There are moments in every man’s life that he will remember and cherish forever.

For me, yesterday was one of the days.

I am now the proud owner of an absolutely perfect 2005 Estonia 190 courtesy of Rich Galassini and Tim Oliver of Cunningham Piano Company in Philadelphia, PA.

While the purchase of the piano alone made for a most memorable day, it was actually the events preceding the paperwork and check writing that made for a truly remarkable experience. Dr. Indrek Laul happened to be visiting Cunningham yesterday and I had the honor and privilege of listening to him play my piano. It was an amazing experience. He even signed the plate with an elegant, understated signature.

The piano itself actually has an interesting history. It was owned by a woman in Philadelphia who owned two homes (as most of us do, of course). In 2005, she purchased two Estonia 190s, one for each home (again, as most of us do). She recently sold her “second” home and therefore did not need two pianos. She therefore traded-in both of the 190s on a brand new Bosendorfer. Therefore, Cunningham piano had in their possession what many would consider a rare commodity—a gently used, 4 year old Estonia 190.

My search for a new piano began about 3 months ago. In that time, I looked at many different instruments including Kawai, Yamaha, Cunningham, Hailun, Boston, etc (all the usual players). For the most part, I had settled on the Kawai RX-1 or RX-2 because the price was right and I’ve always loved Kawai. I was seriously considering purchasing the Kawai in the very near future (which, don’t get me wrong, I would have been more than happy with that purchase).

However, last week, Rich and Tim from Cunningham called me and made me aware of an almost “too good to be true” deal on the Estonia 190. I was very much drawn to the Estonia when I had played it in the past, but the price of a new 190 was certainly out of my price range. I won’t quote the final price I paid for the '05 Estonia, but let’s just say I don’t think I could have gotten the RX-2 for this price.

In the end, I am absolutely thrilled with this piano. I had to pinch myself this morning when I woke up.

I owe a HUGE thanks to Tim Oliver and Rich Galassini of Cunningham piano as well as Dr. Indrek Laul. All three of these men exemplify the pinnacle of professionalism and if any of you should ever have the opportunity to work with any of them in any way, you should certainly take advantage of it.

I am anticipating delivery next week and I’ll post pictures of the homecoming at that time. In the meantime please enjoy the following pictures of Dr. Laul performing on my Estonia!

Congratulations!

One of the most compelling things about the Laul Estonia pianos is that it is the only piano manufacturer owned by a real concert pianist! When speaking with Dr. Laul, Shaun and I can actually reference specific moments within specific pieces of music to communicate with him about his pianos performance. This is absolutely invaluable.

Congratulations again on a wonderful piano.

Wow! What a great story and terrific find! You've really got some memories to cherish along with your new piano.

Thanks for sharing the story and pictures.

Congratulations! What a wonderful and rare opportunity you had to get Dr. Laul to sign and to play your piano.

you're so lucky to find that good piano.

i know next week will be wonderful you.

a day that I don't enjoy my Estonia is a way too busy one.

(say hi to Rich for me.. oh yeah, and Indrek)

What a great story! They sound fantastic. What a wonderful experience to meet the person responsible for building your piano...

ENJOY!!!

We have a similiar story to tell from last weekend.

But not coming with Indrek.....

Enjoy your beautiful new piano!

Norbert

190 is a kick azz piano. I tried it out during my last shopping trip and like it quite a bit.

Enjoy your piano.

Congratulations, Brent! What a wonderful story! You got a truly special piano. Now enjoy.

Charles

Congratulations! You got a fabulous piano from a fabulous dealer, and what a thrill to hear Dr. Laul playing it himself (to say nothing of autographing it)!

Every time I see Dr. Laul in person or hear him play, I marvel anew at how young he is and how much he has accomplished. What an amazing guy!!!!!

Anyway, congratulations.

Congratulations! Great piano and a rare find.

My congratulations go out to you as well. I've never played an Estonia but they get grewat reviews on this forum. Enjoy! Enjoy!



Terry

It's one thing to be working with a commissioned salesman [no pun intended..] and a totally dedicated hands-on owner of a reputable company.

In a similiar vein, for us owners it's another step to work and be involved with the owner of a company directly - in this case, an accomplished concert pianist.

The pleasure of having such personal connection is something that's real for everyone involved, making the Estonia truly one of the most special pianos on the market.

People who choose this piano typically feel something special - they connect with this instrument in a very personal, almost mystical way.

It may not be for everybody, but those for whom this connection
is real, are often as special as is the piano and its owner itself.

Wishing you this 'special' connection and 'special' joy - for life!

Norbert

Brent,

Congratulations with your new and rather unique [signed by the company owner] Estonia.
Enjoy many yeras of misic pleasure to come.



Along with the exceptional build and tonal qualities of the Estonias this is without any doubt an important reason why the Estonia brand was made a success in North America.

At the same time it also explains why they get a much lesser acclaim in Europe.
The decision/choice of not making Europe a priority market, withholds (potential) customers in Europe from these priviledged interactions with reputable dealers and the Estonia company.

