[CAUT] picking out a new concert grand

[Andrew Anderson]

The piano manufacturers do try to get rooms away from the noise.   
Bluthner was out by the drums and guitars last time I attended  
though.  Some times of day are better...

YMMV
Andrew Anderson

On Jul 29, 2009, at 1:22 AM, David Ilvedson wrote:

> I think the NAMM show is a good idea...but can you actually hear the  
> pianos in all that din...?
>
> David Ilvedson, RPT
> Pacifica, CA  94044
>
> ----- Original message ----------------------------------------
> From: "Andrew Anderson" <andrew at andersonmusic.com>
> To: caut at ptg.org
> Received: 7/28/2009 12:41:23 PM
> Subject: Re: [CAUT] picking out a new concert grand
>
>
>> Sauter does this regularly.  We have had a 7'3" Omega chosen over a
>> S&S D by a music department after a thorough comparison.  We didn't
>> have a concert grand available over there at the time.  Usual terms
>> involve covering the cost of transportation (some dealers will
>> discount this), adequate onsite security measures and a definite
>> calender schedule when the selection must be made or the movers will
>> be scheduled to pick it up.
>
>> In all practicality, selection of a concert instrument should be done
>> onsite by a deliberate process involving the music faculty most
>> affected (not just the piano faculty but voice and instrumental where
>> the instrument will be used for accompaniment.)  A technician may
>> advise in pre-selection to help steer the best pianos into the
>> selection process.  Several "all Steinway" schools now have a Sauter
>> to offer a window into the variety of piano tone out there.
>
>> When it comes to the finest instruments, there really is no one  
>> "best"
>> instrument.  If you can get your local dealer to get you a badge to
>> NAMM in Anaheim (January) go and try the tier-one pianos out.  They
>> are quite different from each other and spectacular in their own  
>> frame
>> of reference.  Some features of one make or the other will really  
>> grab
>> you.  My wife, a fine pianist and formerly quite a loyal Steinway  
>> fan,
>> was "grabbed" by what she experienced when she first played Sauter.
>> So now we are authorized dealers as well as myself being a technician
>> for the local university and arts college.  Makes for an interesting
>> balancing act when discussing pianos as tech./dealer.
>
>> Andrew Anderson
>
>> On Jul 28, 2009, at 9:52 AM, Fred Sturm wrote:
>
>>> And, BTW, it is quite possible that manufacturers might place a
>>> piano on site for selection. Definitely worth looking into.
>>> On Jul 28, 2009, at 8:35 AM, Fred Sturm wrote:
>>>
>>>> ditto for Sauter. And Shigeru Kawai. Variety of voices.
>>>> Regards,
>>>> Fred Sturm
>>>> University of New Mexico
>>>> fssturm at unm.edu
>>>> "I am only interested in music that is better than it can be
>>>> played." Schnabel
>>>> On Jul 28, 2009, at 8:19 AM, reggaepass at aol.com wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> If there is any detectable degree of open-minded-ness where
>>>>> variety is concerned, consider a Steingreaber.
>>>>>
>>>>> Alan Eder
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: David Ilvedson <ilvey at sbcglobal.net>
>>>>> To: caut at ptg.org
>>>>> Sent: Mon, Jul 27, 2009 3:23 pm
>>>>> Subject: [CAUT] picking out a new concert grand
>>>>>
>>>>> List,
>>>>>
>>>>> I probably will be helping pick out some new concert
>>>>> pianos...different brands.   What advice would you give for what
>>>>> to look for in a concert instrument...i.e. looking at 4 different
>>>>> Hamburgs and picking one out...
>>>>> The hall will be a 850 seat, vineyard style...
>>>>>
>>>>> David Ilvedson, RPT
>>>>> Pacifica, CA 94044
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>> Fred Sturm
>>> University of New Mexico
>>> fssturm at unm.edu
>>> "I am only interested in music that is better than it can be
>>> played." Schnabel
>>>
>>>
>>>