concert grand longevity

Keith McGavern kam544@ionet.net
Thu Jan 22 14:45 MST 1998


>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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