Buying an Estonia in Europe is more of an adventure requiring some risk taking, enthousiasm, obstinacy or a combination of these an many other qualifications.

schwammerl.

Norbert:Even your congratulatory replies turn into ads for Estonias and your dealership("us owners" etc.).

Congratulations Brent!

What a great piano shopping experience! Isn't Indrek fantastic?


(and don't let anyone spoil your purchase thread with his yawns...!!!)

LL

Congratulations on your new piano.

Welcome to the club! The L190 is a such a nice piano. Indrek gave a little concert at Ruggero Piano in Raleigh a couple of years ago on one. He really is a marvelous pianist who cares deeply about the instruments that his company makes. He is also very friendly as a person. So it just makes the whole experience that much more rewarding!

Excellent timing!
Congratulations and many years of enjoyment!

Wow, you've got a nice way to shop for pianos!
I hadn't a chance to try an Estonia, they say Italian market is not easy for them. I wrote to the factory to ask if there was a dealer around here but they invited me in Tallin (or wherever, I don't remember) to visit them and try their pianos...but it seemed too much for me. Anyway, from many posts in this forum they seem to be excellent pianos. Enjoy the waiting and, superenjoy the arrival and the following days!
Paolo

Plobetta:

Writing from Italy I am sure that Paolo Fazioli has a similiar close relationship with his stores and customers.

Mr. Fazioli is also a highly trained pianist whio happens to own a piano company.

To point this out has nothing to to with "advertising" as some short brains keep claiming, but adds a special note to
an instrument and its owner.

For some this is indeed special, for others a cheap ploy to sell their stuff out the door.

Incredible how different we perceive things in this world...

Congratulations again!

Norbert

Thanks for the nice comments, everyone.

Norbert, I think you may be right about the above. I definitely felt a connection to this piano that I had not felt with any other piano I had recently auditioned. Perhaps it's real, perhaps it's merely because of the "mystique" surrounding the piano, or perhaps I was just enamored by the fact that Indrek Laul was playing my piano. Whatever the reason, I was truly drawn to the beauty, touch and tone of the piano like none other I have recently played and for this reason I made the purchase (Keep in mind, I was almost certain I was going to buy the piano before I knew Dr. Laul was going to be there on the day of the purchase--that was just icing on the cake!)

Ok, enough with the mushy stuff (I'm starting to feel like I'm speaking at my piano's funeral--hmm, i should probably knock on wood, it hasn't actually made it to my house yet ). I'm looking forward to posting a more objective assesment after it's been in my house for a month or two--I promise I won't use the word "mystique" or "mystical."

Brent

What great luck! Congratulations!

Paul

Congratulations, what an awesome find and beautiful piano. When does it get delivered? I'm excited for you!

It does beg the question though... does Cunningham still have the 2nd gently used 4 year old Estonia?

Brent,i congratulate you again as i did earlier. I agree with lily lady,don't let any yawns interupt your happiness right now. This is your moment,enjoy it.


Pianoloverous,
Must you always be filled with such gloom and doom? You're so busy being negative that you did not even congratulate Brent B on his special event of a new piano. Somehow i picture your home as being very dark and you sitting behind the computer like a vulture ready to strike. Don't be like the Grinch that stole Christmas. Cheer up! life is good and not everyone is out to get cha! Not even me. I'm sure there is some good way down in ya. It just needs to be brought out. I only wish the best for you. Smile,It feels good.


Sincerly,
Terry C

Brent, congratulation on such a great find. The Estonia L190 is wonderful instrument. I'm still getting to know more about mine. Wish I came across such deal when I was shopping. I'm also curious whether Cunningham still have the 2nd one. Maybe I'll pick it up so I can play dual-piano pieces with my son

Just calling them the way I see them. Maybe you should read Norbert's 1000's of posts ...or you could just read one since they're all the same.

Nothing to do with doom and gloom.

Brent,i congratulate you again as i did earlier. I agree with lily lady,don't let any yawns interupt your happiness right now. This is your moment,enjoy it.


Pianoloverous,
Must you always be filled with such gloom and doom? You're so busy being negative that you did not even congratulate Brent B on his special event of a new piano. Somehow i picture your home as being very dark and you sitting behind the computer like a vulture ready to strike. Don't be like the Grinch that stole Christmas. Cheer up! life is good and not everyone is out to get cha! Not even me. I'm sure there is some good way down in ya. It just needs to be brought out. I only wish the best for you. Smile,It feels good.


SORRY,DOUBLE POST!


Sincerly,
Terry C

Pianoloverous, How about a congrats to Brent B? It's kind of a tradition.







Terry

It's also another tradition as industry officoal to identify yourself by name.

There's no data on your personal sheet - very uncommon to say the least.

The Mason BB you claim to own either doesn't exist to give no other clues about you - or sits somewhere in your own showroom.

Perhaps not too far from ours by chance?

Your begroaning here against me and the pianos we represent has become legendary.

There's no ryme or reason for it - other than 'the obvious'..

My personal congratulations to Brent again!

Norbert