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As for photos. With a background in industrial marketing and sales I can understand and I fully respect Steinway’s policy. I have been in facilities where people won’t even answer questions let alone let you bring a camera so I think we should be happy just to get inside. I am sure Steinway will make what allowances they feel comfortable with. Again, I think it best to fully respect Steinways’ wishes.

All,

If you have never been on a factory tour before, keep in mind:

~ Wear comfortable walking shoes (or sneakers).
You will do a lot of walking and the floors are hard.

~ Although the factory is clean, there will be some sawdust (as expected in a working factory), and there is always the possibility of brushing up against some equipment so...

I would recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty. It probably won't happen, but if it does you won't be upset with yourself:-)

~ Speaking of clothing, it should be obvious but I'll mention it anyway. Loose clothing and or jewelry is not a good idea around working machinery.
Your hosts will of course do everything to keep you out of harms way, but people still tend to wander a bit.

~ And speaking of wandering, please don't :-)
Stay with the group, your host will let you know when it's ok to go somewhere on your own.

And please do not try to pet/feed/ or talk to the working employees. They are doing the job they are paid to do, you shouldn't be interrupting them.

Bob, if you want to add anything or correct anything I've said, please feel free to jump in.

Steve is right about this one.

I keep teasing Steinway hoping they might open up a little more (as we've experienced with some other companies tours). However, it is their house and their right to set the policies.

I'm happy to see another Steinway tour being organized, I'd like to see it become at least a yearly event. Wish I could join you for this one.

Steve if youre late I'm sure you can still join the group. Frank- Sorry you can't make it. Me4dt and James youre both counted in. Rich-Theres a particular Steinway I'd like to show you while youre in NY but its not at the factory. As for everyone else, let me know if you guys can make it. CC2 is coming as well and my tuner/tech/friend Kong Lee.

Thanks LJC, funds are a little tight from my having just moved to FL or I'd be there :-)

You might want to discuss parking arrangements too (for those driving in).

I had bright organge warning stickers plastered on my windshield when I got back from the tour last year (bugger to get them off).
Could have been worse, at least my car was still there :-)

I am interested. December 11 is perfect (I am off from work on Thursdays). Count me in.

- Mark

Please add jrcallan (James Callan) and Jon Dumont.

Thanks.

Count me in.

I certainly look forward to meeting all you folks! LJC - please get me a total number when we get close to the date - - and I'll make sure that we're prepared.

If this goes well, we may want to make this an annual event.

OK I'm back from my business trip. Heres the list so far:
1) LJC
2) Rich Gallassini
3) James
4) Me4dt
5) Stevester
6) CC2 and Chopin lover
7) Kong Lee
8) Joan Lee
9) James Montelbano
10) hotkeys
11) James Callan
12) Jon Dumont
13) Doogs

In addition here is the list of interested parties;

1) Mechanical Doll
2) tenders
3) DarkGreen Chocolate
4) Jerryho
5) pianokeys135
6) pianoloverus
7) musdan

Those on the possible list who want to be moved to the definate list please advise. Frank wanted a comment on parking, all I can say at this point is that parking is a problem and on the last tour I finally found a legal spot about 2 blocks away, so if youre driving leave extra time to find a spot. As for making this an annual event, that would be great!

Count me in!

Confucian (Yuwei Li)

Heres the updated list:

1) LJC
2) Rich Gallassini
3) James
4) Me4dt
5) Stevester
6) CC2 and Chopin lover
7) Kong Lee
8) Joan Lee
9) James Montelbano
10) hotkeys
11) James Callan
12) Jon Dumont
13) Doogs
14) Rich Crucet
15) Mrs. LJC
16) Confucian
17) Jon

In addition here is the list of interested parties;

1) Mechanical Doll
2) tenders
3) DarkGreen Chocolate
4) Jerryho
5) pianokeys135
6) pianoloverus
7) musdan

On 10/18 I asked for myself and my daughter in the original thread ( http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/22/178.html ).

Please let me know if we make the cut...

JeffBC - of course you're welcome! We do have an age limit I'm afraid - - how old is your daughter?

Bob,

Age limit huh, my guess is she won't pass muster then, but let me know.

Photos of her and I on the Mason & Hamlin tour back in May are at http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/22/147/3.html (scroll down to where it says, "Alanna and Dad (JeffBC)."

She was 4 on the M&H tour and she'd be 5 on the Steinway Tour. She's been studying Piano at the Yamaha School in Lexington, MA since she was 3. (All her idea BTW, I'm not trying to turn her into a pianist - she's genuinely interested hence she stayed attentive throughout that entire 15 hour day (tour+afterparty).

Bob,

I can tell you Jeff's daughter was better behaved than most of the adults, and lasted longer. (As he suggested, see the pictures/stories from the M&H tour)

I also know she stays with Dad, and does what she's told.

If it's possible to allow her to attend, she will be fine.

Best,

Frank B.

Thanks for the kind words Frank.

Given how much fun we had at M&H, we decided we'd like to visit all remaining USA piano factories. If we get to Steinway, we'll be halfway there (Baldwin and Charles Walter being the other two) - isn't that sad - only 4 left (Rubenstein isn't big enough (yet)).

Adding myself:
18) Axtremus

Hello again JeffBC -
we look forward to both you and your daughter joining us for the tour... and as a dad, and a grandfather - - I will particularly enjoy meeting your little girl. What you're doing is wonderful - and it reminds me of a whole ton of years ago, when I took my own daughter (about 8 then, 33 now) on a business trip with me. It's a precious memory that no one can take away - and I'm honored to play a small part in what will hopefully become a special day for you and your daughter.

Is it too late to count me in? I'd love to go. At NYU I had the privilege of performing on a Horowitz Steinway--best piano I ever played, as you can imagine! I'm still in NYC. I make my own hours, so whenever you settle on a date and time, I'm good. Just let me know. Thanks!

AS a reminder the tour is Thursday December 11, 2008 at 9:00. The Steinway factory is at 19th Ave and 38th St. Astoria, NY.

Heres the updated list;

1) LJC
2) Rich Gallassini
3) James
4) Me4dt
5) Stevester
6) CC2 and Chopin lover
7) Kong Lee
8) Joan Lee
9) James Montelbano
10) hotkeys
11) James Callan
12) Jon Dumont
13) Doogs
14) Rich Crucet
15) Mrs. LJC
16) Confucian
17) Jon
18) Axtremus
19) Jeffrey
20) Jeff BC
21) Jeff BC's daughter
22) JSComposer

In addition here is the list of interested parties;

1) Mechanical Doll
2) tenders
3) DarkGreen Chocolate
4) Jerryho
5) pianokeys135
6) pianoloverus
7) musdan