<!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"> <html> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> FANTASTIC! This is a keeper! Delwin D Fandrich wrote: <blockquote TYPE=CITE><style></style>   <center>Press Release</center> <center>New Product Announcement</center> <center> <hr></center> <div class="MsoBodyText" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal">At 11:00 am yesterday, March 24, construction was completed on a new model Grand Baby and the prototype was introduced to the world. Delivery was made several weeks earlier than expected but apparently all the final details were finished up and there was no reason to delay introduction. The primary contractor, Leigh Allen, is most grateful. Both the primary contractor and the Grand Baby are doing well. The model designation is Tazio Sullivan Arredondo and original specifications indicate a length of 1' 7" (48 cm) and a weight of 6.3 lbs (2.86 kg). Both are expected to steadily increase in time. There seems to be some confusion over this as no one seems willing to predict the product’s ultimate size and weight. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "<A HREF="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office">urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office</A>" /><o:p></o:p></div> There is also some confusion over its final configuration. Currently it appears to be a grand--it lies flat, though mostly on its back despite having four legs. Apparently the legs are not yet fully functional. It is expected to convert itself into a vertical in the near future at which point the forelegs will take on other functions besides basic support. No one is willing to say just when this will take place—apparently the timing varies from model to model—but the owners have been cautioned to remove anything within reach that is moveable, throwable or breakable before the transition takes place. It arrived in a natural finish, but even here there seems to be some confusion. Currently it is wrapped in heavy insulation—apparently it needs to be protected from rapid changes in temperature and humidity—so it's a bit difficult to see just what the outer finish is like. We're told the current reddish finish will fade a bit and it will become a light pinkish-tan color. It came with a reasonable topping of reddish-brown hair, the color of which is also expected to change over time. Its eyes currently have a distinct greenish cast to them. Its initial voicing is a bit weak, emphasizing the tenor and treble. We understand the bass will develop in a few years. Both sustain and power are quite good considering the diminutive size of the instrument. We're told as the instrument's voice develops this will change. Apparently over the first few months both power and sustain will increase considerably. Indeed, by early indications sustain may already be a bit long for the owners’ taste and comfort. Right now their overall happiness with the new instrument overshadows this. As the instrument develops, however, both power and sustain are expected to become more focused and demanding as it is exposed to various outside influences. Our role in the development of this instrument will be somewhat limited consisting mainly of borrowing it from time to time, spoiling it rotten, then returning it to its owners to deal with as they wish. Regards, Del & Barbara Delwin D Fandrich Piano Designer & Builder Hoquiam, Washington  USA E.mail:  <a href="mailto:pianobuilders@olynet.com">pianobuilders@olynet.com</a> Web Site:  <a href="http://www.pianobuilders.com">www.pianobuilders.com</a></blockquote> -- Greg Newell <A HREF="mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net">mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net</A>   </body> </html>