Fastcarfan's wife wrote:
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The [Boston's] warm, expressive tone, and responsiveness of the keys is rewarding.
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That's exactly how I felt! Wonderful piano! They were just starting the Boston line when I bought my piano. To be honest, I couldn't afford one. I purchased my model "M" for half the cost of the comparable Boston. It was a unique situation. I didn't buy it to resell, but it's value tripled once I refinished the case.
That's an interesting comment on Steinway actions. The Steinways I've encountered that felt like 'driving a truck' were new pianos in the showroom and usually the larger models. Two others were privately owned concert grands that got very little play. Don't know if I'm correct, but I always chalked it up to size or a need to work in a bit.
Steinways may have somewhat stiffer actions, but the one's I know, that get played regularly, don't seem much different than my friend's Yamaha. They're all "M"'s though. I once played a magnificent model "A" that had such a light action I found it hard to believe. I doubt that's typical of a Parlor Grand with a 6' 2" box -- but that piano was astonishing.
FastCarFan,
No need to apologize, I agree with you. I suspect the majority of Steinway owners are non-players who tend to skimp on tunings and repairs. There's probably plenty of Yamaha owners who fall into that category as well.
My piano technician comes by four times a year. Because of the humidity in my area we struggle a bit with leather and felt to get the tone we want. I'm fortunate that my tech played professionally for many years and is talented at 'tweaking'.
I certainly agree with your main point -- just because it says "Steinway" on the case doesn't mean anything about the piano's condition. As we all agreed, there's no substitute for a thorough 'PPI'.
Still, I really do think technicians (whether from Oberlin or elsewhere) have a tendency to pick on Steinway owners. It's the "more money than brains" comment you hear applied to many high-end products. My tech tells a story about one 'Steinway Snob' who is honest enough about it, that she removed the harp and strings, so she could store linens in her grand piano!
I'm pretty sure that most of the pianos sold in America are purchased by casual players and typically under-serviced. I doubt it's significantly harder to find a decent 'pre-owned' Steinway than any other brand. Pianos don't melt.
If service history were so critical, I'd expect every piano tech to recommend Bosendorfer. The few Bosendorfer owners I've met seemed like fanatics!
Shuie,
I share your enthusiam for Yamaha. Your son is lucky to have such a nice instrument to grow into. I don't know Yamaha's specific models, but I enjoyed every one that I've played. I often walk in on my neighbor, just to play his Yamaha. I guess I'm not too polite, since it forces the kids to turn off the TV and retreat into the kitchen. They haven't thrown me out though... yet!
I agree that music schools and universities can be an excellent source for reasonably priced pianos. They may be a little 'rough around the edges' but are usually well maintained.
As you say, the most important thing is tone. It really doesn't matter what the brand is.
piscator