What is a Boston? <was Boston and Yamaha opinions wanted>

[Farrell]

It almost sounds to me that you want to see Steinway become a Japanese piano. Everyone is going to have a differing opinion on all the points you raise.

"By all means they can continue to use the same stringing scale"

Why not improve it utilizing computers and all we have learned over the past 100 years?

".....the same action geometry....."

And that is.... I think this is one of their problems. They don't have any set action geometry. The aspects of the action geometry depend on the pinblock installation, etc. IMHO, they should fix this.

".....and the same soundboard design...."

Yikes! This is where we keep beating them up! IMHO they should utilize some of which we have learned in the past 100 years.

"....action design was overhauled with aluminum rails..."

Don't know that this would be an improvement. Wood or aluminum -but make up your mind S&S. Wood AND metal? I've never understood that one.

"....ABS components..."

Sure, why not? Why is it that I have had to glue numerous Steinway jack tenders over the last few years, and no others?

"They can put the sostanuto inside the piano where it belongs."

Here we have found common ground. Do it NOW!

"....improve the visual aesthetics of the plate..."

Modern is not always better. I like the looks of their plates.

"....introduce models polyester finishes...."

Polyester has its place on cheap boats. Why on earth would anyone want a plastic piano? (IMHO!)

"...significantly upgrade the brass hardware, give the case a much bolder and proud look, even upgrade the fall board decal..."

I like a traditional look.

My point in much of the above is not to suggest you or I am right or wrong. It's gotta really be hard for a company to consider toying with success. You will always have different opinions. I think they should keep the classic looks, and simply improve some of the poor design aspects.

Terry Farrell
  
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Goodale" <rrg@unlv.edu>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2003 4:46 PM
Subject: Re: What is a Boston? <was Boston and Yamaha opinions wanted>


Steinway stands today as very impressive piano.  Their product is a monument of how far ahead they once were.  I would take the position however that Steinway is capable of doing much better.  Calling themselves "the worlds best piano" is a considerable stretch given the other options on the market today.  I see no reason why Steinway can not preserve the basic elements of their current product and advance as well.  By all means they can continue to use the same stringing scale, the same action geometry, and the same soundboard design as they do today, that is a complement.  The product would become vastly more up to date however if the action design was overhauled with aluminum rails and ABS components as their competitors did years ago.  They can put the sostanuto inside the piano where it belongs.  They can dramatically improve the visual aesthetics of the plate, introduce models polyester finishes, significantly upgrade the brass hardware, give the case a much bolder and proud look, even upgrade the fall board decal.  Physical aesthetic changes alone would go a long way.  The instrument would still sound and perform as before making the long-time fans very happy.  Meanwhile the sales people on the showroom floor will actually have something new to say while the buyer considers their competitors products.  Steinway produces a fine piano but it can be far better.  They owe it to themselves to bring the product up to the next level... just like their founders did.

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV

  ... I have to wonder just what Steinway could possibly do to please some of these folks. Some just plain want to bash the big guy on the block, some would like to Steinway build instruments differently, and some just plain have interests that put them in a competitive position to Steinway. And of course... mixed in with all this is some constructive pressure to just plain improve their basic quality. 
  But in the end... I wonder what is eventually going to come out of it all. I suppose time will tell. And lets hope it doesnt go the way of Baldwin... and those that went before. 

  RicB