Pianotech

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Saturated market because one can take their old tv for recycling, the old coffee pot and pots and pans to the dumpster. The old knackered piano $400-600 to the landfill. That's too much money, I'll post it on marketplace.

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

     I had a friend who many years ago worked for his father, a Baldwin dealer.  His job was  to deliver their new pianos.  If he took a used instrument in trade, he was instructed to take it to the dump and be sure  to bring back a piece of the plate.  This was to insure that the piano never found its way to the secondary used market.  One way to do it.  

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

     I had a friend who many years ago worked for his father, a Baldwin dealer.  His job was  to deliver their new pianos.  If he took a used instrument in trade, he was instructed to take it to the dump and be sure  to bring back a piece of the plate.  This was to insure that the piano never found its way to the secondary used market.  One way to do it.  

You could add Schimmel and others to that list. There are millions of pianos waiting to restored or rebuilt. Save some trees and the climate.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

I entered the piano industry in 1988, as an apprentice in a large piano store.  We had Steinway, Baldwin, Kawai and Samick.  We were selling pianos like hotcakes.  At least a Steinway a month, two or three Baldwins a week, same with Kawai.  A couple Samicks a day, all different models.  There were 3 apprentices, our mentor and another experienced tech.  We couldn't keep up with the tunings.  They'd go out in a box, delivered unprepped.  After the Gulf War, the whole atmosphere changed.  There was a recession.  Steinway came out with the Boston, to compete with the KG series.  We couldn't sell enough of either one, so they both went to other stores.  Since that time, as on a sinking ship, the water gradually came over the gunnels over the following years.  Eventually we went out, at least two changes of ownership in between.  In my opinion, since the introduction of cheap Korean and Chinese pianos, the American brands have declined.  Baldwin had to go to China after Gibson tried hard to keep it going in the US, and finally gave up.  I can only imagine that the whole piano manufacturing sector in the US and Europe has taken a hit from all the cheap pianos coming from Asia.  Add to that the economic conditions, the Internet booms, real estate crashes, bubbles, bailouts, rate cuts, etc., that have muddied the waters.  Piano sales are like the coal mine canary.  Pianos are not a necessity, but a luxury item.  So when the economy is weak, piano sales go down too.  And never mind the rebuilding shops that have gone out because it's cheaper to buy a new Asian piano than to rebuild Grandma's piano.  Those shops are where many newbies learned the trade.  The store where I worked shed nearly all the full time techs, and my job went away too, except we made an agreement that any outside work I did through the store we would profit-share.  But even that didn't work out, and the store ended in a fire sale.  With Yamaha's part ownership of Bosendorfer and other arrangements, it's just a sign of the times.  Somebody's going to buy the Grotrian name and make them in China, just like the Falconi and other brands that are made there (Baldwin).  The tariffs that are coming are too little too late, IMHO, but whatever.  Don't want to bring up politics.  If these companies are dwindling or going out, there's still enough demand for somebody to make them, even if theyr'e all made in Asia.  I don't think it's the end of piano manufacturing, just those makers whose sales are too low to continue.  Just wait for Samick corp to start making Grotrians in Korea.  Even if every piano maker went belly up, we'd still have enough work and more.

My .02 cents.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Paul,

Do you know that the Falcone name was bought by the concern in China that now makes pianos under that name?

