On Thursday, 23 November 2000 at 06:19:20 UTC+1, Kuberaj wrote:
Hello, Calin.
You wrote,
But I am also
not particularly fond of Steinways either. Compared to a european piano >(Bechstein, Boesendorfer) they still have a "metallic character"
Sometimes I don't know what to think about Steinway, the new ones especially. Partly it's from playing them in the NYC showrooms, where they're new, and maybe they need breaking in or more TLC in reg/voicing. I don't sense the "metallic character" (maybe that's just the Steinway tone compared to the European). But there is what I would call an unlovely, industrial sound to them, not a pretty or singing sound, more the impression of working with a piece of machinery. Sometimes I think I'm just being cynical, and some Steinways are truly great (usually older ones in my experience, I'm obliged to
say). But regardless of tone quality, a well-regulated S&S action will allow you to get your work done!
Of course, at least according to the edition of "The Piano Book" that I have, Steinways do often need exquisite work by expert technicians to sound and feel
their best.
As comparison, sometimes you'll come across a beautiful Mason & Hamlin, as I have, with a perfectly even, balanced tone across the keyboard, with the notes
from the middle to top sounding much like beautiful bells. Wow.
I don't play enough European pianos to know them well, so can't comment, and the Bluthners I've played did not impress. Quite possibly because of the state
of repair.
Donning my flame-retardant suit as I close...off to Europe for a concert, so can't respond for a few days.
Joe Kubera
Hi everyone. I just wanted to say i don't agree with one opinion here that the single rep. action is inferior.
I've recorded with a historic Bluethner with vienna single rep. action and it is the most complete, warm, and
wonderful sound i've ever heard. I will not work with another piano again and i always look around to find out which
studio might have one.
--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)