S & S *B*..

[tech@steinway.com]

Dear Phil:

It's as easy as A,B,C,D !  In 1878, when we patented the continuous-bent 
rim, we changed the designation on our grands from numbers (Style I, II, 
III ...) to letters (the four mentioned above).  While the A was the first 
bent-rim model put into production, the model B owes more to the Style I, 
a.k.a. Monitor Grand, a.k.a. Parlor Grand, whose scale was originally 
developed by C.F. Theodore Steinway in 1869.

Mr. Blees is correct that the A-R designation indicates an Aeolian Player 
model.  Our official measurement of this model is 6'11 1/4".

If you, or anyone else, would like the history of a particular instrument, 
including production date and original shipping destination, please send an 
e-mail to "info@steinway.com".  Make sure you include the piano's serial 
number and your own address.

I hope this information is helpful.

Stephen K. Dove

STEINWAY & SONS,
New York

-----Original Message-----
From:	Phil Bondi [SMTP:tito@peganet.com]
Sent:	Monday, May 18, 1998 9:40 AM
To:	Pianotech List
Subject:	S & S *B*..

..can anyone tell me what year this gem started production?..i have a
customer with a 1925 *A* that wants to know a little more about what
she has inherited..

..i know..I'm asking about the *B*, because I'm thinking(dangerous)
that the *A* is the Father to the *B*..

..doesn't Steinway offer its customers something in the way of a
history for their instruments?..

curiously refreshed,
The Rookie