Hi,

I am interested in buying a used piano but I know nothing about how to check it. Can I hire a technician to go check it for me? Is there any service like that?

Do you have any recommendations for a reliable technician in Greater Vancouver area?

Thank you so much.

StarryNight

Rod Verhnjak posts on this forum fairly often and is in Vancouver. I know he has a store, but I think he has private clients as well.

Having an independent tech inspect a prospective used purchase is a smart idea, yes.

You could try
http://www.ptg.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/directory/RPT/person.html
to find an RPT in your area... and some more information, if you're interested.

Hiring a tech to check it out before you buy can save you from an ocean of tears later. The cost for an inspection visit is modest, in the neighborhood of a hundred bucks US.

Thank you so much, Jeff and terminaldegree!

But now I've another question. I found that the technicians list out their specialized areas, e.g.

Estimates/Appraisals
Performance and Concert Service
Touchweight Analysis and Correction
Reconditioning
Voicing
New Piano Sales
Used Piano Sales
Voicing

Some didn't list any. What should I choose then? Should it be the one specializes in Estimates/Appraisals or Used Piano Sales?

Thank you so much again!

Feel free to call me for free advice over the phone. I do not inspect pianos west of the tunnel and bridges because I don't leave my shop on short notice. Most people want a piano they find inspected quickly.

First and foremost and am a technician/rebuilder before a salesman.

If you call and tell me the area a particular piano is in I can recommend trusted knowledgeable techs.

Hi Rod,

Thank you so much for your kind and generous help! I'm so glad that I can find so many great and kind experts me offering me so much help.

I will give you a call tomorrow or Saturday. Thank you so much again.

StarryNight

If Rod can't help you, there is a fairly complete listing of Vancouver and BC technicians here:

BC Piano Technicians Page

There is our own Dan Silverwood.

Thanks for the reference BDB,

We do lots of appraisals here if the OP needs something looked at. There is information about this on my web site;

Appraisals page

While Rod’s shop is actually an hour outside of Vancouver and mentions that he does not travel west of the tunnel, my shop is located inside Vancouver city.

Just to clarify I do go into Vancouver often which takes me 35 minutes I do not do appraisals in Vancouver for the reason clients often need these instruments looked at quickly since they want to make a purchase. I am so booked up I pass this work to others so I can stay in my shop and get my work done. Clients wait weeks for me to do estimates for restorations and refinishing.
We service Whistler to Hope and I have a group of techs that I work with.

Rod,
When you come to Vancouver give me a buzz and drop by for coffee.

Jack and Steve often do when they are this side of the river.

Latté usually between 1-2pm. That will give you time to get back to the tunnel before the lane change at 3pm.

Dan,

Thanks for the offer. I'd like to see your shop. Please stop in at mine if your in the area. I would be happy to show you our shop. We also still host the local PTG meetings the 4th Monday of each month. This month we are having a meeting on the third Monday due to the conference in Utah. As always you are welcome to join us.

Dear Folks,

I'd put in a plug for Paul Brown, RPT up that way, too. He's in Vancouver, and a well respected member of the PTG. I can vouch for his honesty and competence. Visit his website, and get a look at his views on a few things if you wish. Always nice to have a few options!

Respectfully,