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Insurance Appraisal For Reproducing Pianos
By David Dewey

Adam,  For insurance purposes, the most important thing is
"Replacement Value" as that is what has to happen if your piano(s)
are "lost." Given the current market for almost _all_ pianos, a
replacement piano would likely be rather cheap -- however, you may
have to have one shipped from elsewhere, so there is that expense.

Then there is the condition; if your piano is fully restored, the
replacement is likely not and there is the expense of restoration.
The complete rebuilding by a professional of a grand piano is probably
in the $15K range, and then there is the restoration of the reproducing
mechanism, another around $5K.

It is wisest, though more expensive, to err on the high side, should
the need ever arise to collect.  Of course, you might find an
appropriate replacement for less, but that's basically a "crap shoot."

For example (although not a reproducing piano, still a musical
instrument), our church has a fine 1928 Rueter Pipe organ (3 manuals,
some 33 ranks).  If the church were to sell it for some unfathomable
reason, it would likely get _maybe_ $10K, probably less (down to
"take it out, please!").

However, should something terrible happen and the organ be destroyed
it would take probably $250K to have a replacement built.  Reproducing
pianos are pretty much in the same category, sad to say.

So, stick with replacement value, and have the condition of your
instruments well-documented.

David Dewey


(Message sent Tue 3 Oct 2017, 15:22:31 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Appraisal, Insurance, Pianos, Reproducing
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