Dear MMDers:  Many _many_ thanks for all the good advice and letters
of support regarding yesterday's posting.  I have refrained from taking
any hasty action until I go and see the piano, which will occur shortly.

I believe the fellow to be telling the truth, as he agreed that my
making an "assessment visit" was a good idea, and stated that they
he would still like to have me as an (ultimately) satisfied customer.
He has also agreed to send photos of the damage by overnight courier.

The single biggest "red flag" for folks was the tech's statement that
the player mechanism "couldn't be fixed".  Today, in a calmer mood, the
tech allowed as how the piano is probably repairable (as so many of you
pointed out), and that only the pneumatic stack has undergone extensive
damage (the piano having fallen on its belly without the legs attached.
He attributed his comments of yesterday to emotional hysteria.  I
thought some slack-cutting was in order.

However, I very much need to hedge my bets here, and am actively
pursing other purchase options.  If anyone knows of a Duo-Art grand for
sale (preferably restored, and restored well) in the Eastern United
States which has not appeared already in any of:

  (1)  The MMD,
  (2)  The AMICA Bulletin, and
  (3)  The MMD "Exchange" run by Joyce Brite

please advise the undersigned.

Again thanks for all the encouraging words and good advice.

Tim Baxter
Meliora Music Rolls
Atlanta, GA