Crowd-sourcing Organ Moving

[myorgan]

Admin et al.,

As a result of my trials and tribulations with my most recent organ move (over 6 months), it got me thinking.

Is there something we could do on the Forum that might mitigate all the issues involved with moving an organ from one location to another? For example, I'm sure there would be someone interested in James P.'s Allen ADC-7000DK if it were not located in Texas, or if they could find someone to move it inexpensively between two points.

What got me thinking is because I was traveling with a half-empty *-Haul truck from one corner of the United States to the other, and could have picked up and dropped off an organ or two in between, but I just didn't know of the need. *ship was useless to me. People either didn't respond to bids, or wanted the service for near-free. If there were only a way for Forum members to "ride-share", it may be something we could crowd-source, and we may actually be able to fill an 18-wheeler if we knew of the need.

Would that be a Classified posting, or simply a Forum post? I know the Classifieds get far fewer views (at least on my part) unless I'm looking for something specific, whereas a general Forum post would at least show up in the New Posts section.

Of course, there are many other potential issues that may arise (i.e. liability, damage, charging a fee, etc.), but couldn't those be resolved outside the Forum? What do y'all think? Pros--cons?

Michael

[johnbeetem]

The difficulty and expense of moving organs is certainly a big problem. In addition to organizing the move itself, there's also the need to visit the instrument first unless you like surprises.

I think Michael's approach of placing a classified was good, but the chances that the route and timing would both work out for someone else are pretty small. However, if lots of people follow his lead we might get lucky. I did see the classified myself and took a quick look at the Phoenix Craig's List.

One problem is that sellers often want to get rid of an instrument as soon as possible and don't appreciate the amount of time needed to set up a long-distance move. They also don't appreciate how unlikely it is to get a local buyer in most areas. For example, it seems that there are lots of organs for sale in Florida and Phoenix, probably estate sales and seniors needing to downsize. Obviously these groups don't have many buyers.

Plus, the amount of money a seller can get for most organs is pretty small. So it's hard for a seller to justify the time and trouble when it's so much easier to have it hauled away as junk :(.

I don't have a good solution. At some point later this year I'll be looking for a medium-size organ myself since I now finally have enough space and time for one. Plan A is to save a beautiful non-working theatre-style organ from the dump and MIDIfy it, giving away the old electronics. So I'll be facing the shipping problem myself. At least with a non-working organ I don't have to worry about damage in shipment as much.

[Larrytow]

That is a pretty interesting idea Michael. As said, there are lots of potential issues with doing the deals ( either for free or for pay ), but organists are usually a bit more trustworthy than some other types of musicians.

Another thing that comes to my mind in the same sort of situations is this : You just went across the country to fetch an organ that you had never seen in person. Well, besides photos and maybe a video. And so you really did not Know what condition it was in for certain. Would it have been a handy thing for someone from the forum who lives near the organ you are considering, to have gone to inspect it for you before you went out there ? Many sellers of organs have absolutely no clue about the condition of instruments they are trying to sell. Even if we can't do much about actually helping members move organs, it might be nice to have some people that are willing to go check out organs in their respective areas that someone is thinking about buying, if it is a long distance deal. Of course that could lead to a bunch of other issues too, but perhaps in some circumstances it could be helpful.

[Havoc]

Good idea, but to put this into practice? Keeping in mind this is something more specialised and personal than a refrigerator. I really don't see an easy way to do this.

[myorgan]

Would it have been a handy thing for someone from the forum who lives near the organ you are considering, to have gone to inspect it for you before you went out there?
[snip]
Of course that could lead to a bunch of other issues too, but perhaps in some circumstances it could be helpful.

Larry,

You make some excellent points! I would love to help others out by visiting an organ they are considering purchasing. What a great idea!

Thanks for adding such a great idea to this thread.

Michael

P.S. Havoc--to answer your question, I'd record video and audio for their consideration.