Alan

I entered the piano industry in 1988, as an apprentice in a large piano store.  We had Steinway, Baldwin, Kawai and Samick.  We were selling pianos like hotcakes.  At least a Steinway a month, two or three Baldwins a week, same with Kawai.  A couple Samicks a day, all different models.  There were 3 apprentices, our mentor and another experienced tech.  We couldn't keep up with the tunings.  They'd go out in a box, delivered unprepped.  After the Gulf War, the whole atmosphere changed.  There was a recession.  Steinway came out with the Boston, to compete with the KG series.  We couldn't sell enough of either one, so they both went to other stores.  Since that time, as on a sinking ship, the water gradually came over the gunnels over the following years.  Eventually we went out, at least two changes of ownership in between.  In my opinion, since the introduction of cheap Korean and Chinese pianos, the American brands have declined.  Baldwin had to go to China after Gibson tried hard to keep it going in the US, and finally gave up.  I can only imagine that the whole piano manufacturing sector in the US and Europe has taken a hit from all the cheap pianos coming from Asia.  Add to that the economic conditions, the Internet booms, real estate crashes, bubbles, bailouts, rate cuts, etc., that have muddied the waters.  Piano sales are like the coal mine canary.  Pianos are not a necessity, but a luxury item.  So when the economy is weak, piano sales go down too.  And never mind the rebuilding shops that have gone out because it's cheaper to buy a new Asian piano than to rebuild Grandma's piano.  Those shops are where many newbies learned the trade.  The store where I worked shed nearly all the full time techs, and my job went away too, except we made an agreement that any outside work I did through the store we would profit-share.  But even that didn't work out, and the store ended in a fire sale.  With Yamaha's part ownership of Bosendorfer and other arrangements, it's just a sign of the times.  Somebody's going to buy the Grotrian name and make them in China, just like the Falconi and other brands that are made there (Baldwin).  The tariffs that are coming are too little too late, IMHO, but whatever.  Don't want to bring up politics.  If these companies are dwindling or going out, there's still enough demand for somebody to make them, even if theyr'e all made in Asia.  I don't think it's the end of piano manufacturing, just those makers whose sales are too low to continue.  Just wait for Samick corp to start making Grotrians in Korea.  Even if every piano maker went belly up, we'd still have enough work and more.

My .02 cents.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Yes, though I'm not sure the current situation.  When I worked at the store, we sold George Steck, manufactured by Sejung.  I think they also made the Falcone after the original company went out.  It's hard to keep up!  Before our store went out, we had Nordiska.  They eventually sold the factory to Baldwin, but they aren't Nordiskas.  I'm not sure that Nordiskas are made anymore.  Who knows, maybe somebody will resurrect that name too.  It was originally a company from Netherlands I believe.

Paul,

Do you know that the Falcone name was bought by the concern in China that now makes pianos under that name?

Alan

I entered the piano industry in 1988, as an apprentice in a large piano store.  We had Steinway, Baldwin, Kawai and Samick.  We were selling pianos like hotcakes.  At least a Steinway a month, two or three Baldwins a week, same with Kawai.  A couple Samicks a day, all different models.  There were 3 apprentices, our mentor and another experienced tech.  We couldn't keep up with the tunings.  They'd go out in a box, delivered unprepped.  After the Gulf War, the whole atmosphere changed.  There was a recession.  Steinway came out with the Boston, to compete with the KG series.  We couldn't sell enough of either one, so they both went to other stores.  Since that time, as on a sinking ship, the water gradually came over the gunnels over the following years.  Eventually we went out, at least two changes of ownership in between.  In my opinion, since the introduction of cheap Korean and Chinese pianos, the American brands have declined.  Baldwin had to go to China after Gibson tried hard to keep it going in the US, and finally gave up.  I can only imagine that the whole piano manufacturing sector in the US and Europe has taken a hit from all the cheap pianos coming from Asia.  Add to that the economic conditions, the Internet booms, real estate crashes, bubbles, bailouts, rate cuts, etc., that have muddied the waters.  Piano sales are like the coal mine canary.  Pianos are not a necessity, but a luxury item.  So when the economy is weak, piano sales go down too.  And never mind the rebuilding shops that have gone out because it's cheaper to buy a new Asian piano than to rebuild Grandma's piano.  Those shops are where many newbies learned the trade.  The store where I worked shed nearly all the full time techs, and my job went away too, except we made an agreement that any outside work I did through the store we would profit-share.  But even that didn't work out, and the store ended in a fire sale.  With Yamaha's part ownership of Bosendorfer and other arrangements, it's just a sign of the times.  Somebody's going to buy the Grotrian name and make them in China, just like the Falconi and other brands that are made there (Baldwin).  The tariffs that are coming are too little too late, IMHO, but whatever.  Don't want to bring up politics.  If these companies are dwindling or going out, there's still enough demand for somebody to make them, even if theyr'e all made in Asia.  I don't think it's the end of piano manufacturing, just those makers whose sales are too low to continue.  Just wait for Samick corp to start making Grotrians in Korea.  Even if every piano maker went belly up, we'd still have enough work and more.

