Sohmer

[JIMRPT@AOL.COM]

Et Al;
 There has been quite a bit of fault finding with the Sohmer 45S and I 
thought I would just present a contrasting view........well not really 
contrasting but a different slant perhaps.

 While it is true that the Sohmer has some tuning instability across the 
break and it is true that the last two tenor notes of  the 45S are 'almost' 
untunable there is much to be said good for them.

 While I was doing University work I had 26 of the Model 45S to care for in 
one school and 16 to care for in another school. some of these instruments 
were purchased back in 1964 and none are younger than 1976.

 Almost every one of these Sohmers are in daily use as of today. Aside from 
the normal maintenance that any instrument should receive they have performed 
with yeoman like service.  Many Everetts, Baldwins etc. have passed through 
the doors of these two institutions, been used and discarded because they did 
not hold up as well as the Sohmers. 

  Both of these Schools are involved in Manufacturer University deals where 
the Manufacturer supplies new instruments and replaces some of the Schools 
instruments for a year or so.  'Almost' every piano sold by these two schools 
to make room for the new pianos were something other than the Sohmers.

 Do the Sohmers I was responsible for have some tuning instability 
problems?.....
Yes they did/do but no more than the Baldwins, Everetts, etc. albeit in 
different areas and for possibly different reasons.

 Bottom line..........the Sohmer 45S provides very good value for the dollar 
spent and provide much better service than some other brands, in my 
experience. Would I ever recommend the purchase of Sohmers as opposed to 
another brand?  Yes, depending on the dollars available and the opposing 
brands being considered.
My View.
Jim Bryant (FL)