[net.music] Piano question

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