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We should start a pool...

I've got my money on Sauter.

I'll say Bluthner.

i'm going to split mine betw the Bluthner and the Steingraeber

if that's ok.

i love threads like these

I go with the Forster - just a hunch.

I guess I'm short straw with the Grotrian.

Apple - If it's either Bluthner or Steingraeber, you can only collect half of the winnings.

:p

(There is a prize, isn't there?)

I also think it was the Grotrian, but since that's MY personal favorite, I will also throw in Sauter as warm and singing.

This is a fun thread!

penny

All,

Glad you're enjoying the thread. Since the search covered many years, I guess I don't feel too bad that I haven't revealed the conclusion too quickly.

bitWrangler, you are correct that Bosie is also out of the picture. But I did spend many hours playing those beauties.

Fanny, yes I did spend time in Brighton with Joe. For those not familiar with the Denver piano scene, the main players (new lines - and these may have changed a bit) are Joe Woods (Bluthner, August Forster, Mason & Hamlin, Seiler); Chris Finger (Steingraeber, Sauter, Schimmel, Grotrian, Charles Walter); Onofrio (Bosendorfer, Shigeru Kawai, Baldwin, Estonia); Wells (Steinway, Yamaha); Rockley (Bechstein)

Keith, I play all sorts --

Classical: favorite period is romantic/impressionism. I love Debussy and play many of his pieces including "Reflets dans l'eau." I'm working on "L'Isle joyeuse." Also love Chopin; working on a couple etudes. Also play Beethoven (Pathetique Sonata, etc), Bach (various Preludes & Fugues). Love playing Lecuona's "Maleguena" - used that as one of my piano audition pieces.

Jazz: I put myself through school playing "cocktail piano" at a couple restaurants. I absolutely love Oscar Peterson (though I did not get the Bosie).

Basically, I would have been happy with any of the pianos on the short list. As I said before, the tone of one in particular stayed with me. And then I was offered the deal I couldn't refuse.

I say he took the Giants and the points...

PS: Schimmel

I'm guessing Grotrian. It's purely personal bias. I played one at Chris Finger's and fell in love with the instrument (but it was waaaaay outside the budget, ended up going for an oldie-but-goodie Schimmel). I think it has the qualities you praised.

(PS there's been some shuffling since you bought your piano, Baker Pianos in Boulder & Highlands Ranch is now selling the Shigeru Kawais and Baldwins, leaving Onofrio with Bosendorfer and Estonia).

Based on GJ's last post describing the music he plays, especially the Debussy and Jazz ( putting himself through school playing cocktail music )I am betting it was a Bluethner.

Hmmmm - Why didn't anyone postulate on Steingraeber?

I can see (hear) that!

penny

Here's the first picture. We have some smart people on this forum.

Grats.....it is bluetiful!

Thanks, Keith. I was impressed with your correct deduction after my description of music I enjoy playing. Apple and Fanny - nice guesses without having that info. Here are some additional pics of my Bluthner Model 2.











Thanks to everyone for enjoying my journey recap. Now it's off the practice!

It's gorgeous, CJ. Oops, I cross-posted. Couldn't tell how long it was from your first picture and guessed a Model 6.

Will look forward to hearing some recordings... hint...

I played my first Bluthner last weekend. Can't say enough about them. Congrats.

dang...

i lost 1/2 my money.

lovely piano.. and seriously, the Bluthner i heard (briefly played) was the warmest singingest piano ever.

Fanny,

I'll have to start messing around with recording. I've read the threads on the Zoom H4 - maybe I'll give that a shot. Or feel free to visit Colorado and hear (and play) it in person!