Les Bartlett said: "A friend sent this to me, wondering if it might be worth buying for her son. She is a reverend, and cannot afford to light campfires with $100 bills at all. I'd appreciate comments on this from people who know about technical stuff, but who also know if a square in 21st century really might be a viable instrument to a person who is not going to be a high level performer, specializing in Period Music. Thanks, " Les, This is a whole lot of crapola! There are hundreds, (if not thousands) of Emerson Square Grands out there, all in various states of disrepair. I have over 70 square grand owners in my data base. Half, of which, I service on a somewhat regular basis. Some, I have rebuilt. One, I restored to original condition. NONE are/will be, ....EVER worth the amount(s) espoused by the "seller"!! Take that to the bank. Square grands should NEVER be used as a learning instrument...EVER! The single repetition action confuses the student and frustrates them.) They cannot sound like, nor play like a modern piano, in any way, because they are not designed/built that way. BTW, Les, can you and will you tune it? I rather doubt it. If so, are you capable of putting it in good playing condition?<G> Again, I doubt it. Reason being, it takes a lot of special knowledge/skill to work on these things. I've spent the last 35+ years trying to re-invent the techniques and skills. It's doable, but a long road, to be sure. Tell your friend NO! Be a friend and stand fast on that advise. Squre Grands should be, strictly, for adults, who already play reasonably well. Or, for Dreamers that love the "look" and only want it for a Family Picture Stand.<G> They are a unique sound and look. I happen to like them. They're just not a serious consideration as a playable piano.<G> Regards, Joe Joe Garrett, R.P.T. Captain of the Tool Police Squares R I
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