Schimmel Upright question

[David Ilvedson]

They are made the same as any good piano...you will have no surprises
except you may find them overrated...

David I.



----- Original message ---------------------------------------->
From: Avery Todd <avery@ev1.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Received: Wed, 04 Sep 2002 20:18:26 -0500
Subject: Schimmel Upright question

>List,

>Does anyone have any experience with Schimmel uprights? I received this from
>one of my outside customers and will be going to check it out in the next
>day or so. Here's a part of the e-mail:

>>Dace bought a replacement, a Schimmel vertical, from the Piano Store on
>>Westheimer.  Unfortunately, I
>>don't remember the model number, but the piano listed for approximately
>>$13,000.  While trying out the
>>piano in the store, Dace noticed that the touch was just a tiny bit heavy
>>and asked if it could be adjusted
>>if he decided to buy the instrument.  He was assured by the salesperson
>>that the action could indeed be
>>adjusted.
>>
>>However, after Dace bought the piano, he was referred by the Piano Store
>>to Sharp and Flat Tuning, and
>>this piano technician (I don't remember his name) told Dace that there was
>>nothing that could be done to
>>adjust the action on this Schimmel.  Dace has since called the Piano
>>Store, and the salesperson there
>>now says that he mentioned nothing about the action and that he or the
>>Piano Store cannot help in any way.

>Now why doesn't this surprise me from a "typical" dealer?

>My initial thoughts are tight bushings and/or tight balance rail holes or
>dampers that are lifting too soon, causing that "heaviness". Or possibly
>friction in the pinning.

>Any other ideas before I go look at it? I've never dealt with a Schimmel
>upright before but I can't believe that a piano with that reputation can't
>have that particular problem solved relatively easily! Am I wrong? Thanks
>for any help.

>Avery