[CAUT] Steinway rebuilds

[William Monroe]

Jim B.,

Only if by that you mean, you want it to sound however it ends up sounding.
 My experience with S&S is that what you get from NY Steinway is all over
the map tonally.  Currently I do work for the local dealer, and the one
thing that remains consistent with every new S&S we get is that they all
sound and play different.  Getting "the sound" - whatever your idea of that
may be - remains up to the technician.  We recently had two "B's" that could
not have been more different tonally (with some less dramatic differences in
geometry and playability).  One was bright, bordering on strident, the other
VERY mellow, very fundamental.

Yes, I know, that's why they are so great - 'cause each one is so unique (or
inconsistent, depending upon your perspective).  But, I don't believe one
can argue that this variability is what makes them so great, while in the
same breath suggest that the "unique" S&S sound is only attainable by going
through S&S NY.  And, having heard a few of Dale's, I would suggest that his
rebuilds have sounded like SOME of the NY Steinway's I've experienced.

Jim Mc.:  As Ron N. said, "Sounds to me like a rebuilder that doesn't
replace soundboards, no matter how lousy they sound. Best start shopping for
better sources of advice."

William R. Monroe




On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 3:01 PM, Jim Busby <jim_busby at byu.edu> wrote:

>  Dale,
>
>
>
> Do you think Brent would be correct if he was to say “send it to Steinway
> if you want it to sound like a NY Steinway.” Your pianos certainly don’t
> sound like a NY Steinway (thank goodness!)
>
>
>
> Jim
>
>
>
> *
> *
>
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