Piano World Home Page Forums General Discussions New Feature Requests Outgrowing the dynamic capability of a Baldwin L

We upgraded from a Hamilton Baldwin upright to a 1964 Baldwin Model L Grand Piano about four years ago. The Model L was a one-owner piano and in great condition. We've had it well maintained. Our 14 year-old daughter, who has been studying piano since she was 6, is having trouble getting a soft enough dynamic, especially in the treble range. Can something be done to improve the responsiveness of the action? If we need a more sensitive instrument, what would you recommend? She plays on a Steinway grand at her teacher's sudio, which enables her to play much more expressivly during her lessons. Since I am not a musician, I have no idea what to do. I could use some advice. Should we work on improving this instrument or upgrade to another piano... and what make/model would you recommend? Thanks so much!

You should post this in the Piano Tuner-Technicians forum and/or the Piano Forum. No one will see it all the way down here in the hinterlands.

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/forum/3.html

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/forum/1.html

A Baldwin L should be a very nice piano; however, if it's that old the action probably needs significant work to make it perform at the level it should.

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll repost this in the Piano Technician section. (If I can figure out how..)
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All the best!

You just have to navigate first to the subforum in which you want your new thread to appear. (You can use the links Horowitzian provided, or use the "Hop To" dropdown at the bottom of this page, or go back to the Forums homepage and then click on the appropriate subforum.)

Then, when you click the "New Topic" button, that's where it will be created.

Steven

A Baldwin L is a great instrument but after almost 50 years it needs a complete regulation then it should respond as she desires. Steinway's tend to be a bit heavier which seems to give better control
but a good tech can make it whisper to the touch
and be much more responsive. You might have the voicing checked at the same time.

CC

Thanks for the advice!! I've resubmitted my post in the piano technician forum, and already have some comments which affirm CC's point. I'm so happy to hear that there is room to improve the Baldwin L. It is such a great piano, and I'd like to get it back in tip top shape. If you know of a good tech in Cincinnati, please pass on the name.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.