<html> Regarding Ron Overs' remarks, There are many reasons to not criticize the design when speaking with the customer.  All you have to do is turn it around and think - what if they said that about my piano? I am sorry to say that there is no such thing as a piano design which cannot be criticized, yours included Mr. Overs.  The very divergent opinions expressed on this list show this.  The aspects of individualism we admire in designs from people like Overs, or Stuart, or Del Fandrich are points of criticism for others.  And it isn't only the know-nothing salespeople selling against the innovative design - it is often well intentioned but perhaps misguided piano technicians who speak out against a design or method of construction, because it doesn't suit their individual tastes. It is best to let the buyer decide if the individual traits of a particular piano are good or bad.  In the case of a technician evaluating a piano for an owner, the desire on the part of the owner is usually to know if this particular instrument is OK or not.  Pontificating on design disadvantages usually just upsets the owner, and in the end often hurts the technician's reputation.  I am not simply preaching here - my position on this was formed through some very unpleasant personal experiences long before I worked for any piano companies. Once a piano buyer asks for opinions about which designs the technician prefers, of course, then we should feel free to express those opinions, and do our best to have a good factual basis for those them. Don Mannino RPT </html>