(I tried to send the following to the member in question, but his inbox was full....)

Well, in my opinion they are voiced a little to much on the bright side. Having said this, however, even the Abel hammers are fairly easily voiced and they hold their voice pretty well. These are the softest hammers Abel makes for anybody and they don't require a whole lot of needling and fussing with to bring them down and keep them there.

I'm some surprised that the dealer you visited, since they also thought the piano was too bright, hadn't done this as part of what we, at least, would consider to be normal prep work prior to placing the piano on their showroom floor. This is work that should be done to every piano regardless of its pricepoint. Both action performance and voice should be something the sales people like and want to sell well before the customer walks in the door.

Del

All,

I've played one CW 175, and I think it's a very, very nice piano. Perhaps the salesperson was quick to agree with the pianist so that the salesperson could steer the pianist to a different piano in the store. He/she may have been playing off the pianist's perceived preferences.

I've held off talking about this piano, but I can't hold off any longer...I chose a CW 175 on behalf of a donor to our church (at last -- a nice piano for our church!!). I chose it over many worthy contenders for a number of reasons. We're now just waiting for delivery. I'll relate the whole story soon.

Kevin

I saw both models at the PTG convention in Rochester, and have played the larger at various showrooms.

The 175 in particular had a stronger bass that I would have expected (especially considering the dreadful acoustics of the exhibit hall) Additionally, as one progressed towards and into the treble I was impressed how the piano was able to cut through all the background noise enough for me to hear, yet not have that dreadful "tinny" dare I say "asian" sound.

If the piano were in my living room, I'm fairly certain somewhat more than a "little" needling would be needed, but so what, that's what techs (and conventions for techs ) are for

Rich