Pearl River pianos

[J Patrick Draine]

Dear list:
Thanks for the spirited discussion which my letter on the rebuilt Steinway
B with "old style wippens" kicked off.
Today my question is: what experience have y'all had with *recent* Pearl
River pianos?
On the one hand, I remember seeing some at the PTG Con in San Francisco in
1981 -- wow, they were dreadful.
On the other hand, I took a good look at the demo model shown at this
year's convention in Providence. I believe the piano in question was one of
their "joint venture" (with Yamaha) studio uprights; it looked damned good!
The hammer flange bushings were a bit more wobbly than I like (of course
that can be said about some other brands too).
What's your take on the piano line? How are the other models (upright and
grand). Do any of you work for dealers who carry them?
Inquiring minds want to know! The last time "Chinese pianos" were brought
up on the list the responses seemed rather xenophobic.
Thanks,
Patrick Draine
Billerica, MA