Wim, the answer to your question is the same people Tom has had working with him for years. I remember meeting one of his workers who is a PTG member at the regional convention in Davenport. I'm sure he has expanded the work force since he changed his business, but I trust Tom to have the right people. My understanding is Steinway has certain requirements in order to keep the contract. Tom no longer does any other work than for Steinway.
Original Message:
Sent: 11-24-2023 08:39
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Steinway restoration in Iowa
The question I asked was, who is helping Tom in his shop? Did any of the New York factory workers in the rebuilding shop move to Iowa, or did Tom have to find his own help?
In other words, is this like Kimball back when they moved to Indiana?
Wim
Original Message:
Sent: 11/24/2023 8:16:00 AM
From: Tim Coates
Subject: RE: Steinway restoration in Iowa
This is old news, but apparently not to some. Yes, Steinway is supplying original parts such as soundboards and pinblocks to Tom. Tom was vetted by Steinway along with 10 other large shops as they were looking for quality/cost ratio. The back story I've gotten is the expensive workforce in NY was not providing the needs to run the type of shop Steinway wanted. You have to admit Iowa is centrally located. The only complaint I've heard is Steinway is jacking up the price for the rebuilds way too much. It doesn't matter what your workforce is, there is only so much quality/name that justifies the price.
------------------------------
Tim Coates RPT
Sioux Falls SD
Original Message:
Sent: 11-24-2023 07:38
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Steinway restoration in Iowa
So SS is providing this outfit with "genuine" factory soundboards and pinblocks? If not...then its nothing more than a "Steinwas" (SS's word...not mine).
Daniel, what say you on this important detail?
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2023 20:57
From: Larry Messerly
Subject: Steinway restoration in Iowa
I've toured Tom Zasandy's shop before he partnered (or is working with/for Steinway. He does know what he is doing and the work I saw was top notch.
------------------------------
Larry Messerly, RPT
Bringing Harmony to Homes
www.lacrossepianotuning.com
ljmesserly@gmail.com
928-899-7292
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2023 19:30
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Steinway restoration in Iowa
Daniel
This is interesting. How and why did Steinway decide to move their rebuilding operation to Iowa? How did they pick the people to work there? Did they move some of the people from New York, or did they tell Michael to find his crew locally?
This is reminiscent of when Kimball moved from Chicago to the forests of Southern Indiana. It took them decades to teach the locals how to put pianos together, even with Roger's help.
Wim
Original Message:
Sent: 11/21/2023 4:36:00 PM
From: Daniel DeBiasio
Subject: RE: Steinway restoration in Iowa
Hi Ben,
I must first disclose that I work for Steinway & Sons, but I do feel compelled to share that we have been very pleased with the quality of work coming from the restoration facility. When we moved restoration to a separate facility a few years ago, production was enabled to focus on what it does best which is to make new pianos, and the restoration facility is no longer being used to fill in whenever production needs an extra set of hands. The new arrangement is a net positive.
The logistics are handled by my colleague Michael Megaloudis, and he works very hard to make sure everything is handled promptly. He can be contacted at mmegaloudis@steinway.com or by phone at 718-204-3122
If you have any questions for me directly, I can be reached at ddebiasio@steinway.com
Daniel DeBiasio
Technical Education & Support
Steinway & Sons
718-267-3229
------------------------------
Daniel DeBiasio
Brooklyn, NY
646.801.8863
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2023 16:01
From: Benjamin Webster
Subject: Steinway restoration in Iowa
Hello all,
Steinway is now (since 2021, apparently) doing official restorations at a facility in Walker, Iowa. Does anyone have experience with rebuilds done at this location? I'm mainly interested in the quality of work, and also any comments on logistics, ease of dealing with the company, and so on.
Thanks,
------------------------------
Ben Webster, RPT
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
------------------------------