ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER
April Meeting:
Date: Mon., 4/28/2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Snacks & Refreshments-6:30 pm
Location: Harout Salian's Workshop
260 East Dyer Road,
Suite H
Santa Ana 92707
Last month we had a Zoom-only meeting with San Diego Chapter President Brian Janey. Brian gave us a presentation on Piano Appraisals. Brian is an Accredited Appraiser who specializes in pianos. Seems like he picked a good time to get accredited as he has been getting lots of business from the recent fires in LA. Being accredited involves education, a minimum amount of hours in the field and, of course, passing a test.
First and foremost, what is an appraisal? An opinion of value, unbiased, supported by documentation, by an accredited appraiser.
The main takeaways for us as piano technicians and our clients are as follows
1. Avoid what Brian describes as the WAG (wild ass guess). If possible, avoid telling a client that their piano is worth X amount. This can lead to misunderstandings and possible conflict with the client, insurance companies, spouses (in the instance of divorce), and possibly the IRS.
2. Advise your clients (especially owners of high end instruments) that you must have your piano listed with your insurance company. If not, this could lead to problems with insurance companies in case of fire or water damage.
3. An appraisal is not the same as current market value.
Our thanks to Brian for spending the evening with us. His valuable services are available to all.
Next month we will meet in Harout Salian's shop near Fields in Santa Ana. Inspired by Don Mannino's program on tuning in February, Randy decided it would be interesting for us to share our tuning methods and individual preferences. Kind of a pot luck on tuning techniques, shared by those in attendance.
It will be a great opportunity to see Harout's shop and exchange ideas with old friends.
Hope to see you there.