Since value retention is such an important issue with our valuable and sometimes unique instruments, we explain the installation and use conditions as well as the warranty conditions that are relevant for the instrument in every consultation before the purchase. We also provide you with essential information here.

Whether you buy a new or used piano, the guarantee conditions of the respective supplier or the conditions fixed in the respective contract always apply. You should find out about this before you decide to buy or place an order and, if necessary, obtain legally binding information. We cannot, of course, accept any liability for the information and notices we have provided here.

When purchasing from private persons, any rights of guarantee or warranty or return are usually excluded. Traders and craftsmen are subject to legal framework conditions, the implementation of which can be mapped in possible individual conditions and can also vary. Here again, different conditions apply when purchasing a product or when providing catering or other services. With our self-playing instruments (see www. faszinationpianola. de), for example, we always hand out instructions for use or operating instructions and have them countersigned, as special features have to be taken into account here that are very relevant for value retention, function and safety (e. g. electrical system) and thus ultimately also for liability.

In the case of purchsing a new instrument, you can find out about the warranty conditions in advance on the websites of the respective manufacturers and dealers. There are some aspects that are similar in all documents. For the provision of any guarantee or warranty services, the customer is generally obliged to provide evidence, i. e. not only the current case must be reported, stating the respective contractual information, but also, at the provider's request, proof that the requirements have been met and how the current possible damage has occurred.

In principle, proper use and installation are always assumed. Assuming normal, appropriate use is particularly critical: the room climate. The humidity at 20° Celsius room temperature must be in the range of 40-70% (different data per supplier). For the mostly used and therefore older instruments that we offer, the range from 50-65% applies. If the humidity is below this range, the instrument may be noticeably lighter (touch) and less precise. If the humidity is below 45%, the instrument takes substance damage (cracking, glue peeling, tuning problems, etc. ). If the humidity is above the range the materials swell, the instrument usually plays too loud and heavy.

Manufacturers who supply worldwide usually use materials that are particularly suitable for local climates - and this under special climatic conditions in the manufacturing plant. Examples of such regional differences: wet climate in Asia, dry climate in North America and changing climate in Europe. In Germany, the main challenge is that we have clear seasonal differences and a rather solid structure of the houses. This means that we a. need a complete monitoring of the room climate and b. have to ensure the room climate in different ways during the seasons, i. e. if necessary humidify in winter and dry in summer. In any case, the use of air conditioning, ventilation, patio and winter garden doors, etc. must be checked and adjusted, as this may mean that one or the other installation location is not suitable for the valuable piano, depending on lifestyle.

It is therefore not only important to comply with the conditions, but also to document them completely. As a rule, we deliver a professional testo measuring instrument with every instrument sold, which continuously records the data with high measuring accuracy. Additional damage to the substance can hardly occur if the prescribed room climate is maintained. However, it is important to note that the place of installation may not allow these conditions to be observed - e. g. in a conservatory, in an attic, with underfloor heating, in front of an often opened patio or outside door or a door to a conservatory, in direct sunlight, near a chimney or stove, etc. . . As a rule, no humidifiers or similar measures help to achieve a constant climate. A change of installation location must be taken into consideration.

If the conditions for the necessary constant climate are a. not met and b. not constantly documented, you not only endanger the instrument - but also lose any claim to possible guarantees or warranties. The same applies to any changes made by you or others to the instrument. If you or others have worked on the instrument, any warranty claim usually lapses. Here, too, the procedure must be carefully discussed with the provider in advance.

I would like to say a word about reviewers. If, as the owner of an instrument, you require an independent expert opinion for the assessment of the instrument or a specific issue, please consult the court (place of jurisdiction of the supplier) or the Chambers of Crafts, which expert is licensed by the court and enjoys a good reputation among experts. The reviewer should be an expert for the respective instrument type - for example for old instruments or also for the self-playing instruments. As in any other field, we have experienced that expert opinions have a clear individual share - and, jokingly formulated, "2 different expert opinions of different experts sometimes represent 3 different opinions". This is no surprise given the complexity of the matter and different beliefs. In case of doubt, it is therefore worthwhile to call in different expert opinions yourself - or even better, to try to identify an expert who enjoys the trust of the provider and the owner in order to reach an amicable settlement. This report can then be compiled transparently in the presence of all parties involved and subsequently avoids contradictory interpretations. Here too, however, expert opinions only make sense if compliance with any warranty and warranty claims can be proven. Otherwise, the necessary prerequisite is in place - irrespective of the content of the expert opinion.

Supplementary insurance can be taken out with most insurance providers to cover additional risks or coverage gaps. Although financial compensation cannot be a perfect solution for unique instruments either, at least the financial compensation is better presented. Whether the relationship between risk and rate makes sense for you is up to you.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information on this topic.