Although I've been an irregular, lurking reader/recipient of the MMD for
some months now, I have a new impetus to introduce myself fully.

My name is Lewis Shepherd, and I live in San Francisco.  My wife Kathryn
brought to our marriage a Monarch 88-note player, which she pegs at
dating back to 1913 or so.  Unfortunately, the Monarch is stuck up in our
summer cabin on the Feather River about 400 miles away, so we only enjoy
it for a few months a year.  (Have a great recommendation though for
anyone in Plumas or Lassen counties who needs a player technician!).
The Monarch is what led me to first subscribe last year, but winter
and absence kept it out of mind....

This week, however, after on-and-off shopping for a grand piano for
our home in the big city, we chanced upon and impulsively purchased a
Steinway grand, Duo-Art player.  (Style OR, Serial Number 209005, which
according to a list in Larry Fein's "The Piano Book" makes it a 1921
Steinway.  Bought it from Sherman-Clay in San Francisco, paid $15800,
and got 75 rolls in the bargain.

The piano seems to be in excellent condition, original ivories and
beautiful mahogany case, great sound.  It was a California piano,
well-cared for by the proverbial little old lady, who also had excellent
taste in reproducer rolls.  The player mechanism works well, on some
rolls unbelievably well.  Yet I've noticed that on many rolls, the upper
register of notes does not track well or at all (keys don't strike or
strike softly).  The motor itself is a bit noisy (I know nothing about
but am fascinated by the idea of a remote motor for this thing?).

Sherman-Clay is sending round (i.e. paying for :-) a local tuner and a
piano technician to adjust and acclimate the piano and player mechanism
for its new home.  I hope they're good. ...

I know from our experience with the Monarch how and where to buy rolls,
but I know almost nothing about this Steinway, its reputation or track
record, or any and all lore about it and its potential.  Any and all
information for a newbie would be greatly appreciated!

Lewis Shepherd¶
nobhillsf@aol.com