Hello everyone. I hope some of you can give me some advice. We need to either upgrade to a better piano, or invest in having more work done to our current 1920's Aldrich 49" vertical, either for our own use, or in order to resell it. I just read on "bluebookofpianos.com" that Aldrich pianos, a house brand of Sherman Clay, were "always of excellent and durable quality."

I think the piano has a nice tone, though a bit bright--it does NOT have the typical "honky tonk" sound of an older upright. When we bought it in 1987 (in the mild, piano-favoring climate of San Jose, CA), we had the keys recovered, action regulated, hammers "scarfed" (or whatever it is called), and tuned, of course!

We moved, with the piano, to Maryland (more climate extremes)17 years ago. Some of the pins started loosening, and the tuner did dope them three years ago (with "pin-tite", not with CA glue). That seemed to help for most of them, but a few of the bass pins are still loose.
The action is a bit light, as well.

I hate to think of this piano ending up in a landfill, and I don't want to sell a piano that can't hold a tune as well as it should to some unsuspecting buyer.

I called a few techinicians in the areas. One said it would be between $450-$800 to dope the pins again (he would use both pin tite and ca glue. Another tech (who mainly deals with high end pianos)felt it wouldn't even be worth the money to have him come out and assess it.

One more thing--Just in case this bears on anything: the case is in good condition and is very attractive, imho. It is a beautiful quarter-sawn-oak veneer, in a pretty medium, reddish-brown color. The lines are simple (not an overdone Victorian), so would work well with contemporary decor.
Also- let me know if I should post this in the "Tech" forum instead. I wasn't sure which would get the most responses. Thanks in advance!

I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but here is my .02...

The piano is not a well-known brand, though it has more or less served you well for a period of time. Even though you like it, it will continue to need work/bandaids, unless you are willing to sink a lot of money into it, which I would not advise.

I suggest putting your hard-earned money into a newer, better piano. You still might get something for the Aldrige and you can tell the prospective buyers about the problems and let them decide if they want it.

Good luck with what ever you dicide, and keep us informed.

Rick