When to 'Get Rid' of the Old Clunker Upright or to Keep it.

So much quality and workmanship can be found in so many old upright pianos that date as far back as the late 1800's. Life was more meaningful and quality was of paramount importance to manufactures. Pianos were designed with utmost care and hand craftsmanship. They were built to last for generations; it was heirloom quality.

Many families have kept their uprights for many years and handed them down to the next generations in their family tree. Many kept those piano regularly maintained and others left it to many years of neglect because no one was there to remind them of the dire need for care. The most common form of neglect was that of many years without a tuning. The family got use to the sound of it and the look of it.

Oftentimes, I've been called upon to come and tune the piano with the warning from my client that "Its been twenty five years since this piano has been tuned!" or "This piano has never been tuned since we've had it...and it been here forever!"

Okay, maybe they want me to give it my best shot on that piano; but there are some things I must explain to them before tuning it. First of all, several tunings or pitch raises are necessary before the piano will begin to hold a stable tuning. But before even that is considered, there are many repairs needed in the piano action because the felts are all worn out and the strings and tuning pins may contain rust. In short, the piano is in need of a complete overhaul.

When people hear the price that is required to fix er up, they begin to think, "Well now, let's think it over a bit. Is it worth all that money in repairs?"
My answer is usually, "That depends on your future plans with your piano. If you're moving without the piano some day, or if you're planning to buy a new one later on, the answer should be no." If the piano is of sentimental value, keep the piano, but don't put money into it if it's not of great value especially if the value doesn't change much after the repair is completed. If you have a Steinway upright, it has much value to it because of its many years in reputation of the best quality that can be found in any piano. There are many pianos that are not Steinways but are just as valuable.

It takes an experienced and qualified technician to thoroughly evaluate the piano to assess the repairs needed. When the qualified technician deems the piano to be condemned, it's best to take his advise and don't let anyone be given that piano, but it should be disposed of. If the piano has life left in it, then be prepared to pay the cost to have the work done properly, or at least have the very minimal amount of work done to keep the piano student inspired to practice until a replacement for that piano is purchased.