Hi All,  Jon Page writes, "Behr Bros. is a quality piano, and is
definitely worth restoration.  The keys look as though they had
been replaced with plastic tops which are curling off due to
improper gluing."

Professionally speaking, I'd be careful about stating that _any_
piano is 'definitely worth restoration'.  I would also be more
careful about stating that any particular brand of piano "is"
a quality instrument.

While it's certainly true that Behr Bros. "was" considered a quality
instrument back in 1926, short of a full-blown evaluation, there's
no way of knowing what condition the piano is in today.  Furthermore,
considering the state of the acoustic piano market and the potential
value of a completely restored circa 1920's full-size upright piano,
it seems highly doubtful that a restorer could recoup their investment
in such an instrument if it needed a new pin block, strings, soundboard
and bridges, all new action parts, refinishing, and a completely
restored set of keys -- unless their labor is of no value...

Realistically, today we're not only competing against acoustic pianos
made in foreign countries, where labor rates are significantly lower
than they are in the US, we're also competing against high-quality
electronic pianos that are available for 1/5th (and less) the cost of
an acoustic piano.

My point is that the market for a restored 1920's piano is almost
non-existent.  That equates to spending a substantial amount of time
and/or money to advertise in the hopes of finding that person who
appreciates the depth and character of such an instrument.

Musically,
John A Tuttle
Player-Care.com
Brick, New Jersey, USA

 [ The discussion of this piano has been more involved than I
 [ expected.   I was offered the piano by a friend who's mother
 [ was moving into assisted living.  I'd be hard pressed to find
 [ room for a gem, and this one didn't look like a gem from the
 [ photo.   It looked neglected.  I gave my friend the bad news
 [ that I wouldn't take it, but I wanted a hint as to whether she
 [ should expect to find someone clamoring for it.   The short
 [ answer is no, and everyone is OK with that.   Thanks for all the
 [ input.  --Jody