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Dumping pianos

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Most used pianos are destined for the dump:
The value of used pianos, especially uprights, has plummeted in recent years. So instead of selling them to a neighbor, donating them to a church or just passing them along to a relative, owners are far more likely to discard them, technicians, movers and dealers say. Piano movers are making regular runs to the dump, becoming adept at dismantling instruments, selling parts to artists, even burning them for firewood.

“We bust them up with a sledgehammer,” said Jeffrey Harrington, the owner of Harrington Moving & Storage in Maplewood, N.J.

 

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  1. Uggghhh…  What a depressing, heart-wrenching sight that is!  I couldn’t even make it to the end of the video…
     
    Jenny Crober
    (VOCA Chorus of Toronto)

  2. This makes me a little sad, Philip.  I have had a romantic longing for a restored Chickering (my favorite piano since my first job had a Chickering and I’ve loved the sound ever since) for years. Looks like I won’t get one if this keeps up. Guess I’ll just have to ‘settle’ for my Steinway!

     
    I have had two pianos (one in the basement rec room and one in the living room) for most of my married life.  The one in the basement–a Kohler and Campbell spinet–was recently donated to a pre-school because we hadn’t used it for a while.  My son-the-pianist was supposed to practice on  that one (he was one of those kids who had to be pried off the piano and wanted to practice all the time–so two pianos made sense if I wanted to get anything done)when I had students in the living room. Somehow, I always managed to be in the basement and he was on the Steinway grande in the living room.  Since he’s moved on–or most days when he doesn’t need to use my laundry room or want to practice on my piano–we decided to get rid of the spinet. It took awhile to get someone to want it.  We called used furniture stores, the Salvation Army and any number of places we thought could use it  but we had no takers until the pre-school.  It’s a nice little piano and I’m happy it went to a good home–it was loved and will be loved again. 
     
    I love old pianos–love the sound, love the smell, love the feel.  And I can talk and talk and talk about my love for Chickerings! 
     
    Marie
     

  3. These instruments should not be busted up with sledge hammers.  They should be carfully dismantled, and the metal should be recycled.  Pianos have copper, steel, brass, and course a few hundred pounds of high quality cast iron.  In addition, the keys are stuffed with lead wieghts, and it is irresponsible to be throwing lead into our land fillls.  Hiring someone to do the job correctly on site is more practical, better for the earth, and costs far less than paying both the mover and the landfill fees.  I trained my son to do the job when he was 10, and with a few tools and some patience, anyone can do it.

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