Originally posted by Ariel:
Larry, other dealers (current or "retired"), techns, piano-owners,
Don't know who wll check in about this elaboration to my initial question, but three things:
1) What are your [b]personal experiences with reporting dissatisfaction with something about your piano and how was it handled? Or - from techs or dealers, what are some of your stories regarding different makes?
2) How much does the
dealer factor in?
3) What about
transportation expenses? By that I mean, what if you purchased your piano from a dealer distant from your home and the problem is so serious the piano needs to be shipped somewhere (to them or further) for work?
Is this ever covered - or "helped with"? I was disconcerted to say the least, speaking to Faust Harrison to learn that it was entirely possible that an Estonia grand might have to be shipped back to Estonia for certain problems, paid for by the purchaser (but it wasn't "that expensive"
).
And digressing a bit on Estonias, I had also heard from a very reputable , former dealer (no, they dropped the line not that they were dropped) that they had had to deal with a number of cracked sound-boards (apparently from insufficiently aged wood) and two cases of legs which had snapped off. These pianos were produced before the last two years when I know they have improved their materials and workmanship, but still...
If I had to ship my piano back to a dealer - as I most certainly would have to since I am at least four hours from any large dealership besides that local one - it would already be at least $1000 extra round trip and maybe twice that. If it's clearly a problem with the "workmanship" etc. this concerns me.
Thanks for all replies! And to Larry for comments earlier.[/b]
