Should I repair an old Wurlitzer console organ for $1500 - real worth is under $500 but has sentimental value

Question

I have an old Wurlitzer console organ that my parents purchased in the 1960's. It has "fair" sound and we are moving to a new house. Trouble is, to get it back in good musical condition will cost more than a new keyboard! Plus, our cat has urinated on the side of this organ so it has a cat pee odor. True value to me is sentimental. I suppose I could move it and not repair it and just get a modern keyboard (it will probably have much better sound anyway). However, do I want to move it in the first place? Do I just let go at this time and donate it to some group? I am torn by the sentimental value. Has anybody been there, done that?

Answer 1

Be at peace with yourself and get it repaired. Items of sentiment are 'priceless' and imagine how it will brighten up your day after the repair is completed. Just be sure whoever is undertaking repairs is very knowledgeable in the repair work required.

You are obviously torn about what to do. I hope my comment swings the scales in  favour of repairing the organ.

Later in life in can be passed on to future generations and will be a fantastic family heirloom.

Answer 2

If you are going to use it once it is repaired then by all means do it. But if it's just going to collect dust then donate it and keep the memories!

Answer 3

There's not really any price on sentiment, but there is on utility, practicality, and moving expenses. If it were mine, and if I played the organ (which I don't), I'd get it repaired and refinished, making it play fine and smell fine, too. Properly cared for, your kids could be bickering over it some day, you know?

When my mom died, we gave her organ to her best friend, who was a church organist who had to practice at odd hours when the church was not in use because she had no organ at home. I know that friend thinks of her often as she plays. She's said she will donate it to the church when she dies.