fritz@hpfclp.UUCP (fritz) (11/03/84)
I'm not sure this is the right place to post this, but let's give it a try: I plan to buy a piano in the immediate future. I haven't played in about 15 years, but took lessons for about 7 years at that time and played French horn for about 6 years after that. I have looked around at about 8 brands of new pianos (Kohler-Cambell, Yamaha, Wurlitzer, Chickering, etc.; I had to ignore Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, etc. because of the >$4k prices) and at about 50 used pianos. I still haven't found a piano that really grabs me. I am extremely picky about the sound and feel of the piano: even damping, no "ringing", clear tones, etc. This makes it very difficult to accept many of the used pianos I've looked at. However, I have a major problem with the new pianos: they're too damn small!! I'm 6'5", and my legs don't fit under the keybeds of the new pianos (studios, grands, you name it) without considerable contortions. I've tried raising the piano on 2" blocks; my legs fit then, but it wasn't very comfortable to play with the pedals 2" off the floor. The old uprights, however, have keybeds that are 2-3" higher, and are much more comfortable to play. My questions: Are there any other tall pianists out there who have addressed this problem already? Is anyone aware of a new piano with a higher keybed? Do you have any strong opinions about various brands of pianos? I've pretty much given up on a new one, but I've found a Cable that's in excellent shape for its age. Now I just have to decide if it's worth $1500 (reconditioned by a qualified technician, delivered, and tuned). Thanks, Gary Fritz Hewlett Packard Ft Collins, CO {ihnp4,hplabs}!hpfcla!fritz
Ron Natalie <ron@BRL-TGR.ARPA> (11/15/84)
I've always been partial to the Baldwin Accrosonic mechanism for consoles. I'm about 6'1" and I don't find any problem with it, but I don't know if you would or not. I do recall having problems with my mothers Kimbel with that regard. Of course, you could splurge for a grand, which you can block up, because the pedals are usually adjustable. -Ron