Yamaha GB1

[Ron Nossaman]

> Hi Ron,
> 
> I'd love to know the criteria that you consider important.
> 
> Regards,
> Don Rose, B.Mus., A.M.U.S., A.MUS., R.P.T.


Hi Don,
I don't think it's anything I haven't said before. Besides the 
usual wish for a good feeling solid and responsive action, 
it's the sound. I want a rich and detailed bass, aurally 
undetectable crossover, a low tenor that doesn't honk, a 
killer octave that doesn't fall apart at higher attack levels, 
a clear treble with good sustain and without falseness. I want 
front duplexes that don't whistle and squeal, and a tonal 
balance that sounds like all registers belong in the same 
piano. I want it to play softly, should anyone consider it 
necessary, with control. A good broad usable dynamic range 
that doesn't get ugly anywhere within it's range, and an 
overall tone that doesn't clang like almost everything out 
there does these days. I don't much care about absolute power, 
but richness of sound. Complexity and character rather than 
volume. It's the same shopping list I have in mind when I get 
to rebuild a piano with modifications.

The new Mason & Hamlins started out looking like they were 
headed in this direction, but they have since hardened the 
hammers, and sound much like everything else now. The Walters 
also have good potential, but they're hanging way too hard a 
hammer on them too.

One opinion,
Ron N