Constance, what kind of piano did you have before the Shimmel? im asking because its my experience in my piano hunt, that ive became so used to the overtones in my Baldwin that i now (gladly) could not live with any thing other than another baldwin or perhaps a Steinway.

Yes the Estonia has great overtones in the bass, but i discovered after 3hrs of very careful listening that they only come alive when playing pretty loudly. its facinating but you have to "ask" the Estonia to give you the over tones by sort of laying into it. At least this was so on the one i played.

Im just writing this because if your similar in your taste, and had an america piano before, id recommend that you also listen very carefully to the European and Asian pianos available and be sure they really have the kind of resonance and overtone excitement that if sounds like your desiring.
10 years ago i had a Baldwin in my house i was considering, (believe it or not the dealership actually let me keep it all summer to make up my mind at no cost.) We drove all the way to Arizona to try a Shimmel during this time. i thankfully noticed right away the lack of ovetones in the bass and didnt buy it.
Im very hopeful for you that you will end up with the piano you really love.

Hello constance,
As I'm in the market for an acoustic, one valuable piece of informatin is to obtain 2 critical pieces of data regarding your dealer :
1. A Better Business Bureau report - free and available at www.bbb.org
2. A D&B (Dunn and Bradstreet) Report - different levels of reports at various prices at www.dnb.com.

Maybe you've already done this. But if not, it's advantageous to get these reports before you make your purchase. But even if you didn't obtain these beforehand, it would still be in your best interest to do so as it will provide you with the knowledge to best leverage your position in getting the dealer to provide you with an equitable solution.

Hope this helps.
Regards,
Roger

I must ask you ..have you read the book "Grand Obsession" by Perri Knize? She had a similar problem and went after it with a vengence. I love the Schimmel but need to get a good technician to get back the gorgeous singing tone it had 3 years ago when new. Musica 71

I had the same problem when i bought my Schimmel, same size as yours, the middle range was quite dull. However, I still think it is a fantastic piano.

Dear Constance,
Congratulations on purchasing a very fine piano. Unless there is a defect with your piano, I am sure that you have a beautiful Schimmel that in time will give you enriching musical pleasure and enjoyment.
New pianos, I believe, need at least a year of regular playing before they start to sing. I encourage you to play your new piano as much as you can to open out the sound. As the hammers firm, the strings vibrate more freely and the soundboard responds with more energy. The voice and sustain of a new piano will improve and become less "tight".
There are numerous posts in this forum in which owners of new pianos tell of the improving sound of their new piano as the instrument is "played in".
A new piano is also volatile in the sense that there are changes as the strings and other components adapt as the instrument is played and as it settles into its new environment.
With a good climate environment,good maintenance, tuning and regular playing, most pianos will not disappoint us.

If you still find that you are unhappy with the sound of your piano, have it checked and assessed by a professional, experienced technician.

At the time of a major purchase such as a grand piano, we are often beset with "Have I done the right thing?" thoughts.
Buying a new, quality, European grand piano is, in my view, one of the best investments we can ever make.

Enjoy your new piano!
Kind regards,

Robert.

Hmmmmm... wonder if she kept the Schimmel???