Any Steinway Piano Experts Out There?

Hello S.O. Poop,

Here's some info from a friend who's a professional pianist:

1) Prices on Steinways have not really changed much (the b**tards) but the operative word here is "used". If you're buying a used Steinway, I'm sure there is room for negotiating. Everyone, including "Steinway unloaders" want to make a deal.

2) There is no inherent reason to buying an old Steinway that's been reconditioned over a new one. In other words, just because it's old doesn't make it better. Now, on the other hand, if it's reconditioned and old, you are better off than buying an old one just because it's old. The only reason to consider a rebuilt one is the price, and also---- the quality of the rebuilder is more of a factor than the original condition anyway. The thing about Steinways ( I've played lots and lots with orchestras around the world) or any other piano for that matter is, THEY ARE ALL DIFFERENT. They have to be played by the prospective buyer and his or her ear and personal touch on the keys must be the judge. I've played some great old ones, some crappy old ones; some great new ones, some crappy new ones. Some Steinways were so bad, I would have preferred a KAWAI, generally the bottom of the barrel. Normally though, a Steinway is the Cadillac of pianos, with Kawai, of course, the Toyota. There is, unfortunately, no golden era. Many refuse to buy any Steinway that was built between 1962 and 1995 when they were using teflon bushings. I, like others, just consider that snobbery. It's not such a terrible thing.

3) MOST IMPORTANTLY, if your are not a pianist yourself, it would behoove you to bring along someone who can inspect the soundboard. They do crack, although not more so in certain models. They crack for other reasons; temperature, humidity, water damage, etc. and general care or lack thereof. Also the condition of the hammers should be inspected. If the groove in the felt of the hammers are deep ( from constantly striking the strings in the same place on the hammers) it will produce a very bright, almost brittle sound. A piano tuner can brush the felts so that they plump up again somewhat or move the entire action slightly to the left or right so that the hammers strike the strings in a slightly different place, thus producing a darker, richer sound. It's not a big job, if it had to be done. I've had it done a few times along with a regular tuning.

Thanks, Sue. And thank your friend, too.

I don't play, but my wife does. We have two console pianos, but we've always wanted a Steinway. We never thought we could afford one, but...well, times have changed. A used one is now within reach.

Rich

She wishes you luck, and so do I. Hey, maybe you can take lessons on the new acquisition and play duets with your wife!