> To make a long story short, if hotel pianos were to be well maintained
> they would have to be cared for companies that would place them
> in the hotel.  The hotelier's main concern is the comfort of their
> guest, not the condition of ancillary equipment.  The fact that the
> pianos will make no cash (ie: no quarter slots or pay-per-play feature)
> means that the only person who has a stake in the condition of the
> instrument is the dealer who may get follow on business from the
> placement.

This is exactly my point. The dealers/manufacturers should realize that
selling to a hotel is not the same as selling to a private individual.
The dealer has a stake in the condition of a piano that is played in
front of a large number of people. A good piano makes a good impression.
The dealers should invest a little resources in making sure the piano
is maintained. It will bring them business.

I'm still trying to figure out George Bogatko's note. I've read it about
four times. Is it a criticism of the Disklavier?  Is it a snide comment
that the Disklavier is only meant for elitists?  I know solenoid pianos
have a lot of detractors on this list. I can accept that.

As for using the Disklavier to play soft-soothing rock or country ballads,
I listen to neither.  I mainly listen to classical music. I can't help it
if hotels only buy "pop" disks. It sounds like hotels aren't interested
in buying ANY music for the piano. They're mainly interested in unplugging
it or prohibiting the guests from playing it. There was a whole thread on
rec.music.makers.piano about hotels and their piano policies.

  Regards,

  Larry Kellogg