What do I do with it?!

[wendym]

I am moving into a new property next week which has a piano in it. The landlady has said it can be got rid of but I have to sort it. I don't want the piano it takes up too much room and I don't play. It is very heavy and currently in the kitchen so it needs to go asap. It has been suggested to me to smash it up and use it as firewood!, I don't think I could bring myself to do this even though I want it gone. I have been told if I put it outside under some tarpulin I might as well smash it up as it will be instantly ruined. The name on it is the Brooklyn Piano Co James Lee and Sons. Any advice on what to do with it?

[joe]

Tell landlady to have it moved as part of the tenants agreement or refuse to sign the lease.

[Johnkie]

It would depend on what condition it was in, and without more detail it would be impossible to advise what the best course of action would be. If you leave it outside covered with a "tarp" it will definitely suffer major damage in no time at all (assuming it is ok now). How about getting a tuner to look at it for you - (s)he will be able to advise you, and if it is half decent, may well be able to find it a good home. Failing that, put an advert in your local paper ... you never know, someone might pay you something if it's all playing ok and somewhere near "in tune". Good luck in your new home

[Colin Nicholson]

You shouldn't have any hassle like that when moving into a new (or old) property. I would check your tenancy agreement and if it says "unfurnished"/ new carpets etc., and no mention of a piano, it is the landlady's responsibility. If she has asked you to move it, - she knows the costs involved! then simply get a quote for removal, either from the council or a private piano shop, and then advise your landlady what it will cost to remove. If she further asks you to remove it, then charge her the price, or knock it off your rent.

Are there any stairs/ lots of steps involved?
Is it normal access from your front door to the piano - ground floor?
Who used to own the piano?

Johnkie suggests advertising it? This will cost money aswell in your local paper, and it shouldn't cost you a single penny - this seems like hassle, and the landlady is pushing it onto you BIG STYLE!! Once you get involved, she will accept that you are taking responsibility. Don't sign any agreement just yet - or have you?

[Gill the Piano]

Stick it on Freecycle.com. Costs nothing.

[MarkGoodwinPianos]

Old pianos like this make lovely drinks cabinets.
You could convert it yourself as a weekend project.

Freecycle is a hassle and has time wasters.
I'd be delaying signing the tenancy until the piano is removed.

[wendym]

Thanks everyone for your advice, I put in on Freecylce and gots lots of response, I also spoke to the letting agent who arranged for it to be removed to someone who could use it, so it went to a good home and was gone for when I moved in, brilliant!

[Colin Nicholson]

Well done!
We like happy endings.....

[musicpeeps]

If I were you, I would take the opportunity to learn play the piano.
I just think that it would be just great.

[MarkGoodwinPianos]

Thanks everyone for your advice, I put in on Freecylce and gots lots of response, I also spoke to the letting agent who arranged for it to be removed to someone who could use it, so it went to a good home and was gone for when I moved in, brilliant!

Wonderful news! So much better to find a piano a loving home than break it up and throw it in a landfill- ecologically sound and brings someone much happiness.

I agree.
I was only joking about the drinks cabinet conversion. It has become my meme

[MarkGoodwinPianos]

I agree. Landfill should be avoided at all costs.
Apparently, the chap who I offload my unwanted part-ex pianos exports them to a country far away where they are still appreciated despite them being useless for the UK market. Sometimes, he says the wood is stripped and used to make coffee tables and cigar boxes. !?