Hi Thumpy and others. It always amazes me how seemingly difficult it is for people to avoid mixing the purely subjective with the objective in these disscussions. Time and time again we hear how this or that idea or design is <<better>>, or some simliar term. Take Ron O's last post where he compares some very basic design issues between Yamaha/Steinway -- Bøsendorfer -- Baldwin -- and his own. In an otherwise outstanding posting...as usual (bow and nod sincerely) he includes the two following comments.. "I remain highly suspicious of the tonal negatives, which I believe light plates bring to the mix." "Another heavy plated and heavily rimmed piano which has quite outstanding tonal characteristics once the duplex noise and other stringing and strike ratio issues are sorted." Both of these are primarily statements that are clearly matters of personal taste, yet they are presented as fact backed up by some very light analysis of some basic physical functionings relating to the plate/rim/soundboard. What tonal negatives ?? according to whom ?? What outstanding tonal characteristics... ?? according to whom ?? Furthermore... none of these really offer us anything of value, if that is to be defined as gaining an understanding as to what kind of specific and objective tonal characteristics are achieved with this or that particular change in any given parameter. Why cant we just leave out the judgemental bit.... and tell what we think something actually does. Ok.. I understand any descriptive comment is bound to be a bit coloured... but we could at least avoid such obvious declarations of pure taste. Dont get me wrong.... I have so much admiration for Ron N its absurd. Seems lately I get into lots of trouble for mixing admiration for people with personal observations about them that are of a more critical nature... but I'll risk hitting the send button anyways. :) Cheers RicB
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