Need Info. - Marantz Studio Console Piano
winst...@my-dejanews.com
that is selling this piano has cared for it much. It looks new. It sounds
good too. She is only asking $800.00 for it.
I need some feedback on how good of a piano this is. I have never been
acquainted with Marantz's line of musical instruments. I know they make a
good amplifier system and stereos, but I don't know of their musical history.
Anyone who can give me some feedback on this piano will be appreciated!
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Mark Fontana
> I am looking to purchase a 1984 Marantz Studio Console Piano. The person
> that is selling this piano has cared for it much. It looks new. It sounds
> good too. She is only asking $800.00 for it.
>
> I need some feedback on how good of a piano this is.
Marantz was not known for its pianos. In fact, the only reason Marantz
got into the piano business at all was to produce cheap instruments to
house its Pianocorder Reproducing System (one of the first cassette
tape-based electronic player piano systems). The idea of putting a
$2000 reproducing system into a $1000 piano didn't go over well with
retailers. Marantz ceased production of pianos in 1984, and in 1987
sold the Pianocorder division to Yamaha, who promptly discontinued it
and introduced their new Disklavier technology.
Regarding the quality of Marantz pianos, Larry Fine's THE PIANO BOOK
(recommended) sums it up best:
"Marantz Piano Co. was a division of the same Marantz that makes stereo
equipment. In fact, a small portion of the piano factory in Morganton, NC
was used for making stereo speakers. Marantz bought this factory from the
Grand Piano Co. in the late 1970s. ... Until 1984, Marantz made a 39"
spinet and a 42" console. The names Marantz, Grand, Kincaid and Jesse
French were used on them interchangeably, depending on the preference of
the dealer to whom they were being sold. These pianos were quite possibly
the worst pianos ever made in the United States. One piano examined had so
many defects and problems that the technician had to add three pages of
explanatory notes to describe what he was witnessing. ... "This company is
often sloppy with glue in the action, dripping glue on bass strings,
butt felts, catchers, in between action parts, etc. ... Won't
hold a tuning even after several pitch raises and a few fine tunings. ...
Front legs are very precarious, and will break off easily if the front
caster rolls across even a small crack in the floor."
--
Mark A. Fontana
Richmond, CA