In a message dated 8/13/99 6:01:54 AM Pacific Daylight Time, mikep@crt.com writes: << I believe that the actions in a Petrof are Renner so how does this relate to the tolerances of the actions. I know that the action is installed on a Petrof frame but I'm not sure I understand if that has anything to do with the tolerances you mentioned. I believe that Petrof also brings the moisture content into that range. >> They are not Renner... they are Renner parts assembled by their people. BIG diference! You asked why others don't use the Vacumme process. The Steinway company does use it in their Boston line. It is not cost effective for them to build a million dollar plant for the less than 3000 pianos per year though. The pianos you named are companies that make relatively few pianos. >>The Petrof dealer would say that they use many of the same manufacturing techniques these other manufactures use.<< They do use the same basic techniques... but most will tell you that Yamaha has perfected the methods, while Petrof still leaves much room for improvement. >>I'm not saying Yamaha is a bad piano I just can't justify the extra expense of nominal improvements. What I mean by nominal is that I personally can not distinguish the difference.<< You have asked for expert opinions, and the overwhelming opinion seems to be in favor of Yamaha, or the like, as aposed to the Petrof... the jury is still out on the Petrof's long term quality. Yamaha has a 100 plus year history in the piano business and has leaded the industry for decades. My friend, that is good enough for me. Good luck on whatever brand you decide on. Ed Tomlinson
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