[pianotech] Blah, Blah, Blah,....Estate Sale

[Joseph Garrett]

Les,
Yes, they can be a viable MUSICAL instrument, but only in a "period"
approach, imo. If tuned in a Victorian Temperament and the pianist, perhaps
owner, is knowledgeable about the short-comings of it, then o.k. I have a
few clients like that. They LOVE their instrument and wouldn't trade it for
a 10'3" Fazioli!<G> It's just not for the 'masses'.<G> Please feel free to
send this and the other post,  to your friend.
Regards,
Joe


> [Original Message]
> From: Leslie Bartlett <l-bartlett at sbcglobal.net>
> To: <joegarrett at earthlink.net>; <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 4/22/2012 12:42:59 PM
> Subject: RE: [pianotech] Blah, Blah, Blah,....Estate Sale
>
> OKOKOK   I get it.  My gut told me what you are saying, but I wanted it to
> come from people who have a good bit more direct experience with squares.
> I've tuned a few, seen one in rebuild process, and know they can be
> delightful instruments, but really restricted.  A now deceased rebuilder
> redid a square then invited the chapter down to mock it..........  However
> he also invited one Lew Zailer, DMA who knew his literature and his
> technique, and after about two hours of playing had convinced everyone it
> had a viable place "in the field of music".   That's nice for
> millionaires....     So, thanks for this candid affirmation of what I've
> basically already told her........
> les
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On
Behalf
> Of Joseph Garrett
> Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 2:12 PM
> To: pianotech
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Blah, Blah, Blah,....Estate Sale
>
> 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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