Doesn’t the piano have to “play”? A funny story from Joe Hanerfeld of Craftsman Piano Co.

Years ago a colleague of mine made the ill advised decision to purchase six Louis XIV Steinway pianos of various sizes. These are beautiful ornate Steinway pianos, mahogany or walnut, with exquisitely carved French legs. These are beautiful pianos. The problem with them is that they are very hard to sell. Why? Because they are very expensive, they are very ornate, they are not suitable for most households because they over power the rest of the décor. My friend’s dilemma was that he had six pianos totaling over $300,000.00 in value, and not enough cash to maintain his expenses. Into this equation stepped a chance client of mine. She wanted a Louis XIV mahogany Steinway B. Nothing else would do. My friend shipped the piano to my shop. The client arrived ten minutes after the piano was set up and tuned. She fell in love with the piano immediately. Just as immediately she started to renegotiate the price. My friend had no alternative but to sell the piano so he agreed to her demands. Everyone breathe d a big sigh of relief. The client signed the check and handed it to me. Then she made one more demand. The piano would have to have an electronic Pianomation player unit installed within two days. I told her that would not be possible. She started reaching for her check. In desperation I asked her why she needed the Pianomation. She said that her husband’s company was having a very important party in two days and the piano “has to play, doesn’t it?”. This was a wealthy sophisticated lady, yet she just didn’t realize that she could hire a pianist to perform at her husband’s party. I was able to recommend a pianist to her. It was the beginning of a relationship that lasted until this client moved away.

Craftsman Piano Company of Yonkers to participate in 2010 YOHO Arts Festival

Joe Hanerfeld, of Craftsman Piano Co., in Yonkers, NY has announced that his company will participate in the annual YO HO Artist Exhibit, in Yonkers, NY. The dates are Sat. and Sun. Apr. 18. There will be art and pianos, food and entertainment. In the past these events have been a big success with a good time had by all. 12:00 to 5:00 PM.

Every spring, the OPEN STUDIOS gives the public an opportunity to actually see where the art is made. Art enthusiasts and their families are encouraged to attend. In the studios’ relaxed atmosphere, the public will have a chance to discover that art is much more accessible than they thought. They will be able to interact with the artists and familiarize themselves with their creative process, materials and the varied range of works. Visitors may purchase artwork directly from the artists without entering the sometimes intimidating setting of commercial galleries, even though the artists are gallery-affiliated, have been exhibited internationally and are part of many collections in the United States and abroad.

In the last decades, the scarcity of affordable studio space has driven artists from SoHo and Chelsea. Yonkers, which is experiencing a Renaissance, is home to a thriving artist community. YOHO Artist Studios is the largest professional art community in the area.

The reality of investing in a vintage, restored Steinway piano

So you are looking to purchase a fine piano which is also a great investment. Let's look at what a competently restored vintage Steinway is. It is a piano that is beautiful to look at, and a dream to play. It is also a commodity which has had a history of holding it's value. Let's define value. The first definition is that the piano can provide years of playing and listening satisfaction. That is the main reason to buy a piano. The second definition of value is that the piano will not depreciate in price as quickly as many other commodities. In my experience vintage, restored Steinway pianos hold their monetary value better than any other investment in the piano world.

Another great investment in the piano world is vintage restored Mason and Hamlin pianos. For decades there has been an argument over which piano is better, Steinway or Mason and Hamlin. In my opinion this is like comparing apples and oranges. The two brands have different qualities in sound and touch. From a quality of construction standpoint the pianos are different but equally well constructed. From a pianistic point of view I would have to say"de gustibus". One thing is very clear, in my shop: Steinway pianos are easier to sell.

Another class of good investments in the piano world are the Yamaha, Kawai, and Boston pianos. These pianos are much less expensive and are valuable as good sounding, reliable work horses if a Steinway or Mason and Hamlin piano is not for you. These brands are a fine investment in the satisfaction of owning a really good instrument.

Finally, almost any brand of piano can have value as a source of satisfaction. It doesn't have to be a an expensive or famous brand. What is important is the pleasure you get out of playing or listening to the piano. For this reason it is important to get confirmation from a competent piano professional that your piano purchase will perform reliably. Good luck, and choose wisely.

Joe Hanerfeld,

Craftsman Piano Co.