Astin Weight Pianos

[David_D]

I have read and heard much good about Astin Weight but have been unable to actually see one. Does anyone have any inforamtion on the 50" is it worth searching out? What pianos does it most closely match? Given it is hand made can touch and tone be personalized?
David

[rich_galassini]

The Astin Weight piano is very nicely made. It is, however, an unusual sounding piano with a different design from most as well.

It will be difficult to find them at a dealer because there are only a few dealers in the US.

Good Luck,

[tosca1]

This piano has an unusual name and its description is intriguing.
Could you please explain how its design and sound are different.
I would be very interested in some details about this piano.
Thank you very much.
Robert.

[rich_galassini]

Tosca,

The A-W has a design that allows the soundboard on their vertical pianos to extend up behind the pinblock. IOW, it reaches the top of the piano. This gives the piano a bigger soundboard than other uprights in its size, however, I don't personally like the sound of the piano. I can't explain it, it is just unusual.

Hope that helps.

[tomingram]

I own an Astin Weight 50" piano, and I love it!  Astin Weight pianos have a unique (but not new) design in which they have a full perimeter cast iron frame to support string tension, instead of backposts.  The cast iron frame holds tune longer, and does not change with the seasons as wood would.  The piano has the action and feel of a grand piano such as a Yamaha, or even a Steinway grand piano, which I play somewhat frequently.  Also, the piano has a larger soundboard than other 50" verticals would have.  We have had no problems with our Astin Weight piano, and it has held together wonderfully.  The wood and finish on the piano is very plain, but that does not bother me, because I see pianos more as instruments than furniture, and like them much more for their sound, rather than their looks.  I would suggest buying your piano directly from the manufacturer in Salt Lake City, Utah, because you can save a lot of money that way.  If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them at tomingram@tconl.com!  Tom