I finished installing the Stahnke LX solenoid player system in my
little Chickering grand.  I have not regulated the piano as well as
I should have and should take the time to tune it, but I wanted to
hear it right away.

To summarize, the LX system is *incredible!*  Even in my little 5-foot
3-1/2-inch Chickering, that could use help in a lot of minor ways,
it produces performances that are so "Live" you can not believe there
is not a pianist right there.  In the past hour I have had Earl Wild
(my favorite pianist on audio CDs) and Dick Hyman both play my piano
better than it has ever been played.

Now for some details regarding concerns that others may have regarding
the "limits" of a solenoid player.  Basically I have not found any but
some details.

The dynamic range is better than any solenoid player I have heard
other than the Stahnke (Boesendorfer) SE system which I have only heard
in recordings.  The LX can pound a single note for dramatic accents,
unlike other solenoid systems that can only get loud by playing a lot
of notes at the same time.  The LX gives clear accents even in loud
passages.  The soft playing is haunting -- you can hear subtlety you
won't believe is being delivered mechanically.

The best part of all is the pedal control.  Fortunately the dampers
are pretty well regulated on my piano so I could appreciate this on
a few recordings that take advantage of the capabilities of the LX with
subtle half pedaling.  Even full pedaling sound greatly superior to
that of a competing system.  The pedal solenoid is smoothly controlled
and is absolutely silent even when snapping on and off.  It is quieter
than most pianists but achieves the intended effect.

After listening to all the music that came with the system I will be
experimenting with my piano roll music to see what I can do to play it
at its best.

I do wish I had a better piano for the LX but it plays so well that,
when installed in a piano with a decent action in moderately good
regulation, it will perform well enough to satisfy almost anyone.
For those who have a truly fine piano, it can only get better. Some
day, I hope to have one in spite of or maybe because of the current
economy.

Best regards,
Spencer Chase

 [ This report makes me wish I had room in my home for my Yamaha C3 to
 [ come out of storage...  --Jody