My .02 cents.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Yes, though I'm not sure the current situation.  When I worked at the store, we sold George Steck, manufactured by Sejung.  I think they also made the Falcone after the original company went out.  It's hard to keep up!  Before our store went out, we had Nordiska.  They eventually sold the factory to Baldwin, but they aren't Nordiskas.  I'm not sure that Nordiskas are made anymore.  Who knows, maybe somebody will resurrect that name too.  It was originally a company from Netherlands I believe.

Paul,

Do you know that the Falcone name was bought by the concern in China that now makes pianos under that name?

Alan

I entered the piano industry in 1988, as an apprentice in a large piano store.  We had Steinway, Baldwin, Kawai and Samick.  We were selling pianos like hotcakes.  At least a Steinway a month, two or three Baldwins a week, same with Kawai.  A couple Samicks a day, all different models.  There were 3 apprentices, our mentor and another experienced tech.  We couldn't keep up with the tunings.  They'd go out in a box, delivered unprepped.  After the Gulf War, the whole atmosphere changed.  There was a recession.  Steinway came out with the Boston, to compete with the KG series.  We couldn't sell enough of either one, so they both went to other stores.  Since that time, as on a sinking ship, the water gradually came over the gunnels over the following years.  Eventually we went out, at least two changes of ownership in between.  In my opinion, since the introduction of cheap Korean and Chinese pianos, the American brands have declined.  Baldwin had to go to China after Gibson tried hard to keep it going in the US, and finally gave up.  I can only imagine that the whole piano manufacturing sector in the US and Europe has taken a hit from all the cheap pianos coming from Asia.  Add to that the economic conditions, the Internet booms, real estate crashes, bubbles, bailouts, rate cuts, etc., that have muddied the waters.  Piano sales are like the coal mine canary.  Pianos are not a necessity, but a luxury item.  So when the economy is weak, piano sales go down too.  And never mind the rebuilding shops that have gone out because it's cheaper to buy a new Asian piano than to rebuild Grandma's piano.  Those shops are where many newbies learned the trade.  The store where I worked shed nearly all the full time techs, and my job went away too, except we made an agreement that any outside work I did through the store we would profit-share.  But even that didn't work out, and the store ended in a fire sale.  With Yamaha's part ownership of Bosendorfer and other arrangements, it's just a sign of the times.  Somebody's going to buy the Grotrian name and make them in China, just like the Falconi and other brands that are made there (Baldwin).  The tariffs that are coming are too little too late, IMHO, but whatever.  Don't want to bring up politics.  If these companies are dwindling or going out, there's still enough demand for somebody to make them, even if theyr'e all made in Asia.  I don't think it's the end of piano manufacturing, just those makers whose sales are too low to continue.  Just wait for Samick corp to start making Grotrians in Korea.  Even if every piano maker went belly up, we'd still have enough work and more.

My .02 cents.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Yes, though I'm not sure the current situation.  When I worked at the store, we sold George Steck, manufactured by Sejung.  I think they also made the Falcone after the original company went out.  It's hard to keep up!  Before our store went out, we had Nordiska.  They eventually sold the factory to Baldwin, but they aren't Nordiskas.  I'm not sure that Nordiskas are made anymore.  Who knows, maybe somebody will resurrect that name too.  It was originally a company from Netherlands I believe.

Paul,

Do you know that the Falcone name was bought by the concern in China that now makes pianos under that name?

