Seeking recom. for church piano

[btrout@desupernet.net]

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Hi Roland,

This may not be what you want to hear, but here goes.

The person playing the piano is accustomed to playing a Steinway.
Steinway's are generally fine instruments.  New ones are generally
pretty expensive.  (So are used ones!)

Now let me throw you a curve.  Have you checked into the possibilities
of acquiring a rebuilt piano?  I'm not talking about a 'reconditioned'
one.  What I'm saying is you could probably acquire a 'remanufactured'
piano (new soundboard, new bridges, new pinblock, new strings, new
hammers, dampers, and many other action parts as well, recovered keys, a
fresh new finish, etc.,...) for less than the price of a new Steinway.

Actually, there are a few other name brands out there that are good.
I'm sure I could start a hearty debate on just what names to consider.
My own tastes lean toward Mason & Hamlin.  I did a complete
remanufacture on one last year, 1927 model A,... gorgeous!!  I really
missed that thing when it left the shop.  Tweaked to the hilt!  Of
course Steinway's are a good choice.  I've seen some older Baldwin's
which would be very fine instruments if remanufactured.  I've seen some
nice old Chickerings, Knabes, Henry F. Millers,  I'm sure there are
others.

Another thing to consider.  Some of the technicians out there who get
into the serious rebuilding / remanufacturing do better work than what
comes off of Steinway's production lines.  (OOPS!  I think I just took a
shot at one of those 'sacred cows'.)

Just because it's new doesn't make it good.  Just because it's a hundred
years old doesn't make it bad.  It's the individual instrument that's
important.

Good luck with your search.

Brian Trout
Quarryville, Pa.


Rolland Miller wrote:

>  The United Methodist church of which I am a member, is considering
> the purchase of  new grand piano for our sanctuary and I have been
> asked to make some recommendations. We presently have a studio upright
> of moderate quality.
> 1) We have an excellent pianist who will be a senior next year at a
> well known/respected conservatory of music. Part of our reason to get
> a new piano (for the church) would be as a thank you to him.  He is
> also a church member and looked at as "one of our own". At the
> consevatory he plays mostly Steinways but that would be out of our
> range.
> 2) We have an excellent Music Director who has a lot to do with number
> 3)
> 3) Our congregation "loves it's music".
> The seating area of our sanctuary is about  40' by 54' and the altar
> area about 30' by 20'.  The seating area will hold about 200,  the
> side walls go up about 16' and the peakof  the ceiling is about 25'
> high.  The carpet is thick.  The interior walls are plaster w/wood
> trim.
>
> I am personally partial to the Kawai and Yamaha brands.  I think they
> are good pianos - price/quality. We will be considering other piano
> makes also.   I would like any information listee's may have
> concerning 1) how to go about selecting a piano for a church. 2) what
> would be an appropriate size piano considering the church's specs. 3)
> any suggestions for a particular make or model, either to look at or
> stay away from. 4) any other information you think may be helpful to
> us.
> Replies can be made either to me or to the list.
> Thanks for any info. Rolland Miller, North Ridgeville, Ohio.  MPT,
> PTG/rpt
> rmiller1@mediaone.net



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