>One might check Steinway and Baldwin on their view of longevity of their >C & A pianos...Does anyone know how long they are used before retirement? > >David M. Porritt, RPT>Dave, et al, and >Used to be (nominally) 7-10 years, and, there were certainly >numerous exceptions... > >Horace Greeley Dave, Horace, List, In 1985 at a PTG national convention in Kansas City, Missouri, there was a global tech who came to do a special technical on Steinway concert grand preparation. (sorry, don't remember his name) There were three classes scheduled, one each day. The first two days he was in disarray as the piano that was to be shipped in had not arrived. The piano that was provided was approx 15 years old. Without exaggeration this man was beside himself trying to figure out how to present the technical with that instrument. It was like he was facing an old upright with hammers worn to the nub, sloppy key bushings, etc...(trust you get the picture). The third day, however, was a whole different story. The piano originally meant for the technical arrived. And folks, that made all the difference in the world. Without elaborating let me just say this, when he played a few chords, he sighed with relief. And I could literally see the voice shoot out of that piano and travel throughout the room looking for a way to escape and travel out into the world for everyone to hear. It was like a thousand angels had been released. One of the most impressionable piano experiences I have ever had. The reason for this info, keeping in mind *this was in 1985*, the current life policy at the time for Steinway C&A pianos was 8 years. After that they were considered lifeless for the company's C&A program. Keith A. McGavern, RPT kam544@ionet.net Oklahoma Baptist University Saint Gregory's University Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA
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