[CAUT] Young Chang - Weber with Wapin in Anaheim

[Tim Geinert]

Wim, others,

This past week has been completely nuts with funerals and pianos and  
many miles, but I would belatedly like to address some of the things  
that happened in Anaheim, mentioned by Wim and not.

First, I wish I would have been able to stay at the convention past  
Thursday so I could have been there, Wim, when you came back to the  
booth.  I know you weren't able to play the piano Wednesday evening  
when it was so busy.  That was one of the most exciting times I have  
experienced in working with and promoting Wapin.  Tim Coates, Phil  
Glenn, and I visited with folks continually that evening, and  
everyone we talked with was very pleased with the effect Wapin had on  
the Weber piano.  Some even commented on the fact that it was because  
of the noise and the piano's ability to project through that noise  
that told the story.  I was surprised to hear your reaction, Wim, as  
it was really the only one I heard that wasn't positive.

As to the question of worth on a small piano.  First of all, if Wapin  
is put on a piano with a bare bridge, either in a shop or during  
manufacturing, I expect it to take an hour or less additional time.   
I just recently did one and kept time.  One hour, and I don't do it  
every day.   The cost of manufacturing with Wapin as opposed to a  
retrofit will be a small fraction.  The people we talk to consider  
the quality of the sound and the feature to sell a good value for the  
money, small piano or big.

As far as the piano being "bought by an average Joe for in home  
use."  Some folks still turn up their noses at Young Chang, But what  
I have found since Joseph Pramberger redesigned them is quite  
impressive, a well designed action and an inherently American sound  
that I can work with.  What we have found is that the quality of  
sound people get from Wapin, Young Chang with Wapin in particular, is  
far, far beyond what they would otherwise be able to afford.  In some  
cases very accomplished players have been able to get a piano, Young  
Chang with Wapin, that has an unbelievable sound for an unbelievable  
price.   So yes, it is very cost effective.

Now another question that came up in Anaheim about Wapin.  "Why not  
just build the soundboard right in the first place then you don't  
need Wapin."  My response is this, Wapin adds to the sound no matter  
what it is.  This is always the result.  Make the  best soundboard  
you can and Wapin will enhance it.  Just because you put the perfect  
hammer on a piano doesn't mean you don't still do all the things you  
normally do to build the tone. Just because you learn to shape  
hammers doesn't mean you quit voicing them.  Everything you do to a  
piano to make it better adds up.  Wapin included.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, folks!

Tim Geinert RPT
Wapin Company LLP