Alan

I entered the piano industry in 1988, as an apprentice in a large piano store.  We had Steinway, Baldwin, Kawai and Samick.  We were selling pianos like hotcakes.  At least a Steinway a month, two or three Baldwins a week, same with Kawai.  A couple Samicks a day, all different models.  There were 3 apprentices, our mentor and another experienced tech.  We couldn't keep up with the tunings.  They'd go out in a box, delivered unprepped.  After the Gulf War, the whole atmosphere changed.  There was a recession.  Steinway came out with the Boston, to compete with the KG series.  We couldn't sell enough of either one, so they both went to other stores.  Since that time, as on a sinking ship, the water gradually came over the gunnels over the following years.  Eventually we went out, at least two changes of ownership in between.  In my opinion, since the introduction of cheap Korean and Chinese pianos, the American brands have declined.  Baldwin had to go to China after Gibson tried hard to keep it going in the US, and finally gave up.  I can only imagine that the whole piano manufacturing sector in the US and Europe has taken a hit from all the cheap pianos coming from Asia.  Add to that the economic conditions, the Internet booms, real estate crashes, bubbles, bailouts, rate cuts, etc., that have muddied the waters.  Piano sales are like the coal mine canary.  Pianos are not a necessity, but a luxury item.  So when the economy is weak, piano sales go down too.  And never mind the rebuilding shops that have gone out because it's cheaper to buy a new Asian piano than to rebuild Grandma's piano.  Those shops are where many newbies learned the trade.  The store where I worked shed nearly all the full time techs, and my job went away too, except we made an agreement that any outside work I did through the store we would profit-share.  But even that didn't work out, and the store ended in a fire sale.  With Yamaha's part ownership of Bosendorfer and other arrangements, it's just a sign of the times.  Somebody's going to buy the Grotrian name and make them in China, just like the Falconi and other brands that are made there (Baldwin).  The tariffs that are coming are too little too late, IMHO, but whatever.  Don't want to bring up politics.  If these companies are dwindling or going out, there's still enough demand for somebody to make them, even if theyr'e all made in Asia.  I don't think it's the end of piano manufacturing, just those makers whose sales are too low to continue.  Just wait for Samick corp to start making Grotrians in Korea.  Even if every piano maker went belly up, we'd still have enough work and more.

My .02 cents.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Yes, though I'm not sure the current situation.  When I worked at the store, we sold George Steck, manufactured by Sejung.  I think they also made the Falcone after the original company went out.  It's hard to keep up!  Before our store went out, we had Nordiska.  They eventually sold the factory to Baldwin, but they aren't Nordiskas.  I'm not sure that Nordiskas are made anymore.  Who knows, maybe somebody will resurrect that name too.  It was originally a company from Netherlands I believe.

Paul,

Do you know that the Falcone name was bought by the concern in China that now makes pianos under that name?

Alan

I entered the piano industry in 1988, as an apprentice in a large piano store.  We had Steinway, Baldwin, Kawai and Samick.  We were selling pianos like hotcakes.  At least a Steinway a month, two or three Baldwins a week, same with Kawai.  A couple Samicks a day, all different models.  There were 3 apprentices, our mentor and another experienced tech.  We couldn't keep up with the tunings.  They'd go out in a box, delivered unprepped.  After the Gulf War, the whole atmosphere changed.  There was a recession.  Steinway came out with the Boston, to compete with the KG series.  We couldn't sell enough of either one, so they both went to other stores.  Since that time, as on a sinking ship, the water gradually came over the gunnels over the following years.  Eventually we went out, at least two changes of ownership in between.  In my opinion, since the introduction of cheap Korean and Chinese pianos, the American brands have declined.  Baldwin had to go to China after Gibson tried hard to keep it going in the US, and finally gave up.  I can only imagine that the whole piano manufacturing sector in the US and Europe has taken a hit from all the cheap pianos coming from Asia.  Add to that the economic conditions, the Internet booms, real estate crashes, bubbles, bailouts, rate cuts, etc., that have muddied the waters.  Piano sales are like the coal mine canary.  Pianos are not a necessity, but a luxury item.  So when the economy is weak, piano sales go down too.  And never mind the rebuilding shops that have gone out because it's cheaper to buy a new Asian piano than to rebuild Grandma's piano.  Those shops are where many newbies learned the trade.  The store where I worked shed nearly all the full time techs, and my job went away too, except we made an agreement that any outside work I did through the store we would profit-share.  But even that didn't work out, and the store ended in a fire sale.  With Yamaha's part ownership of Bosendorfer and other arrangements, it's just a sign of the times.  Somebody's going to buy the Grotrian name and make them in China, just like the Falconi and other brands that are made there (Baldwin).  The tariffs that are coming are too little too late, IMHO, but whatever.  Don't want to bring up politics.  If these companies are dwindling or going out, there's still enough demand for somebody to make them, even if theyr'e all made in Asia.  I don't think it's the end of piano manufacturing, just those makers whose sales are too low to continue.  Just wait for Samick corp to start making Grotrians in Korea.  Even if every piano maker went belly up, we'd still have enough work and more.

