> Hi Ron, > > I'd love to know the criteria that you consider important. > > Regards, > Don Rose, B.Mus., A.M.U.S., A.MUS., R.P.T. Hi Don, I don't think it's anything I haven't said before. Besides the usual wish for a good feeling solid and responsive action, it's the sound. I want a rich and detailed bass, aurally undetectable crossover, a low tenor that doesn't honk, a killer octave that doesn't fall apart at higher attack levels, a clear treble with good sustain and without falseness. I want front duplexes that don't whistle and squeal, and a tonal balance that sounds like all registers belong in the same piano. I want it to play softly, should anyone consider it necessary, with control. A good broad usable dynamic range that doesn't get ugly anywhere within it's range, and an overall tone that doesn't clang like almost everything out there does these days. I don't much care about absolute power, but richness of sound. Complexity and character rather than volume. It's the same shopping list I have in mind when I get to rebuild a piano with modifications. The new Mason & Hamlins started out looking like they were headed in this direction, but they have since hardened the hammers, and sound much like everything else now. The Walters also have good potential, but they're hanging way too hard a hammer on them too. One opinion, Ron N
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC