Restoration of a 1920 Steck Duo Art Grand Piano (and me playing two Chopin preludes)

add &fmt=18 to the URL for stereo. Two Chopin preludes -- Op. 28 No 15 (Raindrop) and No. 4 (E-minor) played by hand on a newly restored Steck 6'1" Duo Art player grand, by me, the instrument's restorer. Also shown are pictures of the restoration. This is definitely not a professional performance or recording. I am self-taught, with only 6 months of lessons as an 8-year old, and this video was captured with cheap mics and camera. But it hopefully demonstrates the sound and playability of the instrument. Many people assume that player pianos from this period are not good instruments for actually playing by hand, or that they play "like Mack trucks." I couldn't disagree more. Such players originally cost more than twice what non-player instruments cost, and they were usually installed only in very high-quality instruments. To me, this 1920 Steck has both great sound, and a wonderfully responsive, even touch, just slightly lighter than a typical Steinway. Check out my other videos of this instrument playing Duo Art roll recordings.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Chopin
• Raindrop
• Prelude
• George
• Steck
• Duo
• Art
• Piano
• Restoration

[kyokutyou2007]

I think the keys of Duo-Art pianos are longer than usual pianos (ampico)

becase of the spool box.

Is the key touch different from a usual piano? I'm interested

[bartolomochristofari]

@kyokutyou2007

Yes, the Duo-Art keys are longer than the typical "M" scale 5'7", and are closer to the keys of a full 9' grand. If the capstan position, action ratios, and key dip are set right, and if the touch weight and key leads are properly balanced as this one is, in my opinion the touch is probably better than in non-players. Some claim that players always "play like Mack trucks", but every pianist who has played this one tells me it is very responsive and uniform.

[tunglour]

I want it!

[bartolomochristofari]

That's just what the first person who saw the piano said the week I finished it, just before they bought it. I am working right now on a similar Steinway-same size, same year, same Duo Art player,-but probably better sound for the Steinway design.

[dogsbody49]

I don't like the dimpled finish on the casework, it looks like orange peel

[PianoCussoSFHA]

A new life for a wonderfull piano. Una nueva piano para un magnífico piano.

[aknabea]

Wonderful piano and also your playing was quite nice. Thanks for the video. Enjoy your piano!!

[bigcity233]

GREAT job - as a technician/restorer and as a self-taught pianist! Do you re-store pianos professionally or just as a hobby?The two Chopin pieces are personal favorites.

[kawaimaster]

Few technicians who can string/regulate and tune this well can play this well. Maybe slow down a bit more on the next piece, 10-15 tempo less if it were a D/A roll. (or if I were playing it myself) But well played nevertheless and a fine job of restringing and tuning. You "theme" well just like the snakebites....

[SteinwayXR]

Nice video showing the restoration.

Very good sound too.

You have done a great job!