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j&j--while I did not find mine at a formal estate sale, it could have ended up as such, as the owner was liquidating due to age. BUT--I contacted a well-known tech/dealer and asked for an UNREFINISHED but good-playing Steinway B. So mine plays great but has scars. And, I could have my tuner/tech check it out--not sure you could do that at an estate sale. But since I went thru him, it was still not cheap, but nowhere near as expensive as it might have been. While I'd like to have a prettier one, the sound and feel is far more important to me.

As to rich people--rich is relative folks. I'm rich or poor compared to some of my friends/family. I tend to think of myself as just into middle class, just holding my chin above water. I own a small house in a fairly expensive area, (though the next towns on either side have far higher taxes) and have a mortgage and high property taxes (eastern MA).

My friends range fairly closely around that level, some below and some above. I don't personally know any mega-rich people. And, I don't know the philanthropic status of any of my friends.

But off the top of my head, if one owns, earns or has personal access to billions of $, one has a responsibility to give alot away. Some do, and some don't, which to me is reprehensible.

The good thing about billions is, no material worries, which is not to be sneezed at.

The bad things are like so: how many houses can you live in? How many pianos can you play? How many jewels can you wear? How long before you're jaded beyond belief? How much armed security do you need?

Meanwhile, half my interest in the mansion piano was the case design--art deco is SO COOL. At least I think its art deco--can't see the whole thing.

Can anyone here testify to the playability of extreme art case pianos?

At some point, I think the beauty of an art case piano might be too distracting from the beauty of the sound of the instrument.

Why would I want a piano that looks better than it plays?

Just thinking aloud.

I agree completely. I have known many wealthy people because I taught at private schools my whole life and worked at summer camps early on. Most of them were incredibly nice and so were their children.

I can't testify to it, but I don't think that the art case design would have much effect on the "playability" of a piano. The frame, the rim, the belly, the action, are basically standard, are they not?

Regards,

Just to keep this thread on the topic of mansion pianos (or not mansions but otherwise expensive houses?) here are a few photos that caught my eye in real estate listings (nope, not on the market for a new house, I just like looking!)

In fact, I think that the piano in the hall is a very positive statement. It welcomes guests with : "Thou who enters, know that the people living here love music."

BTW, the home is modeled on a smaller French château. The real thing would sometimes have a piano in the hall, but there always would be a ballroom where the piano could be moved to, although small chamber orchestras (without pianos) would be used for balls (often pop bands today). The family piano, used by the young ladies of the house, would be in a more cosy sitting room.

It is an awful place for it.

I agree this thread is not really about the piano at all.If we need to look at mansions why not go on a tour to see some.
Otherwise buy one of those magazines devoted to them.Well we cannot travel anymore, perhaps that's the reason?
However if I were going on a tour I would rather look at a real castle which belonged to genuine European aristocracy (rather than just some wealthy person)

From top to bottom: Blüthner, Kawai, Steinway, Baldwin.

Yes thanks to Shiro Kuro, Kawai is rubbing shoulders with Steinway ! 🤣 😉 🤪

BruceD--I would guess that higher-end art pianos would be fine, like this one:

https://www.fazioli.com/en/special-models/gold-leaf

Outrageous as that is, I refer to smaller, artier, and perhaps kinda overdone makes and models:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21673641929672542/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/368028600776086013/?d=t&mt=login

http://www.besbrodepianos.co.uk/piano-sale/rippen-upright-grand-piano-14424-walnut.htm

and so many more.

I’m pretty far from rich but whenever we’re entertaining, I open the piano on full stick. Whether I play or not. Pianos are beautiful and catch people’s eye.

Wow! The Fazioli looks like it came from the Palace at Versailles. Or maybe Liberace’s collection. Or maybe sitting in Graceland.

Love the Rippen Art Deco piano— it’s a good thing it is too far away

At least there is a light over the piano. Maybe this one gets used.

Re the light, yes! I can't remember what it was, bu there was something else in the listing photos that made me think "yep, this is the home of someone who actually plays."

The other thing about all those photos, number of them have stupid stuff on top of the pianos at least!

If the piano doesn't get used and is there for decoration only, that's perfectly fine.

There is music on the bookshelf in the foreground of the photo with the Blüthner, including Schubert duets.

Here is a mansion piano where it is placed in nice spot, looking out the window.

The home is a bit more interesting as it is a Vancouver heritage home. Up for sale last year for $27,000,000 I’m sure it sold quickly (not kidding)

More info on the beautiful estate here
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/rea...-mansion-hits-the-market-for-27-million/