Rebuilder's Gallery Pianos

[Ric Brekne]

Hi Bob

I would have thought the choice of rebuilding Steinways would be kinda obvious... they are easy to sell. The range of divergence from what a Steinway really represents was also interesting. Some rather true to the origional, others so far removen one has to raise the question of whether or not it is right to leave the name on.  

I'd be interested to hear what folks thought were bests in show. For me Overs piano really was the blue ribbon instrument.  I really really liked Nossamans instrument and understand completely his choice of soft hammers now that I have had the chance to hear the sound he is after. Bass was as fat and big as any I have ever heard... more so actually.  In some of the pieces played at the concert I got the feeling it was almost too fat on occasion. No doubt something that addressed in future pianos if desired. I also liked very very much Dales piano, which was my number two... course that extra size helps the overall impression one gets.

The RC&S boys certainly showed beyond any doubt that they too are able to produce very very fine tonal qualities from their designs. Different in some ways then other methods would result in... but that just makes the world a richer place. I was impressed and very pleased.

Cheers
RicB

ps  writing from Tim Coates home whome we are staying with tonite... This years convention was especially fine for meeting many old friends, making new ones, and in general getting to know some of the folks I've known from the list these past years.  Had a great time conversing and dinning with Terry Farrell especially.  Nice board btw Terry (Nossaman piano)

----------------

I am thinking over the Rochester Rebuilder's Gallery
situation and coming up with some questions I would
like to kick around.  These aren't exactly new topics
(are there any?) but I would still like to hear what
you think. 

What brands of pianos were represented?  Steinway,
Overs, Mason & Hamlin and Chickering?  Is this list
right?

Most of the pianos were Steinways. Was this
coincidence?   I thought all of the pianos exhibited a
high level of craftsmanship and sounded great. Thank
you for bringing these fine instruments and for
sharing so freely with us all!  

However, why was there not a greater variety of brands
in the mix?  

Is it due to the high resale value of used Steinways? 
Marketing and fallboarditis? Name recognition?
Is it due to the quality of the original structure
which adds quality also to the result of the rebuild?

Wouldn't it be interesting to see what can be done
with other brands, maybe some that would offer a
greater challenge in bringing about improvements?  

Can you say that a particular aspect (probably one
that is unchangeable) of a piano is the most
determining factor in how well a rebuild will turn
out? Rim quality?  


Bob Hull