Steinways / David Andersen

[RicB]

Ron

This is a very honest answer which I respect and indeed can relate too.  
Now we are getting somewhere on this issue.  And I am also greatful that 
someone who carries as much respect as you do (and deserve IMB) takes 
care to keep issues separate on this thread.  And, as I've said on 
several other occasions... given the results that yourself and others 
have with alternative methods to making boards... your predictions may 
end up coming true when all is said and done. There is no doubt that 
while I defend Steinways design choices, I also have gone on record in 
applauding your own efforts and results, those of Ron Nossamans, and 
other alternative designs I have had the pleasure to have some limited 
experience with. 

But these issues are of themselves and have merit enough to warrant 
their own discussion. 

Thanks muchly for this straightforward posting.

Cheers
RicB


    I think there is a reason why the S&S company
    gets singled out. And BTW Ric, with respect to
    soundboards, I have heard and measured the same
    deterioration of the soundboards of other makers.
    But I suspect that a factor behind S&S being
    singled out for criticism comes about from their
    we-are-unquestionably-the-best attitude of
    themselves, which they ceaselessly pedal in their
    propaganda.

    When a manufacturer continues to insist that they
    are 'the best', while in reality they are just as
    much a part of the flock as many other
    manufacturers, they are setting themselves up in
    a position where many will try to knock them off
    their perch of alleged arrogance.

    The unquestionable marketing success of S&S has
    placed them in an almost unassailable position
    which makes it nearly impossible for any other
    manufacture to challenge them, to share the
    limelight which they enjoy. Their market
    dominating position releases them from having to
    compete directly on quality. Such is the level of
    their brand recognition, they could almost
    release a toy xylophone naming it as a piano
    designed by Steinway, and many would rush to buy
    it.

    Nevertheless, I suspect the next ten years will
    be a very interesting time in the micro-world of
    pianos.

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