jimsjinx wroteI know EXACTLY what's gonna happen to that piano. They will show up, with a bunch of college boys, a utility trailer, rope and a blanket. They are gonna damage the mouldings I cast outa resin and blended in, when they try to push it up a ramp, that is at too sharp an angle. They will then tie rope all over it, with only a blanket or two, from thier bed, and scar the finish with the rope,and crushing the 129 year old corners I had built up and squared with a handplane. Then, IF it makes it home, they will struggle with getting it off the trailer, same mouldings will take another hit. Then it will sit in thier house unplayed, cause it is in such need of rebuilding the innards. The soundboard is already cracked from ameture moves and handling. It was stored in a humid damp storage unit for several years to begin with. All to avoid the cost of a pro piano mover, and a rebuilder of the innards. Exactly the opposite of what they told me when I picked it up. Oh well. Not my problem now. In any other situation, I would have done everything I could to assist them in the move, but I am soooo done with it! I'm gonna go to NC and relax for awhile on the beach. Adios, old piano, I hope you make it! jimsjinx
My friend Martial and I, we have been in this business for many years and Martial who is a piano tech always insist that they restore the instrument first, because the piece of furniture outside is not worth spending any money on it if the piano is in need of repairs. I always recommend the same thing as I am the restorer of the player piano, restore the piano first or else I will not restore your player, because the roll player will never play well in a bad instrument. And lastly we do not take a job if they do not accept a professional mover with insurance, and the piano never leave the shop before the cheque has clear. When in doubt about a cheque, go to their bank and have it certified, it may cost you a few dollars, but it will already have been debited from their account and the cheque will be as good as paper money. That's the way it works here anyway.
If they come to get the piano themselves, have them sign a letter accepting the piano as been restored and clearing you of any mishaps due to the moving of it.
And by the way, you did a beautiful job.
