February 6, 2011

My Ten Dollar Vintage Piano

I haven't been on the computer for several days - it feels good to be sitting here again. I just missed a couple in days of my life.  I was under the weather. Oh, who am I kidding???  I was under a rock and hoping another one would fall on me to put me out of my misery!!  But, I survived and all is well!

A couple of weeks ago,  I was in a local thrift shop and got the deal of a lifetime. I know you won't believe this, but I bought a whole - vintage - upright piano for $10.00. How I wish I had been carrying my camera that day so I could have photographed it in the store.

I was not in the market for a piano. I have one now and even though I taught piano lessons in a former life,  I hardly sit and play the one I have! So, a piano was the very last thing on my mind that day.

But, this sad one had the most incredible panel at the top!!! Visions of makeovers were running rampant through my head as I tracked down the manager and told him I would love to purchase the piano, but that I needed to leave most of it behind.  Trying to win him over,  I even suggested that he might make another $10.00 on the rest of it...cue "Desperado" music here!!!

To my astonishment, he gave me the thumbs up after he said he didn't think it would be possible.
What???  Was he kidding?  As discreetly as possible, standing in the front window in the front of the store, I had almost removed it all by myself  before I even asked the big question! He gathered two more Hoss-size guys and we all headed to the front of the store. Thankfully, it came out easily with a little help from the A-team!

I was giddy with my newly discovered negotiating skills as I made my way to the check out line. Now,  it appeared that the dismantling of the old piano had taken it's toll on the woman behind the register!  She just whined on and on...and ON!  What I did next even surprised me!  I told her that I would have the boys put the panel back if she wanted to purchase the old broken down, toothless thing for herself.

Well, of course she had no intention of buying it and she obviously had never payed for a piano to be tuned and I'm pretty sure the lack of 60% of the old ivories would have just driven that price way on up there.  So, I smiled as I counted out my money and walked out with an incredible decorative panel that will soon be transformed into a beautiful something or other!!!  Right now, I am definitely thinking lighter, maybe something painted inside the oval.  I am sure it will come to me in a dream tonight or maybe one of you dears will have a suggestion or two.




  In dire need of  cleaning, sanding, and some paint,
  I think she is going to be absolutely divine when she is finished.


My Party Schedule:

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday --- Vintage Inspiration Friday

Rhonda

17 comments:

  1. Great story Rhonda...that panel is so worth every penny that you paid for it. Glad to hear that you are feeling better.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  2. Oh my goodness what a deal you got Rhonda!! I can't believe they let you just have the panel and not have to tote the whole thing off!!!

    This is wonderful as is but I know it will be amazing after your creative touch!

    I am thinking you might reconsider - maybe you could get some of the pretty wood off that pianer and leave the inards- just think of all the things you could make with all that wood!

    bee blessed
    mary

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  3. What a great bargain Rhonda! I can't wait to see what amazing idea you come up with. I bet that lady was a hoot! LOL Have a great week, Vicky

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  4. Wow, that is amazing! You should go back and get more parts! You have great negotiating skills!

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  5. Fabulous find! I would be doing the happy dance about now.~Enjoy Kim

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  6. I wish I had you negotiating skills! I know that you are going to do a wonderful job with the panel and I hope you share it with us!

    XO,
    Jane

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  7. What a beautiful panel, Rhonda! I know you will do something wonderful with it, too! Can't wait to see.

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  8. Oh Rhonda, what a gorgeous panel, you got a real good deal on that one! I'm sure it will be beautiful whatever you do with it... I'm on a white kick. I want everything to white or off white!!! I wanted to let you know that I have something for you on my blog, and would love for you to stop by and pick it up when you get a chance!
    Hugs~~~ Daphne

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  9. WHAT a find! I love it...great negotiating job too! I hate when people complain with no solutions to their complaints. Ugh...I can't wait to see what you do with the panels! Hugs-Diana

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  10. Perfectly divine is right!! What a great deal and to think of just using the panel?? Genius!

    I cannot wait to see what you "create"!

    Lou Cinda

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  11. That's beautiful. She will come up a treat.
    Wonder what will become of the rest of the piano?
    Great find.
    Cheers,
    Lisa x

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  12. Rhonda,

    Sorry to hear you were not well. You sound like you've been hanging out in Jersey -- wheeling and dealing and then telling the cashier what you thought! Yes, I am smiling. What a wonderful piece and so glad you salvaged it. If you hadn't of thought of that, no doubt the entire piano would end up in a dumpster someday soon. I am looking forward to seeing the finished piece.

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

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  13. Nice save! Great negotiating skills you have there.

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  14. That is going to be sooo divine!! What a find and sooo glad to hear that you are now feeling better too!:)

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  15. Oh how beautiful! I am visiting via the Valentine linky.
    I wanted to invite you to the two linky parties I am planning. The first will be on February 23~ High Tea Tablescapes. Details can be found on my Wednesday posts. There will be PRIZES!

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  16. What a wonderful find!!!! I can't wait to see it after you work your magic!

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So happy you are here - I love your comments!