Reviews on Hoffman grand pianos

[Douglas Gregg]

I have a church that is planning on buying a Hoffman grand. I am not sure the model but about 5.5 feet I expect. What is the quality like? I have not seen one. They are paying $28K that sounds like a lot to me for a second line piano made in the czech republic. . 

Doug Gregg

[piano+david]

That does seen a ridiculously high price. Especially since it's only a
5'6" piano. They could end up very disappointed as well as a lot
poorer!

Best regards,

David B.

[Douglas Gregg]

Has anybody seen one of these and can comment on quality and sound, durability?  (Given the price seems high). 

Doug Gregg

[Terry Farrell]

I am not familiar with the Hoffman. However, I would suggest that they consider having someone like yourself help them find a good used piano. As an example, about six years ago I sold my personal Boston GP-178 grand that was in showroom+ condition for $9K - it was about 15 years old at the time. Unless they have tons of $$ to burn, have them pay you to help them find a good deal on a nice piano.

Terry Farrell

[Douglas Gregg]

Terry, 

I already have been through a circus with them. I offered them a Steinway L totally rebuilt! for $15K (a gift). I was accused of taking advantage of the church and holding back another piano (that had vertigris and would have been a problem forever if played only once a week).  It was my church, (past tense) and I gave them their money back after 10 months of waffling and hassel. They had gotten a committee together to pass judgement on the piano. Some were not musicians at all, Some had other political agendas. One wanted a 9 foot Steinway grand (but no money). One was an organist who liked a light touch. It was a no win situation.  I am trying not to get much involved now but thought I could pass along independent reviews from colleagues who may have worked on a Hoffman.  The only review I saw on the web recommended it for an 8th grader or below. That seemed a bit harsh, but I have not seen one. 

Doug Gregg

[Jon Page]

I have a 5'6 Bechstein, c. 1983 for $15

https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/msg/6127901567.html

[Terry Farrell]

$15? That sounds reasonable. Consider it sold. Where do I pick it up?

1983? Really? Bechstein was making pianos with open pinblocks in 1983?

Seems to me there may be a hair of misinformation here……..

Terry Farrell

[Terry Farrell]

Awwww geezzzz Doug, I’m so sorry I made you relive this apparent nightmare. Sounds to me like they deserve a nice Hoffman grand for $28K. Sounds perfect for them. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving bunch!  ;-)

Terry Farrell

[Jon Page]

Make that $15K. Yes open block even later than '83. A new one was brought here purchased in 2000 with an open block. Nice pianos to tune.

[Jon Page]

The action was a forefinishing mess. The hammers were severely overstriking.  No after touch. L/O 6 mm.

I had to install 4 mm liners on the front and back rails and shim the top action another 4 mm.

Plus I had to add a 4 mm liner to the top of the back rail.

Nice playing piano now.

[David Boyce]

There's something awfully nice about an open-face pinblock, I think.

A great value piano for someone!  Hopefully not for the church Gregg has been dealing with, as they won't appreciate it!

Best regards,

David B.

[Jon Page]

[Jon Page]

I got rid of the false beats by treating every notch with CA. Then scraping away the bead which formed under the wire just before the pin. Scraped the wire for an inch or so too. Clean sounding piano. I'd ask more $$ but the market is not there, perhaps if I were in a big city... 

[Terry Farrell]

Oh wow, I simply wasn’t aware - I stand corrected. Damn good for them. I really have no good understanding of why the open pinblock fell out of favor with most manufacturers. Only way to do it, I MHO.

Terry Farrell

[Joseph Garrett]

Those plates were more prone to cracking.
Joe

Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I
gpianoworks.com