Dear Group,  In 050915 MMDigest, Brian Schelburg asked some of our
opinions concerning the quality of an Aeolian Duo-Art grand offered
to him by a friend -- should he wait for a higher quality "name brand"
instrument.  Here's my opinion:

The quality of your friend's Aeolian, I suspect, is equally proportional
to the quality of the friend!  You don't play or listen to the fallboard
decal, and this applies to the finish as well.

Put things in perspective:  If you are above average as a pianist or
musician, it would be advisable to pass on this one.  However, even
the low end of the Aeolian output was much better than any "designer"
Chinese grand that is being retailed by so many dealers today.  (You
don't play the finish.)  The high gloss black on these PSOs ("piano
shaped objects") is usually flawless but not so with everything else
about these "bargain beauties."  The point is, if you are going to only
play rolls on it and aren't a snooty connoisseur of automusica, this is
the piano for you.

A ground-up restoration is almost always less costly on something like
this Aeolian piano as opposed to, for example, a Steinway.  Things like
action whippens, hammer shanks, etc., are far more expensive from Steinway
than are generic supply house items.  And, using cheap non-Steinway action
parts only devalues the Steinway.

What about the room it's going to be in?  A big powerful Weber might
sound great if you have the room for it, but it will drive you into the
next county if placed in a small living room.  And make angry neighbors.

One final thought:  Brian doesn't give any specifics other than the make
of piano offered by his friend.  (I do like these little pianos, in any
case.)  But whatever the price, the quality of rebuild, stringing, etc.,
it is a buyer's market in the piano world today.  There are many fine
instruments available at rock bottom prices; but be careful: _always_
hire a competent technician to inspect the goods before handing over
one dime.

An old sign over my workbench says "One more good deal and we're outta
business!"  On that happy note,

Good luck!
Eric J. Shoemaker