Search found 53 matches

by andyaeola
13 May 2010, 15:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Help, please, re noise from neighbour's piano :-(
Replies: 6
Views: 10508

Re: Help, please, re noise from neighbour's piano :-(

Three things came to mind: What about the people the other side of your neighbours, do they have the same/similar noise problem? You could team up? Building work like that would probably require a party-wall agreement etc http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/133214.pdf Tak...
by andyaeola
26 Mar 2009, 14:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Ibach
Replies: 7
Views: 12551

Re: Ibach

I tested a new Ibach vertical when I was looking about 5 years ago in Peter (edit)Salisbury(?) store (now gone) and it was one of the nicest sounding uprights I tried along with Bechstein & Bluthner. Also played on a medium sized Ibach grand in Jaques Samuel (about two years ago?) that was I thi...
by andyaeola
26 Sep 2008, 21:11
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner Model A
Replies: 57
Views: 52360

Yeah, the Blüthner A. It's a belter...... It really is; as you've said the size is nice, I think especially in a restrained wood finish. I tried to persuade my sister of these things, but before we set foot in store, it had to be black. Then she wanted the sound of the B. So in her modest living ro...
by andyaeola
26 Sep 2008, 13:14
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner Model A
Replies: 57
Views: 52360

Here's my tuppenceworth, I've related my search before, though there's an addition to it. Whatever anyone says, you have to buy the piano you play and love the sound of. If you can, go and compare great pianos side by side, or within a few minutes of each other. London is great in this repect. Chapp...
by andyaeola
14 Oct 2007, 17:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: ESTONIA 190 - 6'3" GRAND
Replies: 5
Views: 9432

Try asking the owner-enthusiasts here:

http://www.estoniaworld.com/index.php


Andy
by andyaeola
24 Jul 2007, 09:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Stuart and Sons Pianos
Replies: 17
Views: 26110

Back on topic, the following is the greater part of a letter from Wayne Stuart, reproduced with his permission. Note that this is personal correspondence, and as usual, he is quite candid in his writing. ------- Quote: The open discussion on Stuart & Sons pianos broaches a range of pertinent and...
by andyaeola
21 Jul 2007, 21:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Stuart and Sons Pianos
Replies: 17
Views: 26110

I judge Yamahas by the ones in Chappels of Wardor Street. They usually have pretty much the full range. Thing is, I've usually been into Jaques Samuel or Bluthner or Steinway half an hour before. Phoenix, I'd suggest you also try Ibach in Jaques Samuel when you come to Bluthners in London. The new I...
by andyaeola
20 Jul 2007, 14:02
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Stuart and Sons Pianos
Replies: 17
Views: 26110

Is Reg actually paid?

I thought that Yamaha (and Steinway) artists were not actually paid, rather they were guaranteed a nice piano delivered & prepped wheresoever they are performing?

Regards

Andy
by andyaeola
19 Jul 2007, 23:17
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Stuart and Sons Pianos
Replies: 17
Views: 26110

Remember I'm an amateur that's simply tried a lot of pianos out, so I play but know little about construction. It seems to me that Wayne Stuart has had the vision to advance piano design, though I doubt he will loosen the Steinway/Yamaha grip on the world. Only the Chinese will do that. Loads of peo...
by andyaeola
19 Jul 2007, 15:54
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Stuart and Sons Pianos
Replies: 17
Views: 26110

Pianos are all about taste. Thank goodness there are so many different ones about to cater for different tastes. I was totally seduced by the 290, it was one of the most memorable piano-testing experiences I've had. You'll have found the Stuart website and listened to their pianos through your speak...
by andyaeola
18 Jul 2007, 09:53
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner...your thoughts please
Replies: 18
Views: 19378

If I had your choice, i.e. anything I wanted, I'd be looking at Stuart & Sons 290, Steinway & Sons D, and Bluthner 1. The latter two are so very different in tone. The Bluthner is a bargain to buy new - if you like it. The Stuart is my favourite piano, but the most expensive. Regards Andy
by andyaeola
14 Jul 2007, 07:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: The end of an era. Kemble buy-out
Replies: 8
Views: 12986

What percentages of the Kemble piano manufacturing company do Kemble own and Yamaha own?


