Comments on: A trip to the Steinway Factory

By: ivory8873

ivory8873 — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:17:07 +0000

Thank you for your comment, Danny. We were introduced to many people who had been working in the factory for a very long time and were truly masters of their craft. It was very impressive to see their dedication to detail and perfection. I wish I could remember their names, but I do remember being told a story about a guy named “Tiny” I think it was? Who was an actual giant, hugely strong and worked there for decades. Perhaps you knew him?
All the best to you with your dealership in Dallas!
LURA

By: Danny Saliba

Danny Saliba — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:12:06 +0000

Lura,

I have had the honor of working at Steinway & Sons for over a decade before I opened my own Steinway dealership in Dallas. My thoughts while reading your post where comforting in that even before I hit the door in 1980 rim bending the belly department and for that matter every process remains the same. The craftsman have apprentices (sometimes their own sons and daughters) and the management team are what I consider true “Piano” men and women. Congratulations on your new model D, to quote Paul Harvey in The Rest of the Story, “Steinway; where the trees are taught to sing”

By: ivory8873

ivory8873 — Fri, 07 May 2010 02:15:55 +0000

Hello Ron! Thanks so much for your comment, and I remember well your love for pianos! I certainly am looking forward to playing the new piano when I go to Garth Newel over Labor Day weekend, but I will also confess I am quite in love with my piano at home. I’m very lucky to have her! Coming out to Cali this summer, hope to see you.

By: Pat Esborg

Pat Esborg — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:04:47 +0000

Oh Lura, even though I was on the tour and marvelled at the steps taken to create these beautiful instruments, your comments brought out things I didn’t even hear our guide saying! I will never forget this experience and feel so fortunate to have been along to choose just the right piano. Your preparation re choosing and playing various musical pieces designed to put each instrument through its paces was extremely helpful to all of us. It was a joy to share this adventure with you.

By: Liz McCarthy

Liz McCarthy — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:03:56 +0000

Lura, you were a very important part of our group – thank you for your expertise and your insight as the choice was made -

By: Ron Hast

Ron Hast — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:26:10 +0000

Lura: Your proud aunt Sally forwarded your exciting experience with Steinway. WOW. Being in love with pianos all my life, I can appreciate your thrills. Another oddity — it seems as if the fine grand had a funeral before it’s life. 6 men to carry it and 4 months in a formaldehyde environment. Owning many funeral homes over the past 50 years — it kind of struck a note. There is no question that Steinway is revered by pianists and the world audience. Did you place an order for a 9 foot concert grand as you departed the grand experience? Cordially, Ron

By: ivory8873

ivory8873 — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:17:42 +0000

It is true, the purchase of a piano is a big financial and artistic decision for any group. I was very honored that they valued my opinion!

By: Rick B

Rick B — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:56:51 +0000

Thank you for sharing this and very well presented as well. I could hear very clearly in your writing how happy it made you to be there amongst the greats as Steinway surely is and then also to share your joy with us so that we can enjoy it too. And you modestly skimmed over the importance of your being there as you were personally invited and sponsored to play and then select the best piano for The Garth Newel Music Center, located in Warm Springs, VA