My .02 cents.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Yes, though I'm not sure the current situation.  When I worked at the store, we sold George Steck, manufactured by Sejung.  I think they also made the Falcone after the original company went out.  It's hard to keep up!  Before our store went out, we had Nordiska.  They eventually sold the factory to Baldwin, but they aren't Nordiskas.  I'm not sure that Nordiskas are made anymore.  Who knows, maybe somebody will resurrect that name too.  It was originally a company from Netherlands I believe.

Paul,

Do you know that the Falcone name was bought by the concern in China that now makes pianos under that name?

Alan

I entered the piano industry in 1988, as an apprentice in a large piano store.  We had Steinway, Baldwin, Kawai and Samick.  We were selling pianos like hotcakes.  At least a Steinway a month, two or three Baldwins a week, same with Kawai.  A couple Samicks a day, all different models.  There were 3 apprentices, our mentor and another experienced tech.  We couldn't keep up with the tunings.  They'd go out in a box, delivered unprepped.  After the Gulf War, the whole atmosphere changed.  There was a recession.  Steinway came out with the Boston, to compete with the KG series.  We couldn't sell enough of either one, so they both went to other stores.  Since that time, as on a sinking ship, the water gradually came over the gunnels over the following years.  Eventually we went out, at least two changes of ownership in between.  In my opinion, since the introduction of cheap Korean and Chinese pianos, the American brands have declined.  Baldwin had to go to China after Gibson tried hard to keep it going in the US, and finally gave up.  I can only imagine that the whole piano manufacturing sector in the US and Europe has taken a hit from all the cheap pianos coming from Asia.  Add to that the economic conditions, the Internet booms, real estate crashes, bubbles, bailouts, rate cuts, etc., that have muddied the waters.  Piano sales are like the coal mine canary.  Pianos are not a necessity, but a luxury item.  So when the economy is weak, piano sales go down too.  And never mind the rebuilding shops that have gone out because it's cheaper to buy a new Asian piano than to rebuild Grandma's piano.  Those shops are where many newbies learned the trade.  The store where I worked shed nearly all the full time techs, and my job went away too, except we made an agreement that any outside work I did through the store we would profit-share.  But even that didn't work out, and the store ended in a fire sale.  With Yamaha's part ownership of Bosendorfer and other arrangements, it's just a sign of the times.  Somebody's going to buy the Grotrian name and make them in China, just like the Falconi and other brands that are made there (Baldwin).  The tariffs that are coming are too little too late, IMHO, but whatever.  Don't want to bring up politics.  If these companies are dwindling or going out, there's still enough demand for somebody to make them, even if theyr'e all made in Asia.  I don't think it's the end of piano manufacturing, just those makers whose sales are too low to continue.  Just wait for Samick corp to start making Grotrians in Korea.  Even if every piano maker went belly up, we'd still have enough work and more.

My .02 cents.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Yes, though I'm not sure the current situation.  When I worked at the store, we sold George Steck, manufactured by Sejung.  I think they also made the Falcone after the original company went out.  It's hard to keep up!  Before our store went out, we had Nordiska.  They eventually sold the factory to Baldwin, but they aren't Nordiskas.  I'm not sure that Nordiskas are made anymore.  Who knows, maybe somebody will resurrect that name too.  It was originally a company from Netherlands I believe.

