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In Reply to: RE: The Ultimate Music System posted by Vinyl Valet on May 07, 2015 at 08:47:28
I can respect the artisan skill it took to make, but the Fabergé egg treatment doesn't make it the Ultimate Music System, its the Steinway at its heart that possibly puts it in that spot.
Follow Ups:
Like so many here, you are quick to criticize something you have never heard. I was referring to the sound and action, unlike any piano I have ever played or heard. Maybe I should have been more specific.
I've heard many Steinways, Petrofs, Bosendorfers, etc. Some sound great, some so so, some bad. Assuming it sounds good because it's a Steinway, even possibly, is just plain silly. Like a good audio system, there are so many, possibly more, variables. See the link below for a really interesting book in this regard.
I thought the post would be interesting to most music lovers whether they play or not. Didn't think this would start a pissing contest. But then it is AA.
The best piano I've ever played was a Baldwin grand. I almost bought it even though I had no good place for it in my house. I thought it better than any Steinway I've played on.
Baldwin does make some very nice pianos. Years ago when I was looking for a good upright, Baldwin was at the top of my short list.
My dad was part of the team that picked a grand for the local nursing home auditorium. Because of the location, several retired music professors (great players) from ASU were also on the team. They had a huge budget which put them in a very nice range. The finalists were Steinway, Petrof and Baldwin. The Petrof won with the Baldwin a close second.
Like you, I'd love to have a grand (also a B3 and Leslie) but don't have the room to do it justice. Oh well...
This piano will most likely be purchased by someone, more for the looks and investment value than the sound. It will end up in a mansion somewhere rarely played like so many other classic instruments.
I find it sad to see so many great electric guitars in glass cases, never played, in the trophy rooms of wealthy collectors. They should be in the hands of our great musicians, doing what they were originally designed to do.
"This piano will most likely be purchased by someone, more for the looks and investment value than the sound. It will end up in a mansion somewhere rarely played like so many other classic instruments."
"I find it sad to see so many great electric guitars in glass cases, never played, in the trophy rooms of wealthy collectors. They should be in the hands of our great musicians, doing what they were originally designed to do."
Since your friend owns it, he can sell it to whichever bidder he chooses. So, if he sells it to a buyer who buys it as a "trophy" piece and it doesn't get played, he'll have only himself to blame.
Just my personal opinion.
Yes to that, wholeheartedly.
I used to get American-made basses at a good price, and sent them on in search of the holy grail, much as we do in audiophilia, so this practice isn't even remotely new to me. It's gone on from the moment I started playing bass in 1975.
Now, Chinese crap persists like a dreaded disease in my playing arsenal, so much so that I'm totally uninspired to play.
http://mindseyemusic.blogspot.com/
I play a 1982 Fender Elite II that I had Fender customize for me when I purchased it new back in the day. I believe it was their first attempt at an active pickup bass. I love that bass and would die if something ever happened to it.
My piano, several guitars, both acoustic and electric and some amps are from the golden era (but sadly no pre-CBS Fenders). Although I'm probably not worthy as a musician of any of these fine instruments, they all get played regularly by myself, my sons and several trusted superior musicians that occasionally need a certain style or tone for their current gig(s).
I agree with your observation referencing electric guitars. As a lifelong player, it's sickening
to read about the Les Paul or Fender Strat that goes to auction and gets snatched by some
non player which will likely just display it.
I can only admire those pieces and imagine wrapping my hands around an instrument of that caliber.
What's more comical, people with financial means also pay big dollars for a pseudo played/aged guitar that appears to have been played in some juke joint,complete with cigarette burns.
That piano is a fabulous piece, but a little garish and would only look appropriate in your
turn of the century estate!
nt
I developed my ear for music as a child learning piano on a run of the mill Chickerig upright.
Every piano has its own personality and I'm guessing that one has that "woody" somewhat muted tone and comes alive only with a physical plater?
A facilitating read; I learned so much.
Thanks for the link. It does look like a great read.
You certainly got some AA members blood pressure up over your original post!
I am really enjoying my conversation with slapshot. Here's a very smart guy who puts his money where his mouth is. The conversation is respectful and I'm learning a lot.
This book will totally blow your mind. If you are really into these things first start with his other book, Mad In America, a history of treating the mentally ill. I can vouch for some of the more modern madness being a survivor of the neuroleptic period. Enjoy.
Oh sorry, now I'm getting confused. I thought you were referring to another book I linked during my discussion with slapshot.
Yes, Grand Obsession is awesome. I learned more about pianos from this book than all my previous reading and experience. And it's a good story too.
> I find it sad to see so many great electric guitars in glass cases, never played, in the trophy rooms of wealthy collectors. They should be in the hands of our great musicians, doing what they were originally designed to do. <
I could not agree more! These guitars were meant to be admired for their sound as well as their looks... more so!
... Is your friend selling the piano to a musician who will play it daily or to the highest bidder? I do note the "Request for stewardship" but in reality it isn't enforceable even if your friend attempts to enforce it. I suspect the highest bidder will win out. (Which is how it should be IMHO)
I find it sad to see so many great electric guitars in glass cases, never played, in the trophy rooms of wealthy collectors. They should be in the hands of our great musicians, doing what they were originally designed to do.
I suspect many musicians are the ones who sell them in the first place. At least collectors usually keep the instruments in as pristine condition as possible. This is important in the long run.
I like the look of the piano, it is representative for an "Art Grand" of the period. I love the inlay.
I wish your friend good luck in securing a sale.
Smile
Sox
"This piano will most likely be purchased by someone, more for the looks and investment value than the sound. It will end up in a mansion somewhere rarely played like so many other classic instruments."
I have no control over that. But to be perfectly honest with you, after 18 years of painstaking effort and substantial expense (he wasn't rebuilding/tuning other pianos or performing during this process resulting in a major loss of income), I'd sell it to the highest bidder.
But knowing Glen, one of the ten most remarkable people I have known in my life, in his heart, he wants it to go to a player.
While at his home (he's a sick jazz player but can make any classical piece his own), he performed several numbers for my wife, my sons (16 & 18) and myself. When he finished all four of us had tears streaming down our cheeks (I'm getting weepy thinking about it). For every reason possible, this was one of the greatest musical moments of our lives. A day we will never forget.
And thank you.
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