Grotrian Steinwegs - to list or not to list?

[Michael Gamble]

Actually, RicB, the question was not to do with listing the Grotrian, but to
do with whether, in the light of the similarity between that particular
Grotrian and my, as yet, un-listed Steinway, I should indeed use listing on
the S&S. Currently it has a big depth of sound for an 'A', and I'm tempted
to leave it unlisted (again like my telephone!) But first I'll let it settle
and get used. Indeed get someone else to play it and make comment.
Regards
Michael G.(UK)

-----Original Message-----
From: Ric Brekne [mailto:ricbrek@broadpark.no] 
Sent: 26 September 2005 16:48
To: pianotech
Subject: Grotrian Steinwegs - to list or not to list?

Michael:

I wouldnt worry about it.  Been through this a number of times already 
with David and its really no sweat.  Pay no attention to these silly spats.

As for your Grotrian.  It was not designed to be a Steinway, so if you 
are to stick to their idea of piano sound then muting any of the 
backscale lengths is simply innappropriate. Changing that will make the 
thing sound other then how Grotrians are supposed to (according to their 
makers) sound.  By all means if you feel you like the sound better by 
clothing off as I mentioned in my first post, then do so.  Just dont be 
suprised to get hit on about it by the guy who comes after you and has a 
hair up his butt about that kinda thing :)  The most extreme change of a 
Grotrian I ever saw was one that was rebuilt at the Bechstein factory.  
All backlengths muted off and the front segments were totally 
Bechstein-ized.  Most curious sound I ever heard from a piano really.  
Half and Half.  The owner loved it.  I thought it weird but kept that to 
myself.

Tell you what you do.  Use masking tape to mask off the backscale 
temporarilly.  If you like the resultant sound then braid it off. 

Cheers
RicB


..........

Michael Gambles writes;

Oh dear! Oh dear-o-dear! I truly and earnestly had no intention of starting
up this type of cor-res-pon-dence. I originally asked.... The Grotrian
Steinweg, so similar in design and length of backscale, has no listing cloth
other than some thick felt under the backscale in the bass section. Having
just restrung my S&S 'A' and bearing in mind there's "bearing felt" just
before the hitch pins under the hitch loop twists, what does everyone think.
Should I list or not list?