Paul,

Do you know that the Falcone name was bought by the concern in China that now makes pianos under that name?

Alan

I entered the piano industry in 1988, as an apprentice in a large piano store.  We had Steinway, Baldwin, Kawai and Samick.  We were selling pianos like hotcakes.  At least a Steinway a month, two or three Baldwins a week, same with Kawai.  A couple Samicks a day, all different models.  There were 3 apprentices, our mentor and another experienced tech.  We couldn't keep up with the tunings.  They'd go out in a box, delivered unprepped.  After the Gulf War, the whole atmosphere changed.  There was a recession.  Steinway came out with the Boston, to compete with the KG series.  We couldn't sell enough of either one, so they both went to other stores.  Since that time, as on a sinking ship, the water gradually came over the gunnels over the following years.  Eventually we went out, at least two changes of ownership in between.  In my opinion, since the introduction of cheap Korean and Chinese pianos, the American brands have declined.  Baldwin had to go to China after Gibson tried hard to keep it going in the US, and finally gave up.  I can only imagine that the whole piano manufacturing sector in the US and Europe has taken a hit from all the cheap pianos coming from Asia.  Add to that the economic conditions, the Internet booms, real estate crashes, bubbles, bailouts, rate cuts, etc., that have muddied the waters.  Piano sales are like the coal mine canary.  Pianos are not a necessity, but a luxury item.  So when the economy is weak, piano sales go down too.  And never mind the rebuilding shops that have gone out because it's cheaper to buy a new Asian piano than to rebuild Grandma's piano.  Those shops are where many newbies learned the trade.  The store where I worked shed nearly all the full time techs, and my job went away too, except we made an agreement that any outside work I did through the store we would profit-share.  But even that didn't work out, and the store ended in a fire sale.  With Yamaha's part ownership of Bosendorfer and other arrangements, it's just a sign of the times.  Somebody's going to buy the Grotrian name and make them in China, just like the Falconi and other brands that are made there (Baldwin).  The tariffs that are coming are too little too late, IMHO, but whatever.  Don't want to bring up politics.  If these companies are dwindling or going out, there's still enough demand for somebody to make them, even if theyr'e all made in Asia.  I don't think it's the end of piano manufacturing, just those makers whose sales are too low to continue.  Just wait for Samick corp to start making Grotrians in Korea.  Even if every piano maker went belly up, we'd still have enough work and more.

My .02 cents.

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P

Dear Colleagues

It's with sadness and shock that I learned today of Grotrian closing its factory and a few weeks ago I heard that Steinway is not working a full 5 day week.

A headline in the UK papers publicised a performer setting up a concert to perform the same piece 820 times. This is not music - it's only sport. 

Sport is optional. 

Music as communication of emotion is essential. If it's essential and reaches the heart, then there will be reason for all to appreciate the teaching of it.

Now for nearly two decades I've been researching, discovering and refining and have an answer to musicians to be able to convey better emotion. Upon being asked by musicians if they can perform at Hammerwood, I'm blunt in telling them that I'm only interested in musicians who appreciate more than tempo, dynamics and pitch but also key as an equivalently important part of the music as tonality which the composers wrote into their work. The microtonalism of key has been thrown away by modern tuning and the piano manufacturers are suffering now the result.

Another Steinway Artist recently told me after I'd revoiced and tuned her Model M that she was now more in love with her instrument than ever since she bought it.

Here's a London friend trying his instrument after tuning to the strongest general purpose tuning that one might dare

Test of Steinway Model O piano in Kirnberger III unequal temperament

This manner of tuning requires a special technique to achieve which differs from the commonly accepted norms. I've given the clues to a few colleagues confidentially and in particular Tim Foster who is having much success.

I'm willing to work with any piano manufacturer willing to take on the tuning as a standard option and guarantee that if any instrument is tuned by Tim or I in a showroom, that instrument will be the one with which the best of musicians will fall in love inescapably.

For its own survival, the industry has to focus on music, on emotion rather than merely technique and resulting sport. Perhaps we can bring manufacturers back from the brink.

Best wishes

David P