In a message dated 11/8/01 11:03:39 PM Eastern Standard Time, pianobuilders@olynet.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"> But, Richard, if that is going to be the criteria then you would have to judge all pianos the same way. Just to be fair. For example, you would also have to judge Steinway pianos right out of the box. With no in-house tuning, no in-house regulation, no in-house voicing, nothing. Just as they come out of the crate. I've come across more than a few that wouldn't fare much better than the Estonia. The differences being, of course, the price and our expectations. Considering its price, I'd not expect a lot from the Estonia. Regards, Del </BLOCKQUOTE> Dear Del, I am not sure if you understood me. I like the Estonia. They are very well prepped and have quite a bit of artistic possibilities "right out of the box". Certainly they have more to offer than just about any S&S I have played without work done to it. But I didn't suggest that all pianos be judged in this way. My point was just that the pianos show good workmanship, use fine materials, and are "finished" well. Not what I would call "junk" at all. I did not see the earliest Estonia pianos shipped to the USA. I understand that they left much to be desired, as did the first Petrofs shipped here, and the first Yamahas. But if other techs are thinking today's Estonia is still this piano, please go see them. Full Disclosure: I sell 'em, I like 'em. 'Nuf said. Richard Galassini Cunningham Piano Co & Factory Philadelphia, Pa. (800) 394-1117 <A HREF="http://voce88.tripod.com/richspianopage/">http://voce88.tripod.com/richspianopage/</A> </HTML>