(No this really isn't
a 9' Fluffendoofel - it's P&G's 1912 McPhail Upright Grand!
This rascal is Paula's
grandfather's. Approximate value $2,500 to $3,500+-, but
no, we don't sell family!
McPhails were made in Boston. No, the image is not a
grand case...it's
to demonstrate digital imaging we can do from 35mm you send us!)
c.1900 Fluffendoofel (Wegsnoofle,
Germany) 9', Model X, Satin Ebony
9' Fluffendoofel, Model X, Satin
Black Ebony, #11,111 priced at $25,000.
Registered piano tech (RPT) report summary:
Refinished Case, repaired soundboard (date unknown), reworked action with new whippens/hammers, original ivories, original bridges, detailed music rack, replaced strings approximately 10 years old, original ivories (medium yellow discoloration), perfect ebonies, needs minor action work and regulation to adjust for very soft touch. Good overall tone. $2,000 - $3,000 worth of work will place this instrument in fine playing and tone condition. Case has some minor blemishes and sunlight damage, especially on the left case and left part of the top. RPT indicates the instrument to have an excellent overall tone for its physical condition. The case is quite lovely and has some very nice intricate carving along the sides of the fallboard and the case. The legs are also nicely carved.
Deferred Maintenance: The main weakness of the piano is a weak pin block which will probably need replacing in another 5 or so years. If this is replaced, the pins and strings should be replaced as well. Current action and soundboard highly serviceable probably lasting another 10-15+ years, if properly maintained.
Seller Data:
Instrument located in Portland, Oregon. Sellers moving to smaller home and desirous of replacing this instrument with a 7' vintage restored or vintage used instrument, preferably Steinway Model B c.1900-1920. They may desire a trade as well as an actual sale. Buyer to provide their own shipping. $2,000 deposit, cash, cashier's check, or bank draft only, no personal checks please. Sellers would prefer a sale within 6-8 months to coincide with their lifestyle change.
P&G Report:
Floofenduffels are generally regarded as prized instruments for their intricate case design and European craftsmanship. The weakness of the piano is the original pinblock which is reported by the tech to need replacing in probably 5-8 years. At this time the strings and pins should be replaced as well. The current approximate cost for this work in the Portland market by this tech is approximated at $8,000. To have a fine repaired instrument add acquisition cost + shipping + $2,000-$3000 now + $8,000+- deferred 5 to 8+- years in the future. With respect to the soundboard and action, if it ain't broke, don't fix it unless you plan on restoring the instrument completely. Call P&G for serious inquiry and further information prior to calling seller.
(Folks, isn't this one heck of neat way to market a vintage or used piano...no smoke...no mirrors? Check out Listing in process on the Internet when we have it linked!)
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