<HTML>In a message dated 6/9/02 12:37:18 PM Central Daylight Time, mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com (Farrell) writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Tell us a little bit about it. I assume you think it is worthwhile being that you would consider going back? I have never had a factory tour anywhere and don't really know what to expect. Is it of good educational value?</BLOCKQUOTE> Terry, a piano factory tour anywhere is a worthwhile and fascinating experience for us piano technicians.  Someday you'll have to get to Steinway and also take their week long training course.   The Walter factory will be especially interesting because of its uniqueness and following a week at the Convention.  Unlike a huge mass production facility, the Walter factory uses a traditional approach to piano building.  You'll see the areas where the wood is cut, stored and kiln dried.  You'll see the plates being finished and prepped.  I always find watching stringers and regulators work the most fascinating.  When you can do everything as fast and accurately as a factory worker, you're at top level.  Even the rub down department is revealing in how much painstaking, dirty, dusty work is involved in making the case look beautiful. You can take a virtual tour now or any time by visiting the Walter piano website at: http://www.walterpiano.com/ Click on the Tour icon to take the virtual tour. I have owned a Walter piano since February 1996 and truly love the instrument.  It has a factory installed PianoDisc system.  With a Dampp-Chaser humidity control system, it stays in tune for months at a time.  It's tone is rich, clean, clear and with surprising depth for its size.  It is the piano I most often recommend for customers of modest means who want a quality piano that will last a lifetime.  I hold many rehearsals and host get-togethers in my home when music is played on it and the musicians are always impressed with what the Walter piano is able to deliver. Bill Bremmer RPT Madison, Wisconsin <A HREF="http://www.billbremmer.com/">Click here: -=w w w . b i l l b r e m m e r . c o m =-</A> </HTML>