Quality in Pianos

[Richard Brekne]

Hi Allan.

Nice to get this thread back on the right subject.

"Allan L. Gilreath, RPT" wrote:

>  Richard, First - I should apologize to the list for not signing my
> original post with a signature other than my "Institute" tag line.
> Any opinion that I state in a message such as that one or this one is
> strictly my own and not that of the Institute or the PTG.  (I wouldn't
> pretend to speak for an entire oranization.)
>
>
>
> No need for apologizing to me at anyrate.. I understood this was a
> personal opinion.. tho I do see your point when you first mention it.
>
>   Second - My point was not to categorize piano brands but rather that
> categorizing by brand is extremely difficult to do.  Many brands have
> varying quality in the line while each individual piano differs.  The
> message I was trying to send is that the work done by the technician
> both on the dealer floor and after the piano is in its new home is far
> more important than any brand, reputation or opinion.  I certainly
> don't lump all pianos into one category but merely wanted to point out
> that there are a lot of pianos out there.  In my experience, I've seen
> both good and bad pianos with the same name on the front.  Therefore,
> I would tend to reserve judgement on a brand and prefer to see the
> individual instrument.
>
>
> Well, this is true enough. I would counter this a bit tho by stating
> that most people buying an instrument are looking for some
> generalities to go by, and it is possible to some significant degree
> to supply them with these. In doing so one of course needs to make
> room for exceptions to the rule and the like. Still, I think there is
> no doubt that there are some fairly clear lines that divide different
> makes, even tho they make piano series of varying quality. Take the
> difference between the Yamaha "C" series and the "G" series, and then
> line that up against say Zimmermans of same size. I have no doubt at
> all that I how I would rate these pianos and feel very confident
> indeed that my judgement is sound. I would also always stress tho,
> that in the end if the customer "likes" and "is happy with" their
> eventual choice.. then thats the most important thing.
>
>
> The other problem we encounter is that we tend to often base our
> opinions on the instruments we've seen.  This might lead us to form an
> opinion based on too small a sample to be representative or on
> isntruments that don't reflect the current product from a company (for
> better or worse.)
>
>
> Agreed. And its thats one of the good things about having such
> discussions, it serves to shake ones own opinions up a bit.. Take how
> Wim and I dissagree about the quality of Petrofs. I have taken second
> looks at the new Petrofs these past few months as Wim is so adamant
> about them, and Wim's opinion is worth weighing with respect. After
> all he has been working with pianos for many years. And I am sure
> (grin whether he wants to admit it or not) that he has looked a bit
> closer at them as well. This doesnt neccessarily mean that we have
> changed our view points much. We dont really have to and that really
> isnt the point or the goal. More important is that we stimulate each
> other to re-evaluate assumptions.  Point is, difficult as it may be,
> we cant avoid the tendency to catagorize pianos. Seems to be an
> unescapable human trait to catagorize things. I am more of the opinion
> that instead of endeavoring to refrain from this, one is better off
> trying to refine or temper ones evaluation processes, all the while
> remembering that in the end.. "its just my humble opinion" if you get
> my meaning
>
>
>   Okay, there's my late night musing (after tuning way too many pianos
> today) and I hope it's at least a little intelligible. I know I
> certainly won't be recommending that Lester spinet that was on my list
> to tune today. <grin>
>
> grin.. See there ??  I enjoyed this post very much.
>
>  AllanAllan L. Gilreath, RPTGilreath Piano & Organ Co.Calhoun, GA -
> USA

--
Richard Brekne
Associate PTG, N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway