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I have had my Baldwin grand model R since I was in the 8th grade. It was built in 1967. I have loved it, especially the rich, resonant bass register. Though I’m not sure if I could ever part with it, I have dreamed of owning a Steinway, (and now thinking of other brands after reading all of your responses!)
After decades of having it tuned and regulated yearly, my tuner is saying that, after 52 years, it needs a some major work.. a new set of hammers from Germany to start. Have any of you ever done this? Is it worth it?
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Kakie Roberts I had my hammers and shanks replaced a few years ago on my 1985 Hamburg Steinway with Renner Blue hammers. Yes, a bit expensive, but my action felt like a brand new piano again. Worth the investment.
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Kakie Roberts
Definitely worth it… The R is a wonderful piano and Baldwin was at its peak in the 1960s. I had the action on my L completely rebuilt with all Renner parts and used Renner Blue Point hammers, and I’m very happy with it. In that same size, the S&S O is a very nice piano, but a good one will cost 5X the amount of an action rebuild and would sound somewhat tubby in the bass compared to your R.
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John Goodman Thank you, John. The thought of the action being like new again is exciting! It hasn’t been right for some time now. I guess there is only so much you can do with 50+ year old hammers!
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Charlie Thanks, Charlie. This is very helpful. It has been a fantastic piano, and will be again. And no tubby basses allowed here!
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Kakie Roberts If you’re a serious pianist, which undoubtedly you are
, I think you’ll be very pleased if you go ahead and overhaul your action. Overtime you’ll forget the expense, but will continue to enjoy your instrument for a very long time. -
John Goodman yes, amateur, but definitely serious. Thanks for your encouragement!
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I have a 1985 7’ (mod. B) Hamburg Steinway and absolutely love it! That said, I envy golfers as they have a whole bag of clubs for different kinds of shots, if only pianists had that selection. Yes, I love my Steinway, but perhaps if I was collaborating with a singer I might prefer the round mellow sound of a Bosendorfer for instance.
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