Regards

Andy
by andyaeola
06 Jul 2007, 11:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nomenclature
Replies: 9
Views: 15554

It's from a www.vibrationdata.com tutorial though is used on various sites:

http://www.vibrationdata.com/piano.htm


Regards

Andy
by andyaeola
04 Jul 2007, 12:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nomenclature
Replies: 9
Views: 15554

Image
by andyaeola
07 Jun 2007, 11:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: A good technician can make any piano sound like any other
Replies: 5
Views: 9494

You'd need a lot of work to make a Waldstein actually play like a Bosie. Sapsford spent 3 days prepping a 290 Stuart & Sons for a concert( I played it the weekend after :D ), so goodness knows how long he took on the Waldstein. I remember Mr Dain said that when Sapsford agreed to take on the Hu...
by andyaeola
06 Jun 2007, 17:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: A good technician can make any piano sound like any other
Replies: 5
Views: 9494

I was told a tale that when Peter Salisbury sold Yamahas he voiced them to sound like Steinway; but he was told not to by Yamaha as they wanted Yamahas to sound like Yamahas (go figure :wink: ). My only experience of this was playing a small grand, I think it was a Waldstein made by Pearl River, tha...
by andyaeola
29 May 2007, 09:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Petrof. Reliability?
Replies: 11
Views: 17232

:D LOL

Must examine one more closely next time I'm in Harrods.

Regards

Andy
by andyaeola
31 Mar 2007, 12:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: There's this 1985 Steinway Model B
Replies: 24
Views: 22551

It was the Grotrain that caught my eye too. Was it the bargain of the year, anyone see it? What were Grotrians like 17 years ago?

Regards

Andy
by andyaeola
23 Feb 2007, 13:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Petrof grand piano
Replies: 13
Views: 19403

Harrods had the same three makes of piano last time I was in - Bechstein, Yamaha, and Petrof. I agree with jamessp in that I quite liked the sound of the Petrof grands and thought they might be good value for money, though I like the action of the Yamahas better. Interesting hearing a tech tear them...
by andyaeola
24 Jan 2007, 12:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Steinway Model B
Replies: 19
Views: 23068

"The B is the finest all-round piano ever made bar none. Big enough for most small concert halls, small enough for enough homes" Pianoguy, The B's a cracking piano and no doubt, but how do you compare it to a Bosie 214, or a Bluthner model 4? Are they not up to small concert halls? Regards...
by andyaeola
09 Jan 2007, 19:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: How much for Bosendorfer Imperial
Replies: 10
Views: 16197

The Imperial is officially £87,500

but after discount, £70,000

I couldn't resist comparing it to the price of a Steinway D which is now £92,000 and due for an imminent price increase.


A
by andyaeola
07 Jan 2007, 21:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: How much for Bosendorfer Imperial
Replies: 10
Views: 16197

Thanks chaps, not buying one, just interested to know how much an Imperial costs now, black finish, specifically from any UK dealer.

Andy
by andyaeola
07 Jan 2007, 10:16
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: How much for Bosendorfer Imperial
Replies: 10
Views: 16197

How much for Bosendorfer Imperial

would a dealer charge me for a brand new BosendorferImperial these days? Just seached without sucess...

Regards

Andy
by andyaeola
28 Dec 2006, 12:50
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Reisbach by Grotrian Steinweg?
Replies: 7
Views: 11736

Thanks for the information. Probably an early german made piano then as the wording says. Next boxing day I shall take a look inside. It's a full size instrument which hasn't been tuned for years though it's in a stable house environment. Easy to play loose action, but has that typical old sound. Th...
by andyaeola
27 Dec 2006, 16:34
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Reisbach by Grotrian Steinweg?
Replies: 7
Views: 11736

Reisbach by Grotrian Steinweg?

Seasons Greetings to all here. Yesterday I was playing on an old upright from probably 1920-40 that had Reisbach in the centre, but above the high treble in smaller lettering was written 'Made by Grotrian Steinweg'. Wondering why it had a stencil name, I googled and found this: "... taught priv...
by andyaeola
08 Dec 2006, 22:39
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Pinkham Pianos
Replies: 22
Views: 25046

"Well, my daughter has received her piano and it is wonderful, I must say. She is over the moon. "

Getting a new piano that you really love is a joyous event. Hope you sing a few carols round it soon.

