DR. TED ISENOR

Dear Rod,

As you know, I’m just a tad obsessed with pianos! I bought my first grand when I was still in my teens, and I have owned about ten pianos in my lifetime – ranging from a 5’2” Lester to a 6’8” Kawai to a 7’9” Petrof to a 9’1” Baldwin. I have selected grand pianos for many individuals and organizations, including several concert instruments for performance halls. I love all great pianos regardless of what name happens to be engraved on the fallboard. I have played more rebuilt instruments than I can remember, and many of them were fine instruments; however, that said, I honestly believe that the vintage Steinway you rebuilt for me is the most beautiful rebuilt instrument I have ever played.

Many technicians can restore an old case to make it look like new; quite a few technicians can restore the action and belly of an old piano to make it play like new; a small number of technicians can voice and regulate a rebuilt piano to make it sound and feel magnificent. You are a remarkable craftsman in that you can perform all three miracles! The 1907 flame mahogany Steinway A-2 you restored for me is an absolute joy to see, to play, and to hear. You have done a superlative job of combining appearance, feel, and sound to transform a collection of broken strings, hammers, and felts into a superb instrument. I can’t believe that any piano can be so perfectly matched in terms of sight, sound, and feel. You have created an absolutely gorgeous instrument.