Robbie commented:

> [ I wonder if other expensive hobbies (e.g., antique cars)
> [ have the problems like we have with restoration shops.

Yup.  Though few consumer devices are as complex as a reproducing
piano, I think you'll find that the same threads run through the entire
collection universe.  (I just made that term up.)

There are several common themes.  One is the noveau-riche collector who
wants instant status and instant results, and is willing to pay for
both.  There are always people, less than scrupulous, who are willing
to accommodate him.

Thus we have the fake antique purveyor (see the series, "The Furniture
Doctor", by George Grotz, for everything on this subject), the guy who
makes fake carousel horses, the antique jukebox and pinball machine
restorers/purveyors, and the guys who build phony antique clocks with
Korean movements and glass from S LaRose.  (That's not the fault of
S LaRose -- it's a great outfit).

Fleecing the wealthy collector is an ancient profession.  Collectors
were buying faked Roman coins in the 1400's, and some phony paintings
are old enough to be collected themselves.

Those are the fields I'm familiar with.  I can't imagine that the same
stuff does not happen with antique yachts, antique cars, and old
houses.

The honest restorers are always going to run into problems, too.  It's
very difficult to make any kind of a living working with stuff you care
fiercely about.  If it's a hobby, that's great: restore your own piano
and sit with it under your vine and your fig tree.  But once you start
restoring the stuff of others -- for money -- it's instant conflict:
do we respect the historical and mechanical integrity of the beloved
machines, or do we give the customer what he wants?

Mark Kinsler
Athens, Ohio USA