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Hi Roland,
<P>This may not be what you want to hear, but here goes.
<P>The person playing the piano is accustomed to playing a Steinway.
Steinway's are generally fine instruments. New ones are generally
pretty expensive. (So are used ones!)
<P>Now let me throw you a curve. Have you checked into the possibilities
of acquiring a rebuilt piano? I'm not talking about a 'reconditioned'
one. What I'm saying is you could probably acquire a 'remanufactured'
piano (new soundboard, new bridges, new pinblock, new strings, new hammers,
dampers, and many other action parts as well, recovered keys, a fresh new
finish, etc.,...) for less than the price of a new Steinway.
<P>Actually, there are a few other name brands out there that are good.
I'm sure I could start a hearty debate on just what names to consider.
My own tastes lean toward Mason & Hamlin. I did a complete remanufacture
on one last year, 1927 model A,... gorgeous!! I really missed that
thing when it left the shop. Tweaked to the hilt! Of course
Steinway's are a good choice. I've seen some older Baldwin's which
would be very fine instruments if remanufactured. I've seen some
nice old Chickerings, Knabes, Henry F. Millers, I'm sure there are
others.
<P>Another thing to consider. Some of the technicians out there who
get into the serious rebuilding / remanufacturing do better work than what
comes off of Steinway's production lines. (OOPS! I think I
just took a shot at one of those 'sacred cows'.)
<P>Just because it's new doesn't make it good. Just because it's
a hundred years old doesn't make it bad. It's the individual instrument
that's important.
<P>Good luck with your search.
<P>Brian Trout
<BR>Quarryville, Pa.
<BR>
<P>Rolland Miller wrote:
<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE> The United Methodist church of which I am a
member, is considering the purchase of new <B><U>grand</U></B> piano
for our sanctuary and I have been asked to make some recommendations. We
presently have a studio upright of moderate quality.
<BR>1) We have an excellent pianist who will be a senior next year at a
well known/respected conservatory of music. Part of our reason to get a
new piano (for the church) would be as a thank you to him. He is
also a church member and looked at as "one of our own". At the consevatory
he plays mostly Steinways but that would be out of our range.
<BR>2) We have an excellent Music Director who has a lot to do with number
3)
<BR>3) Our congregation "loves it's music".
<BR>The seating area of our sanctuary is about 40' by 54' and the
altar area about 30' by 20'. The seating area will hold about 200,
the side walls go up about 16' and the peakof the ceiling is about
25' high. The carpet is thick. The interior walls are plaster
w/wood trim.
<P>I am personally partial to the Kawai and Yamaha brands. I think
they are good pianos - price/quality. We will be considering other piano
makes also. I would like any information listee's may have
concerning 1) how to go about selecting a piano for a church. 2) what would
be an appropriate size piano considering the church's specs. 3) any suggestions
for a particular make or model, either to look at or stay away from. 4)
any other information you think may be helpful to us.
<BR>Replies can be made either to me or to the list.
<BR>Thanks for any info. Rolland Miller, North Ridgeville, Ohio.
MPT, PTG/rpt
<BR>rmiller1@mediaone.net</BLOCKQUOTE>
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