> I am thinking about donating the piano to a local theatre who needs
> one and taking a tax deduction.  Or should I try and sell it as
> I desperately need the money?

This is a tough one.  We've discussed the hazards of donations to
museums previously: I generally don't recommend it, because museums
are typically more concerned about exhibit space than the exhibits
themselves, and tend to neglect/dead-store/discard items that they
didn't pay real money for.

On the other hand, an item that is sold goes, by definition, to someone
who wants it.

> The theater will not remove the player mechanism and will seek repair
> of the player when possible, which makes me feel better.  I know the
> people associated with the theater and can take their word.

Here, we have an organization that really needs the item and will use
and take care of it.  But a sale would make you some money, which you
need.

You'll have to make your own decisions insofar as your finances go.
I think either course would be okay with the player piano deities.
There might be other alternatives, like a low-cost lease agreement with
the theater.

Mark Kinsler
Ohio