Selecting new Steinways

[Jeff Tanner]

Hi Phil,
I'll have to second Mike's suggestion that the performer's preference is
the most critical input.  When USC bought 13 new Steinways for its new
building, the piano technician was not invited to go on the trip with the
piano faculty to New York.  The piano faculty did an excellent job of
selecting instruments on their own.  I can't imagine any Steinway D
surpassing the two they selected, and the B's they chose are as good or
better than any I've seen.  The only problems I've had with any of them
probably wouldn't be evident in the amount of time you'll have to "test
drive" them anyway.

Same situation occurred at U of Georgia School of Music, similar results.

However, when non-pianists went to select Ds for a couple of community
concert venues I'm aware of, the reviews haven't been so positive.

Let them select the pianos and you enjoy the rare opportunity to get to tag
along!

And yes, you (or the dealer) will have to prep the Steinways when you get
them.  This has been used for Japanese piano sales propaganda for years.
But I'd almost recommend you doing it since you'll be going on the
selection committee and seeing for yourself why the artists prefer each
piano.  I know of one instance where a piano was selected and then the
dealer altered it during the dealer prep to suit that tech's taste.  Then
when the piano was delivered, it was as if it wasn't the same piano they
selected.
Jeff

>     Hello CAUT list,   I monitor this list and occasionally post to
>Pianotech. I enjoy reading all your comments and insights.   I will be
>travelling to NYC with the Chairman of  the Music Dept and another Prof of
>Music from the local university in my area to  choose two Steinway D's and
>two B's at Steinway Hall. As the tech in the mix,  can anyone suggest what
>I should look for? My playing skills are limited but I  think I do know a
>great piano when I hear one. Both profs are quite talented so  I should be
>spending most of my day listening. Any and all comments would be
>appreciated.   We've already taken delivery of three B's (these  were
>taken on order - no selction involved) and all three are quite different
>pianos. We've also received three Boston GP-178's and several Boston
>uprights.  The Bostons were considerably more prepped than the S&S's!    
>Phil Romano Coastal Carolina University
>Myrtle Beach,  SC
>philromano@attglobal.net .net