Since people like piano search stories...

A few months ago, I wrote about my visit to Atlantic Music in Melbourne Florida, and my loving the Bosendorfer and Feurich uprights there (and what a cool guy the owner, Brian Gatchell, is).

I returned several weeks ago to play "whatever" uprights they had in stock that were more in my price range and need range - as much as I love that Bosendorfer!

It was a very interesting experience! Like everyone else, I went in with some preconceived notions - many of which got totally blown out of the water...

1) A WurliTzer console - for pretty darn cheap. I was quite impressed with it, much to my surprise. It sounded far better than a mid-40s Wurly spinet of my acquaintance! I won't say it was the best choice of all the sub-$4K instruments I tried - but considering the price and the only occasional usage it would get, definitely a contender.

2) A Story and Clark console - for very cheap. This one was just *bad* - even the above mentioned spinet sounds better.

3) A couple of brand new Kawaii consoles. I really expected and wanted to like these - I didn't. I don't know why, I just didn't connect.

4) Several Chinese consoles/studios, both brand new and "almost new". Not bad, not bad at all. The bang for buck factor was very good with these. I liked them better than the Wurly...

5) I've tried several Steinway consoles at various places other than Atlantic Music, although they have them come through frequently. I've heard two things about them, they're either not particularly good, or they're Steinways, and thus wonderful. So I didn't know what to expect. However, it turns out that I like them very much. They're definitely a contender if one comes along in good condition - which is what I'd expect from Atlantic, but wasn't the case where I saw/played the ones I tried.

6) Then there was the Baldwin. I'd like to say it looked as ugly as sin - but that wouldn't be fair. It was quite plain and uninspiring to look at - but it was, similar to the Steinways, an instant connect. Nice sound, nice touch!

The search/self education continues. These all make me really appreciate my 1918 Hobart M. Cable upright - it points out how good that piano really is!

Nice story, Zormpas...

I like a good piano story and adventure. I'm courting another studio upright that is for sale close to home. Of course, like you said of your vintage Hobart, my C7 is my true love... but it doesn't hurt to court other pianos near by.

Rick

Just as long as the "true love" piano doesn't find out about it!