On Sunday I accidentally caught a fascinating programme on ABC1 called "Note By Note - The Making of Steinway L1037". This documentary was about the making of a Steinway Grand Piano (#L1037) and you follow the process from timber selection to every step through the factory, until it is sold. Several things struck me about this story. I didn't know how much work was involved with the making, it took almost 12 months to complete one piano. The people that work in the factory are all crafstmen that are proud of their work, many have been there for most of their working life. Everything is put together by hand, and moves through each stage with precision and accountability. The ownership of the pianos is shown by each and every person through each step of the process. All the people I saw working on the product looked like they loved their jobs, which is rare these days. The attention to detail and finish was superb. I was also amazed to learn that each and every instrument had a sound of their own, all depending on the wood selected, the way it's assembled and the individual sound from each sound board. It is great to see there is still companies that operate on this level. I now look at the piano that stands accross this very room with a different light. I should take off a few panels and study the workings. Steinway suggest a piano be tuned 3 to 4 times a year. Our piano hasn't been tuned for 40 years at least.........but it still sounds okay for "Chop Sticks".
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