1810 to 1999

[Delwin D Fandrich]

Barrie Heaton wrote:

> Hi Jim,
>
> More to do which the parent company Harmony pianos of Hong Kong pulling
> out the rug, plus  UK makes, like Kemble and Welmar using overseas
> actions, Renner and Yamaha. Only Woodchester just used Herrburger
> actions for all there pianos in the UK . The company has been in decline
> for years relining heavily on the Far East for the bulk of the work
> since the Far East is in recession this has hit them hard, they have
> been making bedroom and Kitchen furniture for the last two years to make
> ends met.
>
> Some companies were interested in buying, one being S&S but the factory
> is to big and the price was not right.
>
> Will S&S now use Renner action parts for there uprights.
>
> To mark: Yes Schwander was part of their operation it was the name of a
> line of actions, which change to Langer in the 70's.
>
> The piano world is getting smaller.
>
> Barrie,

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Barrie,

I think it also had something to do with a failure to attend to business.  They
were a very difficult company to deal with.

Their grand action design was not competitive for years, and they knew it.
Finally, just before their demise they did manage to come up with quite a good
action design but it was difficult to get solid information about it.  I was
able, after months of struggle, to purchase what was probably one of the last
action models that they made and I like it a lot.  It feels good and has some
good features.  I would have seriously considered using it at some point in the
future.  I did recommend it to several companies for their consideration, but, to
the best of my knowledge H-B simply would not respond to their inquiries in a
timely manner.  Why bother with that when Renner responds promptly and encourages
your business.

On a similar note, do you know if Tokiwa has a web site or an E.mail address?  I
have some technical questions for them.

Thanks,

Del