<html> At 05:21 PM 5/16/2005 -0700, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>Won't be in KC, unfortunately, and I'm sure they would only bring their best example.  Does your comment carry some greater meaning? David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net </blockquote> Me? Greater meaning? Whew, David.... don't over-estimate me! <G> My comment was because I couldn't really say anything else "objectively", now, could I? At least, not on this list. My face is already sore from an earlier laughing/smiling session involving spilled ice water, but I'm smiling a lot now. <G> Really! And well, we are going to bring a couple of nice examples, but I wouldn't say they're the best. The S&S Louis B had been in a University bandroom for many years, It's been carved-on, walked-on, de-embossed, and otherwise treated rather rudely. We did a nice job, and replaced the missing carvings, and evened-out the color, for sure. But.... the job was a donation, and we couldn't afford to reveneer the whole thing! We've got some great "before" pictures. Then... we delivered it at the beginning of this semester..... so.... it's been in use for a while. It won't be what you might call a stellar example of high-end restoration. But it's real. The little ebony Baldwin R we're bringing is a good example of a basic ebony satin. It is also from the University, and has been in use for a while, too. Unfortunately, even with a cover, they marred it up pretty well. We'll rub it out and ship it. I had chalked on the cover "NOT A TABLE" and "PLEASE". After just one week, students had chalked the word "DANCE" after both "not a table"s, and also chalked some nice footprints across my cover. How sweet, eh? Gotta love 'em. <G> If you want a so-called un-varnished honest opinion about our finish (get it?), I'm willing. When I was working with my dad, we got absolutely crazy about the wood prep. No fillers, nothing but analine dye, hand-applied finishes up to fifteen coats, etc. I mean, crazy. The SAMA plant does a real nice commercial finish. I've seen better for four times the price, and I've seen worse for twice the price. Everything is well stripped and well prepped, and there are many coats of quality sealer and surface materials. Ebony satin from the plant are very nicely cut, and if the shipper doesn't beat it up too badly, is easy to rub out. Nice build-up on the edges, overall, and very good carving repair/duplication. On the "still needs improvement" side, coloring of mis-matched woods is a challenge, and some of the touch-up is more visible than I like. Also, we really have to watch our drying time when the weather is changing quickly. I swear some shippers could put pad marks on a slab of steel! The plate finish can't be beat. (most of the time) Honestly. If you, David, or anyone, for that matter, can't make it to KC, then call the marketing office for references or to find a dealer (or tech) near you that has one of our finished pianos. All the contact info is in the insert of the Journal, or in the classified ad. One of the best features of the work from SAMA is the warranty. That was one of the first changes I made when I took over the brokerage last year. Every one in the plant was instructed that they had the power and the responsibility to pull a piano out of the line if necessary. Period. So.... I sure hope this has been helpful and informative. I haven't a clue as to what else to do. (hey! that rhymes!)  But.... I'm having a lot more fun than I deserve! Later, Guy Nichols, RPT Ft. Stinkin' Desert, NM <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>-----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [<a href="mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org" eudora="autourl">mailto:pian= otech-bounces@ptg.org</a>] On Behalf Of Nichols Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 4:41 PM To: Pianotech Subject: Re: SAMA refinishing At 10:56 AM 5/16/2005 -0700, you wrote: >Can anyone comment on SAMA refinishing jobs.  On or off list is fine. > >David Love >davidlovepianos@comcast.net They're.... uh.... lacquer? <G> Guy P.S. ........... and they're viewable in Kansas City next month. _______________________________________________ pianotech list info: <a href="https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives"= eudora="autourl">https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives</a> <br= > _______________________________________________ pianotech list info: <a href="https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives" eudora="autourl"= >https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives</a></blockquote></html>