From: "Robert Goodale" <rrg@unlv.edu> > [Steinway] 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. In terms of aesthetics, I have seen examples of where they have done just that. I recently visited the relatively new HUGE Steinway showroom out on Long Island (they hosted our chapter meeting once). They had a small grand with a traditional furniture design but with a modern artsy looking finish (with gray and black and a very busy irregular pattern). The salesman said the reaction has been that people either hate it or love it. They also had a grand with a modern furniture design. Basically everything was different on it, and really interesting. One especially noticeable thing was the lid hinges. They were some sort of fancy hinge that operated inside the piano, and when you opened the lid, the left edge came IN towards the piano slightly. It looked like if the piano started out pressed up against the wall on its left edge, you could raise the lid and the left edge of the lid would not scrape against the wall. I'm not sure if it was intended for that purpose. But it was pretty cool looking, and it looked like it might be a strong hinge as well. I don't know if these new ideas are in their catalogs or not, but I imagine if they sold one of them, they'd make another, and if they sold that, they'd make yet another... If customers want new things, I'm sure they will continue to make new things. Charles Neuman PTG Assoc, Long Island
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