<html> Tom, I would advise that you not comment to your client on the design of the piano, but stick to what your client wants - an evaluation of the instrument itself, the condition, and whether it seems to be priced properly. There are lots and lots of opinions expressed here and other places about what is good or bad in a piano design, but all of these are really meaningless when it comes to personal choice in a piano.  I have played and rebuilt many Steinway Ms, and have had good and bad ones just like any other model.  I am not a fan of "compression crowning" of soundboards, but how many fantastic pianos have been made with this system in mind? The temptation is to feel the need to direct the client towards a piano that is your choice.  If the client calls and asks for that advice, then you should give it of course.  When evaluating an instrument for someone, though, it will keep things simpler for you and your client if you stick to evaluating that instrument, and not editorializing too much. Don Mannino RPT At 12:11 PM 9/6/2003 -0400, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>List,             I have a client seeking my opinion concerning purchase of a 5 year old Steinway M at a university sale @$39,000. I have not seen this particular piano but have reservations about the tonal production of the M. Those designers among us have commented on scaling flaws and of course the compression crowned soundboards, but my question is what specifically are the areas of design where the shortcomings exist.             I felt like I was raining on a parade with my comments about the M, and I d like to be more specific. I ve encouraged my client toward a models L or B but budget may not allow them to consider those models.             Thanks for your input.             Tom DriscollRPT</blockquote></html>