Regards

Andy
by andyaeola
03 Dec 2006, 09:54
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Pinkham Pianos
Replies: 22
Views: 25046

"Hitachi Flat Screen Colur TV 36" Good Condition. No sound, no picture, hence Ł50.00"

:lol: :lol: :lol:



I've found in life you do generally tend to get what you pay for:

Image

Andy
by andyaeola
12 Nov 2006, 22:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: what do you think about Fazioli?
Replies: 7
Views: 13750

Thanks for the replies. I got Larry Fines book off the shelf this afternoon and found this: 'The accuracy of bridge notching is extremely important. Inaccurate notching can result in wild strings (which produce permanently out-of-tune sounds known as false beats), buzzing sounds, and tinny tone.' I ...
by andyaeola
12 Nov 2006, 15:52
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: what do you think about Fazioli?
Replies: 7
Views: 13750

Ressurecting an old thread...I was in Jaques Samuel, London, last week and tried their rather stunning range of pianos, including Grotrian, Ibach and Fazioli. My question is about the Fazioli. Most of the piano sounds wonderful to me, except for the top two octaves. This is possibly because of the p...
by andyaeola
06 Nov 2006, 11:05
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Pedals
Replies: 8
Views: 10832

Thanks for the replies. It would appear that Qi was stretching the truth but still accurate.

Andy
by andyaeola
05 Nov 2006, 18:05
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Pedals
Replies: 8
Views: 10832

Ok, the reason I asked is because on one of the Qi humourous quiz programmes hosted by Stephen Fry, pianos were mentioned twice: The first time was when John Sessions informed us that in pidgin-english piano is: "Old man at home, hit'im in the white teeth he laughs, hit 'im in the black teeth h...
by andyaeola
05 Nov 2006, 14:47
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Pedals
Replies: 8
Views: 10832

Pedals

Who invented the upright soft pedal?
Who invented the upright celeste/practice pedal?

A
by andyaeola
05 Nov 2006, 14:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: German and Japanese actions
Replies: 6
Views: 9380

Excellent post pianoguy

A
by andyaeola
11 Oct 2006, 17:34
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Opinion on Yamaha YUS series? Review
Replies: 10
Views: 29653

The post above just reminded me of this thread http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-forums/piano2717-0.html and the fact that Steinway K's are no longer the most expensive upright in the country. That dubious honour goes to the Bechstein Concert 8 as sold in Harrods, which earlier this year had a tag with....
by andyaeola
12 Jun 2006, 20:07
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Upright Piano by H Hicks & Son Ltd
Replies: 12
Views: 18838

:lol: Yes, I didn't say anything to them as the steam and heat are unlikely to worsen the stunning :shock: timbre. As an instrument, it's effectively come to the end of it's life, but it is a nice free sideboard. I'm guessing it's Edwardian or late Victorian (weren't Chinese mother of pearl styles p...
by andyaeola
12 Jun 2006, 14:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Upright Piano by H Hicks & Son Ltd
Replies: 12
Views: 18838

Friends of ours just acquired a "Hicks & Son of London" piano for sixty quid (I think they just paid for the move), and it's a really nice piece of furniture. Small enough to fit perfectly between a radiator and the kitchen door, their 7 year old loves it. Beautiful walnut polish finis...
by andyaeola
17 Apr 2006, 08:15
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Grange Model
Replies: 1
Views: 3835

Grange Model

My parents have a medium sized upright. Name on the fallboard is 'Grange Model'. The only other information is the sticker on the right which says Geo Williams, I believe they were the dealer in Darlington/Bishop Auckland that sold it? It was bought secondhand in 1971 for us children to learn on. Se...
by andyaeola
11 Mar 2006, 23:45
Forum: Piano Showcase
Topic: VIDEO of ME Mozart's 21st Piano Concerto (2 piano version)
Replies: 7
Views: 13960

Well we have pretty basic 1meg NTL cable broadband and it took under 5 seconds to start playing. You can now get 5meg braodband if you want... Most enjoyable video. It would have been nice to see both players hands from a more elevated angle. I'd say the recording does not do justice to the playing,...
by andyaeola
01 Mar 2006, 11:15
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Best new upright money can buy
Replies: 15
Views: 23407

