Yamaha GH-1 Grand

[Mike Masters]

Billbrpt wrote:
> 
> In a message dated 98-03-01 17:35:45 EST, you write:
> 
> << One of my customers has a Yamaha G1 that is always going out of tune much
>  more quickly at the break between the bass and treble.  Would the repair
>  outlined above be of any help in improving the tuning stability in this
>  section?
> 
>  Thanks!
>  David >>
> 
> Yes, it would.  This however should not be undertaken lightly.  The views from
> some of the respondants that say the customer should have bought a better
> model need to be taken into consideration.  Your customer needs to understand
> that the scale design is what made this a less expensive piano.  If you
> rescale the lowest octave of the tenor bridge, it should cost the the customer
> plenty.
> 
> Please read all of the posts regarding this before making a decision on what
> to offer your customer.  If nothing more, your customer can at least
> understand why the instability is there and you can install a humidity control
> system to help it.  One of the 2 hotels I tune for that has a GH-1 is very
> happy with their piano just as it is.  Both hotels have it tuned every month.
> I have to say that one of the pianos in particular seems to have an
> exceptionally appealing sound.  The pianist loves it.  I think it sounds great
> too.
> 
> You may simply get that customer used to having the piano tuned more often.
> In any case, make the situation work for you, don't make the customer feel
> badly about the choice of piano.
> 
> Bill Bremmer RPT
> Madison, Wisconsin

Bill,
	I have to strongly agree with you on the last sentence of your post. 
Although I don't see too many Yamaha pianos, I do see quite a few 
Baldwins. One of the earlier models, which I don't believe is still in 
production, is the B1. The scaling problem sounds very similar to the 
problem with the GH-1.
	One of these pianos did go back to the factory for some factory service 
(new bridges) and came back a completely different instrument. I haven't 
talked to baldwin to sewe if they rescaled the piano, but it now sounds 
incredible. 
	The one thing though, as you said in your post, never, ever make the 
piano owner feel as their piano is inferior, even if it may be. I always 
do the best I can to make it sound better and drawn attention to the 
pianos good points. Listen to this treble and hear how it shimmers or 
you can always tell if a piano is good by how clear the low bass is and 
play it. Many people see these cheaper pianos as a lifetime investment. 
Some people see these $5000.00 pianos as one would see a Rolls Royce. 
The people who do understand why their piano was cheaper, usually learn 
to just deal with it. Like you also said, more frequent tuning and a 
humidity control system couldn't hurt either.

Mike Masters
Masters Piano Service
Lakewood, OH