For music's sake and the reputation of reproducing pianos, I'm afraid
I have to say that both pianos were sadly disappointing. A Steinway XR
should sound much better than in the video. Does no-one in the US know
how or bother to voice reproducing pianos? And please, owners, have
your pianos tuned before allowing them on YouTube.
The Duo-Art system is capable of far better reproduction with a greater
dynamic range and subtlety than heard, including from this roll. Percy
Grainger was fastidious about his Duo-Art performances. A comparable
example of his playing on a Steinway O recorded in a domestic
situation is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jOslQGCgw8
Patrick Handscombe
Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
[ YouTube frequently mangles the sound of pianos, so I think the
[ player condition and piano tone shouldn't be judged based on
[ a YouTube video. Maybe the piano rebuilder could supply you
[ a high-fidelity recording for comparison. -- Robbie
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