Would a 1922 Steinway Model M Grand which has been "completely restored and refinished" by AC Pianocraft Inc, in NYC(don't yet know when) be a good piano for an adult student to learn on?

Do they have a reputation for easy playability and good sound?

Thanks,
Bill

I've owned a couple of Steinway M's and had a teacher who had affection for them as well. At 5'7", it is a little easier to fit into normal living spaces. I really liked both of the M's I had. Some folks feel that L's and O's which are 3 inches longer has a little better bass response, but I personally wouldn't hesitate to buy an M. Both of mine were excellent instruments. As for the particular instrument you're considering, they have a good reputation. You should still consider having a tech review the piano - but otherwise, you'll have a better piano than about 99% of people learning to play the piano.

I saw the piano today and liked the way it sounded, but it had problems I probably don't want to deal with.

The finish on top had alot of crazing.

The rebuild was done 25 years ago.

Some of the keys felt like something rubbed when depressed, and some squeaked a little when depressed. None of this was apparent to me at first, but when I focused on the action it started to become apparent.

At $12,000 I think I'll continue looking.

The ad said excellent condition.

In 25 years, a lot can happen to a piano even post rebuild. Honestly, that price should have been your first clue that it would not be in excellent condition. It may be serviceable for a modest price, but you would need a trusted tech with you to make that kind of evaluation and estimate.

If the seller made a small investment in showing the piano, they would likely earn more in the market. If the issues are deeper, then it's better to treat it as is. I think you are right to pass on a piano that doesn't inspire confidence.

My Model M was rebuilt 6 months ago by AC pianocraft, and it is a great instrument. I am a very serious piano student and it has met all of my needs so far. But I can see why 25 years later, if it hasn't been properly cared for, it isn't in very good shape. If you want a really good M from AC pianocraft, you will have to buy one from their showroom or buy a used one like this and have it rebuilt.

Hi Bill:

Welcome to the Forum.

I think you were smart to pass on the M you saw. As others have mentioned, the price would be a clear indicator that the instrument probably has issues.

In your area, Faust Harrison has a solid reputation for rebuilding pianos - especially Steinways, and they also have a great selection of other pianos. PLUS, Sarah Faust is a master at matching the right piano to the right person. That type of expertise is hard to come by at any price

The rebuilding craft has come a long way in the past twenty five years. The rebuilding may have been state of the art when done but twenty five years is a long time even if it was up to today's current standards of rebuilding/remanufacturing.

Any piano that far from a rebuild, even the highest quality rebuild, is likely to need some effort to get it up to snuff if it hasn't been kept properly serviced.

Ads always say "excellent condition", don't they?

What is that old expression...? "Excellence is in the eye of the seller." Or something like that.

ddf

I'd like to thank you all for your comments and good advice

Bill

I love it when they expand on "excellent condition" with "except for the brakes don't work, or the lyre is missing, or the front element of the lens is dinged so filters don't fit on".