Asking for a "free" piano in a poster (or brochures)

[aewanko]

It sounds desperate because we cant afford any. Do you think this method will ACTUALLY work? From the word "free", can it be 1% possible? 



Addendum: I forgot to mention that I'm in a third-world country for Pete's sake. When we went to a mall last December, I saw a Yamaha upright that cost about $2000 even though there was a mallwide discount promo then (X-mas discount).

[allthumbs]

I would think you would have a good chance.

I'm sure there are people that have an old piano they would not be able to sell, but if the opportunity arose, they would give it away.

[db05]

If they were mine, I'd give you one of the three pianos my aunt has. Playable, but really old, cranky and out of tune. I practice on one of them; that's how I've been holding on these past few months. 

[lostinidlewonder]

In the trading newspaper we get there are people every week giving away pianos for free. Of course they are in all states of disrepair but u can get some that are still alive. It's free. But you have to pick it up yourself and transport it. ^_^

[aewanko]

If they were mine, I'd give you one of the three pianos my aunt has. Playable, but really old, cranky and out of tune. I practice on one of them; that's how I've been holding on these past few months. 

Fine with me being out of tune. I just need the extra keys and the pedals. And the heavy action.

I would think you would have a good chance.

I'm sure there are people that have an old piano they would not be able to sell, but if the opportunity arose, they would give it away.

But my mom said: "Free? Piano? Maybe the rich would give it to their friends but not you..." or something like that. I often argued that pianos are becoming more of a place where one places its picture frames, flower vases and the whatnot. I am often quite agitated at such, especially on TV soap operas.


We only bought that ugly 61-key synth out of budget deficiency.

[richard black]

Yes, I hear of free pianos going begging all the time. Delivery will cost a little, unless you have some strong friends, a piano trolley, and the use of a delivery vehicle for a few hours. And I would be tempted to spend a little money on basic piano tuning/repairing tools and a book on how to use them!

[db05]

Fine with me being out of tune. I just need the extra keys and the pedals. And the heavy action.

The Trebel piano is the one I like the least. It has soft volume, very heavy action and pedal so I'd rather not play it. But it is the least out of tune. If I get a digital piano (so I never get out of tune), and inherit this old piano, I'll call you.

The second piano has sentimental value. My aunt had it built for herself, and it bears her name. Maybe I could still sell the other one for a small fee.

[aewanko]

Yes, I hear of free pianos going begging all the time. Delivery will cost a little, unless you have some strong friends, a piano trolley, and the use of a delivery vehicle for a few hours. And I would be tempted to spend a little money on basic piano tuning/repairing tools and a book on how to use them!

Right now, I'm already considering to buy a basic piano tuning kit and a manual. Problem is, I don't know where to buy one. So do the movers.

[richard black]

Problem is, I don't know where to buy one.

www.pianoparts.com

That's where I got mine! They ship overseas.

[lostinidlewonder]

Right now, I'm already considering to buy a basic piano tuning kit and a manual. Problem is, I don't know where to buy one. So do the movers.

Tuning is a difficult technique to acquire. I've been trying to do it amature for over 15 years and still can't tune an entire piano to my satisfaction in under 3 hours. The pro tuner I get to do my piano takes just under 1 hour to tune everything perfectly! You can buy tuning wrench  from music stores, there are a number of heads that they can have but I've only ever had to use 2, a square one and a star one, although if you tune many pianos you can buy heaps of heads, the guy that does mine has this adjustable one which can fit to the pins of any piano.

As for a tuning guide my piano tuner uses his PDA (like a palm top computer) and a program on it for measuring the sound. Although you can buy very expensive tuning equipment for this, I used a Chromatic tuner for many years even though it wasn't very accurate it helped guide me then I use my ear for the rest.

Sometimes free pianos you come across it is not the strings that are a problem but the frame or soundboard or keys etc. Those are very tricky to fix if you are not a wood crafter. I got a few free pianos out of the newspaper and experimented trying to fix them. It is very hard work but a good hobby (even though very messy).