Unlike many of my colleagues, I certainly do not feel the crunch that
D.L. Bullock speaks of.  Many of my clients are younger people who own
a single piece, or possibly two, that Grandma or Grandpa left them and
they want to bring it up to factory-new condition to enjoy and pass on
to their children.

I also have my share of larger instruments in for restoration, from
collectors all over.  While supplies and labor have gone up, it seems
that those who are dedicated to the preservation of these instruments
will always want them to be in top condition in their collections and
homes.

What is no longer present is the speculator -- the investor wanting
to make a profit on a hoarded, unrestored instrument -- as the market
has gotten soft.

Stephen K Goodman <StephenGoodman@sbcglobal.net>