Renner Action?

[Overs Pianos]

>  A client has a chance to purchase a 9' Baldwin, about 1996-7 vintage, one
>owner, mint/new condition for less than $60,00.00, and was wondering if that
>was a good price and if it has a Renner action.  I haven't seen the piano,
>but know that Baldwin did use Renner actions in earlier years. Any one
>familiar with this piano that knows the action?
>
>Thanks
>
>Paul C

Hi Paul,

The SD-10 of this vintage is a very good design. In rebuilt form it 
is potentially one of the finest concert grands on the planet. 
Serious (all fixable) reservations I have about this piano in 
standard form include the sloppy workmanship during manufacture, the 
capo/duplex insert system is very noisy - the large bearing and 
counter-bearing radius is a major problem which responds well to an 
hour or two with a small angle grinder, and yes it does have a Renner 
action but the geometry is a mess. The SD-10's action-response, in 
standard form, is rather 'agricultural'. A geometry change can be 
made by repositioning the capstan and wippen heel on the standard 
keyboard. The trash OEM hammers will have to go as well. Might be an 
opportunity for you to try a set of Wurzen felted hammers. Judging 
from the images I've seen on the list, the Wurzen felted Ronsen looks 
like a good local choice.

We're just about to rebuild an SD-10 that we first rebuilt in 1988. 
This time its getting a new keyboard (with a repositioned balance 
rail to correct the action geometry problem) and an Overs action.

I'm currently drawing the keyboard for Rick Wheeler to build it for us.

Best,

Ron O.
-- 
OVERS PIANOS - SYDNEY
    Grand Piano Manufacturers
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