Hi folks The Grieg academy for Music here in Bergen takes possession of its brand new Yamaha CF III tomorrow morning. In addition we received on lone 2 pianos from an American lady living here. One is a Mason and Hamlin 186(?) the other is a New York B. I havent had a chance to fool with the M&A yet.. but a quick check of the B showed actually quite vast differences compared to the Hamburg B we have had all along. Ok... The Hamburg has serial number 501XXX and the New York has 369XXX so we have quite an age difference that has to be taken into consideration. But still.. The New York hammers dont even resemble anything I've ever seen on a Hamburg. These are original by all appearances... quite heavily lacked and later needled down. Reshaped several times. The action is really sluggish... feels like you are dragging your feet through about 6 inches of wet cement. Yet friction taken as DW - UW / 2 reads out around 12 - 14. Its a so called accelerated action. Part of the deal is too get the touch to feel more comfortable... lighter... so it will be fun to tear this action apart and put it back together again. Sound wise we are in completely different ballparks. I have a set of Ronsens that have been waiting for the right piano to come along.. about 25 years old... still in the original sealed package. Got them from my brother Joe before he passed away. I also have the opportunity to buy Hamburg Wurzens... which I have found quite pleasing on every count. Honestly..... I am really tempted to put Wurzens on this, and not employ lacquer in the voicing process. I just have this feeling that this is a better way all around to go. I guess I am beggining to feel that that Hamburg philosophy is more sound then the New York. But.... as always.. I am doubtful... and would appreciate any and all thoughts on the matter. Cheers RicB
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