Down to the wire - SK2 or SK3

Tuner · 2024-11-12T23:02:09+00:00

Hey Y'All. I've been shopping and hemming and hawing for a while now and I've reached the basement room that houses the panel with two buttons and I'm going...

Tuner

ShiroKuro

Thanks for the info, I'll save that. It's 1850 miles by roads to the most likely location we're considering.

ShiroKuro

@Tuner ok I checked, my trip wasn’t that far. So yours would probably be a little more expensive. But still, definitely do-able.

brdwyguy

Tuner,
here is a place you can play both SK2 and SK3 right next to each other.
these pianos just came in from Kawai a few weeks ago.
for the amount you are considering spending it could be worth making a trip?
Not sure where you live or where you are moving to but this is Western North Carolina in Hendersonville!

I played both the Sk3 & Sk2 and I actually in this instance liked the SK2 more.

https://freeburgpianos.com/shigeru-kawai-collection/
brdwyguy

Seeker

Tuner I am leaning towards the SK3 mostly because the main reason I sold my Steinway M, that I owned for 26 years, was to get a six footer.

Hmmm. This recent statement of yours says the SK-3 is going to make you happier. But what about a Steinway "A"? I love the Shigeru-Kawai sound, but it is very different from your Steinway "M". An "A" sounds like a Steinway with better bass than your "M". Those extra few inches DO make a difference in the overall tonal quality to my ears. Brdwyguy - isn't yours an "A"?

Tuner

Seeker

I would love a Steinway A but since I'm only shopping new, that more than doubles the price and as I've mentioned elsewhere, I'm not and advanced player and the amount of time and work I have to do to learn a new piece seems ridiculous to me. Even being retired and having tons more time to practice doesn't seem to be getting me to the next level. If I was able to retain pieces after learning them (read 'memorizing,' which is all I seem to be able to do) and not have to keep playing them often to maintain proficiency in each individual piece, then maybe I'd go crazy.

If you're referring to a used Steinway then no, I'm only shopping new. I would take a used one if it was rebuilt by a well respected and competent shop with new everything (action, soundboard and pinblock for sure). The ones I've looked at have been priced at or above all of the new painos on my list.

brdwyguy

Seeker Yes it's an A II from 1912 - it was completely rebuilt in 1996 and refurbished in 2020.
I have to say, I have played new A's and rebuilt A's and the tone on my Amalia it turns out, is quite special.
As my tech and I said, every once in awhile a Steinway gets built that is a little more special than most Steinway's.
It turns out my Amalia is one of those.

The funny part was when I decided to buy/upgrade to a high-end piano - in my head was, not a Steinway because all the
Steinway's I've played were in institutions and were, as I realize now, in terrible shape! So i was apprehensive about plopping down so much money, even on a pre-owned one. Luckily, I have to say - I believe I hit the jackpot on this particular A II.

ShiroKuro

@brdwyguy was the refurbishing work on your piano done before you bought it or after? (I feel like I should know this but my memory is not reliable)

brdwyguy

ShiroKuro It was done just before I purchased it in 2021. It's why the piano looked brand new.
I did some changes: I changed the Bass Strings to Hellerbass with Paulello center wiring. and alot of voicing to and regulation to get the piano where I personally wanted it. Very light touch and the Upper Register with a clear bell like quality. A rich velvety middle register and a full bass sound.
b

ShiroKuro

That’s great!

pseudonym58

My mother has a 6'4" 1924 Steinway A in her Manhattan apartment that is in serious need of a restoration. Soundboard is OK, but new action and pin block, etc. are a necessity, as well as a case refinishing. I would have been interested, except that the work would cost too much money, and you never really know what you get. I'm afraid we'll just have to sell it for very little to someone who can restore it, as my mother is just about 90, and doesn't play anymore.

brdwyguy

pseudonym58 So sad to hear such stories about people becoming too old to play any longer.
I have a great niece and great nephew that I will be giving my piano to when I can't play any longer. Both are still very very young but have already shown interest in playing.
Good Luck pseudonym58

as a side note - I would contact Faust Harrison in NYC - they are considered one of country's best Steinway restorer's.
I think they are on 57th or 58th near Carnegie Hall.
brdwyguy

pseudonym58

brdwyguy Thanks for the suggestion. I will give them a call.

brdwyguy

also, that sounds like a Model A III which are pretty rare and were not made for a long period of time at Steinway.
the A III - was 6' 4" and are considered very very good pianos, when they are in good shape.
brdwyguy

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