Choice

[Michael Jorgensen]

Hi David,
     You should be paid to voice the Bechstein and a good pianist should
then be paid to try both pianos and make a judgment.  On a major
investment, paying several hundred dollars to make a right decision is
absolutely essential.
        Yacht Surveyors typically charge $10/linear foot for a survey,
and no one in their right mind would ever buy one without an independent
survey.  Reputable brokers will not even sell without a survey which
includes all sorts of tests.  It should be the same with pianos.
      The "raw tone" could be due to the board or the voicing, so
voicing it would be the only way to put that question to rest.
-Mike

David ilvedson wrote:

> List,
>
> I have a Hotel which just informed they are opening a new
> fancy restaurant.  They want a ebony, high polish seven foot
> grand.  I was sent to look at a Bechstein B, built at the turn of
> the century and restored in the Bechstein factory.  It is
> beautiful!  Those round turned legs.  Here is what was done:
> New Renner action, (The tone is raw like it hasn't been voiced
> or gone over), numerous ivories replaced (well-done but the
> color  match isn't so great) new pinblock, restrung, case and
> plate refinished (fabulous, like a new, hey it is new!).  Here is
> the kicker though, the soundboard was shimmed and repaired,
> refinished and  original bridge.  Shimming work was
> immaculate.  Now they can get a brand new Mason & Hamlin
> BB for same price that the dealer is asking for the Bechstein.
> My advice was to go for the BB rather than take a chance on
> a 100 year old board.  Unfortunately I think the designer is
> going to really love those Bechstein legs.
>
> What do you think?
>
> David Ilvedson, RPT
> Pacifica, CA
> ilvey@jps.net