:lol: Gill, I know the feeling. In the end I just got myself a three year loan and think of it as saving in reverse, with the kids getting the benefit immedately. I was prepared to buy whatever I thought sounded the best at whatever cost, luckily I agree with Pianoguy in saying the Steinway K is not...
by andyaeola
25 Feb 2006, 20:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Best new upright money can buy
Replies: 15
Views: 23407

This is good news, am I right that the Sudbury importer chap is Colin Taylor? Oxford is not too far away, and perhaps Harrods will again start to stock Bosies. As to build quality, Dain could have gone a cheaper route - Eastern European or a Larry Fine 'Tier 2' maker. But I believe the Phoenix is in...
by andyaeola
25 Feb 2006, 08:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Best new upright money can buy
Replies: 15
Views: 23407

Interesting post Pianoguy. I hope to play a 138 with DFM in May when Dain next gets one in. I also have misgivings about wizz-bang technology (bit like heated electric wing mirrors on a car...) One point though. Dain did not lose his Bosendorfer agency status. He was quite upfront about this. He got...
by andyaeola
24 Feb 2006, 16:07
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Best new upright money can buy
Replies: 15
Views: 23407

Where can you try a new Bosendorfer 130 in the UK? The Steingraeber 138 I tried had a huge bass/tenor, but on that particular instrument I felt the treble lacking compared to other top quality uprights and wasn't happy with balance across the keyboard. However it is an excellent piano. I just heard ...
by andyaeola
15 Nov 2005, 10:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: How do i remove a piano keyboard?
Replies: 17
Views: 18496

Oops, inadvertantly touched a nerve, sorry. But I've never seen a digital keyboard inserted into a piano and would love to see a photo. (I've seen pianos with electronic boxes attached, and a piano with original keyboard but digital recording equipment connected inside). As to digital pedals, OK, al...
by andyaeola
14 Nov 2005, 13:09
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: How do i remove a piano keyboard?
Replies: 17
Views: 18496

What happens to the pedals/lyre? Gone too presumably? Digital pedals are rubbish.
What else needs to be removed to enable a digital to go where no digital has gone before?
It would be interesting to see a photo of the 'finished result'

Andy
by andyaeola
02 Nov 2005, 12:39
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: I bought a Piano! Wendl and Lung
Replies: 10
Views: 20466

Aren't they an old German/Austrian make?

From Pianoguy's build quality comments I'm guessing the name has been bought by a Chinese firm? Are they newish arrivals in the UK?


Andy
by andyaeola
06 Aug 2005, 00:35
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Moutrie Pianos
Replies: 26
Views: 42902

"As an aside, I fail to be conviced that a mere 5 footer of a Chinese piano could see off a Shigeru Kawai or C7 for tone quality." Me neither. This Moutrie I am visiting in Penang - has no mesh that I can see. Under the keys it appears to be solid or ply wood. Also the back of the piano is...
by andyaeola
05 Aug 2005, 03:04
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Moutrie Pianos
Replies: 26
Views: 42902

Moutrie

I'm holidaying in Malaysia with my in-laws and they have what can politely be described as an 'antique' Moutrie, though I am unable to check the serial number because of the vast amount of ornamants on top. I'd guess from the style of the cabinet it is from the 1950's. Apart from being a good tone o...
by andyaeola
12 Jul 2005, 09:14
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: buying a grand
Replies: 8
Views: 11429

Just a suggestion, but have you tried a Grotrian as a compromise between top quality and reasonable price? In Jaques Samuel yesterday, I tried a Kawai or two, including Shigeru models and they were OK, but for nearly 20 thousand pounds I'd want something more. Also in the shop were various Grotrian-...
by andyaeola
05 Jul 2005, 07:54
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha. Did anyone else notice?
Replies: 8
Views: 11416

The big Yamaha was on stage first with Macartny & U2, again with Elton & the bloke imitating Marc Bolan. Annie Lennox I think had a smaller Yamaha - must check as you'd think she'd use the same piano. Whatever it was, she performed well. Not many folk can accompany their own singing well. Re...
by andyaeola
04 Jul 2005, 12:16
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha. Did anyone else notice?
Replies: 8
Views: 11416

There was a concert sized Steinway on stage in Berlin; and also a smaller Baldwin on stage I think in Philadelphia, played solo by some chap in a wooly hat - I say him on a video on Sunday on which he plays an old Marshall & something or other uptight, but still don't know his name

Andy.