.  and would rather
not put it in their Eastern seaboard home.  Some questions the owners
have are:

   - Is this a "collectible" piano despite its size?
   - Is it worth doing any restoration work BEFORE it goes up for sale?
   - What would its value be at the moment? Restored?
   - Where should it be advertised?
   - Would it be a better investment to "keep it in the family"?
   - Is anyone here interested in the instrument?

My thanks to anyone who responds.

                John


John Musselwhite, RPT¶
Calgary, Alberta Canada¶
musselj@cadvision.com