<html> At 07:53 AM 05/21/2001 -0400, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite cite>I am trying to provide some piano purchase guidance to my son's piano teacher. She wishes to find an old salvage grand of high quality for complete rebuilding (she wants a piano that is as good as or better than new, but does not cost as much) - ideally, a Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Bechstein, etc. She is looking for the piano of her dreams - one that she will play for the rest of her life - or there abouts. Now I know (or think I know) that in general, within a particular piano quality/type range, bigger is better.</blockquote> I would caution her right off that the piano of her dreams may not be in the rebuilding of a piano, where she might have all this money invested and come up short on expectations. Then what?  Would she be able to recoup her investment and continue the search for the Holy Scale? <snip> <blockquote type=cite cite>So there is the question. I don't play piano, so I don't have very good direct input/thoughts on the subject. Is bigger necessarily better (similar pianos otherwise), i.e. is a M&H BB a lot nicer piano than a model A for a home studio use? She is a good player and continuing to take lessons - her desire is to obtain a piano that sounds good and has an action, etc. that will not limit her (and her student's) playing development. Any thoughts?</blockquote> I know of many large pianos in small rooms, bigger is better to the point of what is acceptable in its tone and what is practical in its square footage.  Besides, the piano of her dreams is an A III in my shop, and is ready for delivery. Regards,</html>