Hi all I have to concur with Jurgen on the quality of older Rönisch instruments. Prior to the 40's in anycase they seemed quite well put together. Older Feurich is one of my favorites over here. And the newer ones are not really bad instruments at all IMHO. And if any piano seemed to have survived the socialist period of eastern Europe with any real quality intact besides Petrof I'd agree that Förster would be a very good candidate for nomination. The war and subsequent changes that swept over eastern and western Europe had no doubt a huge impact on the development of pianos and the market at large.... come to think of it.... maybe Steinway's dominance would not have stood up had Europe not gone through that ....eh... evolution. Cheers RicB Stéphane, Ric et al: I own a 1911 Rönisch with buckskin covered tails, and I have seen a few more. I can't say how standard this feature was, but they obviously did it in a good number of pianos over quite a period of time. My hammers were badly worn and needed replacement, but for sake of originality and to preserve the good checking this allows I decided to have he hammers re-felted, and have been quite happy with the results. I am a bit surprised that your piano seems to be cheaply made, Stéphane. Rönisch were known to have excellent designs and workmanship, right up there with Förster, Feurich and others. Perhaps in the 1920s things were already in serious decline... regards, Jurgen Goering Piano Forte Supply (250) 754-2440 info at pianofortesupply.com http://www.pianofortesupply.com
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