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Well maybe this might be the case for a Bosie or a Fazzy. But I wouldn't think it would be for a Shiggy. On a second thought maybe less for a Bosie, since it is owned by Yammy. [/quote]

That is why perhaps the OP should narrow the search to Steinnies

Take a look at Knauer pianos if you venture a bit more North.

I always enjoy going there.

Or to Yammies.

I can highly recommend Ed Whitting as well, for when you need a tech, he keeps my 1889 Mason & Hamlin in top shape.

I concur that Pierre in West LA is a great shop. I played the two Fazioli's there and they were not for me. Not saying anything against them. I'm more of a Bechstein person. The Fazioli's I just tried in Italy felt very different than these.

I was in the exact position you are now, expect in the Bay Area. After a long search I ended up with a new Bluthner model 4. Apparently 8 years old but sat on the floor and sold to me as new with a discount.

So talkoftheweather,

It looks like you've got a lot of good suggestions. Have fun with this project and please keep us posted.

I've never been to the factory in Italy but I've played newer 212s and 228s in the last year at Pierre's showroom. And on the 212 in particular, I could tell a marked improvement over the older ones- going back 10 years or longer.

I actually had a solo piano "steady gig" over a period of 14 months at a private home that owned a 212. So I was able to play it, for 2-3 hours a night, on roughly 30 different occasions. Pierre said he sold it to them new in the early 2000s.

The new 212 I played last year in his store, had a bass section that was huge ! I've never experienced anything like it on any 7'er before. Everything about the newer piano noticeably surpassed the 212 in the private home.

Many thanks all! I appreciate the thoughtful input. Looks like I have my work cut out for me... will post an update at some point but as many have suggested, I'll be taking it slow and savoring the process!