When Michael visited our store, he was contemplating a significant change: replacing his beloved piano. As a professor of astrophysics specializing in gravitational and plasma physics, Michael had always found balance and joy in playing the piano. Years ago, he had acquired a Baldwin grand that resonated with him immediately and fit his budget. Over time, with the help of a skilled technician, he had fine-tuned the instrument to his exact preferences.
Now, Michael was in search of what he considered the finest pianos in the world. He began by exploring Steinway models at their showroom. Despite the prestigious reputation of Steinway, he was not impressed. The Steinway B he tried, did not seem well-crafted and did not offer the smooth, buttery action he had grown accustomed to with his Baldwin, nor did it justify the expense. He tried then to find a Hamburg made Steinway which has a reputation of being of much better craftsmanship and quality but it was impossible to find a new Hamburg made Steinway.
Next, Michael turned his attention to Bösendorfer and visited a local dealer. The Viennese brand immediately resonated with him. The Bösendorfer 225’s lush tone and meticulous craftsmanship met his high standards. After this visit, he crossed Steinway off his list and focused on Bösendorfer.
Although Michael had never played a FAZIOLI before, he was familiar with the brand’s presence on concert stages. Curious, he scheduled an appointment and brought his family along. At the showroom, he played both a concert grand and a FAZIOLI 212.
Michael was captivated by the FAZIOLI 212’s unique interplay of action and tone. He remarked, “With other pianos, I visualize the music and play it simultaneously. But with the FAZIOLI, I find myself looking ahead several bars because its precision and articulation require me to anticipate each note and modulate my expression accordingly. I have never encountered such precision in any piano before.”
Michael ended up coming several times to play the piano extensively and then made the decision to make a FAZIOLI 212 part of his family.
These days Michael can be heard playing late into the evenings or in his home concerts with friends and fellow pianists.
At Northwest Pianos, we know that choosing a piano is about more than the instrument itself — it’s about finding a partner you can trust for guidance, service, and care through every stage of the journey. That’s why stories like Laurie McSeveney’s mean so much to us.
At Northwest Pianos, we believe that choosing the right piano should feel exciting, informative, and stress-free. Every customer deserves not only access to a great selection of instruments but also the guidance and care that makes the process smooth from start to finish.
At Northwest Pianos, we understand that purchasing a piano is not just about buying an instrument — it’s about investing in music, inspiration, and quality that lasts for years. That’s why we’re committed to making the experience smooth, supportive, and truly exceptional.