schimmel pianos

[Rolf von Walthausen & Nancy Larson]

I have owned a 5'10" Schimmel since it was new in 1975.  Except for a
brief period in the early 80s it has received nearly constant use.  It
was my primary practice instrument before and after college, then my
wife's primary practice instrument through both a Masters and Doctorate
program; for12 years since then it has continued to serve as her primary
teaching instrument in the studio, used on average 8 hours a day for
both teaching and practice.   The piano has been moved a half dozen
times across town, across the state, and across the country.   It hardly
ever goes out of tune, even after moving.

I'm embarrassed to say I haven't tuned the instrument (a full tuning) in
years.  All it needs are several octave adjustments in the tenor and a
few unison clean-ups twice a year after the big season changes.  In 25
years I've filed the hammers twice, regulated the action three times,
and done some touch-up voicing and lubricating the knuckles every other
year or so.    The hammers aren't even showing signs that they need to
be replaced, and the key bushings are still tight enough to receive a
passing grade performance-wise (no kidding).   Tonally the instrument is
as clean, clear and has as much sustain as it did when it was new; the
tuning, regulation and voicing remain solid, even through season
changes.   All I do is keep the room humidity @ 48% in the winter, and a
dampp-chaser bar (w/humidistat) plugged in year-around.

The only complaint I have (and I've noticed this with other Schimmels
I've serviced) is with the keyframe/bedding, especially in the area
around C3 where the knock seems most audible when it begins to appear.
Once the initial prep work is complete however, and as long as adequate
and stable humidity is maintained, these pianos seem to remain
trouble-free and require much less work to maintain than most other
comparable instruments.   In spite of the lack of name appeal, pianists
come to appreciate Schimmels for their clear tone, consistent action,
and performance over time.

Yikes. I'm starting to sound like a piano salesperson.

Apologies.

Rolf von Walthausen

Steve Kabat wrote:

> Hello group-    Does anyone have any familiarity w/ Schimmel pianos?
> Our school is currently bidding for a piano and one of the bids is
> for  a 5'10" Schimmel.  We would most likely place it in a practice
> room for piano majors so it will get some use.  Any info or feedback
> from techs or what pianists say about it vs. S&S would be greatly
> appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving, all.Steve Kabat