Sensitive songwriter

[Avery Todd]

Hi Ed,

   I also agree that a new keyboard sounds like it would be the best way
to go, especially for this customer. Contact Joel/Priscilla Rappaport.
If I'm not mistaken they've given classes at conventions in conjunction
with Kluge on installing a new set of keys on the old frame (everything
else reconditioned). They could give you specifics on it and probably an
estimated cost.
   Just a thought.

Avery

P.S. Are you aware of a CD of the "Diabelli" Variations, played by Susan
Halligan and partner Paul List? The Yamaha "Accent" magazine mentions it
because they used a C-7 in the recording. They used the Kirnberger III
and it says that Owen Jorgensen sanctioned the tuning but I'm not sure if
he actually did the tuning. A copy is available at
http://www.shift.com/credo or by calling 802-644-2797

>Greetings,
>  Well, after all this time, I had a new complaint today.   A customer had
>purchased a moderately well rebuilt Steinway in Florida and brought it up here
>to Nashville.
>   Today, he pointed out a feature of the piano he can no longer stand, and
>wants me to correct it.  It seems that the rebuilders used molded plastic
>keytops and non-Steinway sharps to cover the keyboard.  The sharps are too
>short, and the gap at the back of them is bothersome to him. Anybody know
>where I can get sharps that are 3 7/8" long?
>    Also, when a natural note is depressed, the letter name of that note is
>visible at the very back end of the key, ( as it sits under the fall board
>felt!!!)  He can no longer compose at the keyboard with this distraction, and
>wants it changed. ( I do indulge these people, this writer's last hit record
>was worth over  $1.5 million to him, so I take his idiosyncrosies seriously).
>I can buff them off, but the other consideration is that the very slight
>overhang that these slightly wider keytops have over the sides of the keys is
>also driving him crazy, ( though I think it is more of a short putt than a
>drive..........)
>    I may be better off just having the entire keyboard recovered to spec.
>and am open to suggestions for the highest quality work available.  I don't
>see myself doing all this if a key recovering service can do a really slick
>job.  Who has been turning out top-drawer work?
>Thanks,
>Ed Foote