All About Choosing and Buying Pianos

[Headache2010]

phankao:

Headache2010:

Sorry for the off topic....


I have found out it doesnt matter if it's ABRSM or ANZCA (Australia and New Zealand Cultural Arts) certification. Audition is the most important....

I will let my DD continue with Encore Music Education with ANZCA certification.

Unless you are talking about SOTA, I think audition is generally not the most important. If applying under music CCA for DSA, it's often the entire portfolio. eg. his achievements in music, awards he/she has garnered. So yes, in a way it's also right. If your child has won prizes at music competitions - what does it matter what examining board he took his exams at, right?

Indeed whichever examining board doesnt matter.

Not only for SOTA, I have seen for Scholarships into Australian schools for example, a child needs to go for auditions too. Prizes won may not be good enough.... as it depends on which competitions.

Hence, the reason for getting ANZCA is because I like the way the students are tested or graded.

[markfch]

A quick question.


How come in yesterday’s Yamaha advertisement in Life, a Bosendorfer model was being displayed? Since when did Yamaha buy over Bosendorfer? I thought they only bought over Schimmel.

[jce]

Yamaha bought over Bosendorfer about three or four years ago I think.

[markfch]

jce:

Yamaha bought over Bosendorfer about three or four years ago I think.

Thanks jce, I see. And Samick still has ownership over Seiler rite?

[KKKS]

Yes, Samick still owns Seiler

[markfch]

Thanks KKKS. Sometimes sad to see all these venerable German piano makers struggling economically. My friend got a 2nd hand Ibach which already went under.


I suppose S&S and C. Bechstein are still able to hold their own due to their niche market. There’re still people willing to pay top dollars for top quality.

[KKKS]

Agree.


There are still a couple of niched German piano companies survive today : Steingraeber, Sauter, and I thought Schimmel has already parted with Yamaha.

[KKKS]

Markfch, accidentally I saw your earlier post and learned that you own a Sauter!! Wow, how do you like it so far?


It was one of the candidates that I shortlist for my DD. I like the tone but it is too expensive to have one!

[markfch]

KKKS:

Markfch, accidentally I saw your earlier post and learned that you own a Sauter!! Wow, how do you like it so far?


It was one of the candidates that I shortlist for my DD. I like the tone but it is too expensive to have one!

I bought the Sauter M1 cos I was sold on the 'Val di Fiemme' spruce soundboard which is the same material used to make Stradivaris violins.

Unfortunately, the dealer that I bought from only sells customised pianos so I had to wait for 7 mths from the time I paid the deposit till the time it arrived from Germany. If I had space, I would most likely have gone for the Shigeru SK3 instead, which will surely inspire my ds to play the piano even more fervently (since nothing motivates like a grand).

But the M1 is still very good, even to my unlearned ears. The touch is heavy but sharp, and the sound is either sharp (like Yamaha) nor mellow (like Kawai). It's just very unique to my ears. My piano dealer is also a qualified piano teacher and piano maker (he trained in Germany for many yrs as an apprentice). When he plays my piano during tuning sessions, the piano really sounds wonderful as he got the skills to bring out the sound.

Of course, ds is not good enough to bring out the power of the piano yet. When he's ready, I'll be able to enjoy listening to him playing my favourite classical songs nightly, and I think I can then die a happy man.

[KKKS]

I suppose you mean Sauter Master Class 130? It has its character, just like the Steigraeber 138 or Steinway K132!! Very unique!


Your DS should be very thankful to you to have a chance to own such a wonderful instrunment. He will be inspired to do well in his learning process!

Happy playing and enjoying the Piano!