My New Sauter Delta

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Here are some pictures of my new Sauter Delta (185cm) that I ordered back in June from Norbert Marten, owner of Heritage Pianos in Surrey, BC.

At the time, there were no pianos available, so I've been waiting patiently since then.

I asked Norbert if he could see if the owner Mr. Ulrich Sauter would sign the plate of my piano that is still under construction at the factory in Spaichingen, Germany. Not only was Mr. Sauter gracious enough to do that, but he also agreed to take these two photos posted here!

Hopefully my piano will arrive next month. The wait is killing me...

[49410enrique]

that's so exciting! i recall posting several pictures of sauter grands in the 'piano porn' thread.  super nice, i think those old germans are super incredible works of art and some of the finest being made today (along w/ august forster, seiler, steingraeber, bechstein, and bluthner).

what was it about this house that finally got you? i ask since you didn't play the exact instrument you'll get, did you play another delta? who else did you consider?

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that's so exciting! i recall posting several pictures of sauter grands in the 'piano porn' thread.  super nice, i think those old germans are super incredible works of art and some of the finest being made today (along w/ august forster, seiler, steingraeber, bechstein, and bluthner).

what was it about this house that finally got you? i ask since you didn't play the exact instrument you'll get, did you play another delta? who else did you consider?

Well, Norbert of Heritage Pianos had a Sauter Omega (220cm) that had been used as furniture at someone's home for a number of years and it was at his shop on consignment. I fell in love with the sound, touch, fit and finish of this instrument. The piano was impeccable. He offered me a great deal but unfortunately, I wasn't in a position to take advantage of the opportunity.

He also had another Sauter, which was the same model as the one I eventually ordered, but again it was already sold and waiting to be picked up.

I have been passively searching for the piano I may eventually try and get. I've tried various Steinway, Fazioli, Kawai, Schimmel, Grotrian, Knabe, Yamaha, Baldwin, Bösendorfer, Estonia and even Blüthner models. All great pianos at their price point, but the sound of the Sauter was the one for me, not to mention that Norbert made me an offer I couldn't refuse. 

Cheers,

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I just heard from Norbert at Heritage Pianos in Surrey, BC and Mr. Sauter advised him that my piano is almost ready to be shipped, which should happen next Wednesday, October 17th. The serial number is 118 562.

Time to get out the cheque book!   

[allthumbs]

Greetings Everyone,

My Sauter Delta finally arrived on October 30th after a longer than expected completion of the piano and a minor delay in shipping.

It has exceeded all my expectations for fit and finish, tone, action and power.

Here are some pictures...

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Here are a few more...

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Some more...

[j_menz]

Greetings Everyone,

My Sauter Delta finally arrived on October 30th after a longer than expected completion of the piano and a minor delay in shipping.

It has exceeded all my expectations for fit and finish, tone, action and power.

Congratulations.  Time to update your signature!

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Getting tired yet?

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Yet more... The last two photos are of Norbert handling of the key and of Norbert, his lovely wife Lina et moi...

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Congratulations.  Time to update your signature!

Thanks and signature updated.

[49410enrique]

outstanding. i love 'baby pictures'. really a beautiful and incredible piece of 'functioning art'. congrats on your new piano. i am super happy for you and look forward to you hopefully getting a hold of some good recording equip (if you don't already have some or if you plan to) and posting something for us to enjoy in the audition room, youtube, etc.

i like your string cover. good idea. do i spy a humidifier or dehumidifier in the corner close to the instrument? do you plan to get a  'damp chaser' too? also i noticed it is 'tropicalized' what is that, is it some sort of treatment to the sound board and other parts of the piano to make it more resilient to air moisture conentrations swings? (this would be only the 2nd piano I know that puts extra emphasis into this, kawai being the other).

agian super happy for you. we should all hope we can someday own such a fine piano (those of us that don't already).

[allthumbs]

outstanding. i love 'baby pictures'. really a beautiful and incredible piece of 'functioning art'. congrats on your new piano. i am super happy for you and look forward to you hopefully getting a hold of some good recording equip (if you don't already have some or if you plan to) and posting something for us to enjoy in the audition room, youtube, etc.

i like your string cover. good idea. do i spy a humidifier or dehumidifier in the corner close to the instrument? do you plan to get a  'damp chaser' too? also i noticed it is 'tropicalized' what is that, is it some sort of treatment to the sound board and other parts of the piano to make it more resilient to air moisture conentrations swings? (this would be only the 2nd piano I know that puts extra emphasis into this, kawai being the other).

agian super happy for you. we should all hope we can someday own such a fine piano (those of us that don't already).

Thanks enrique for your kind words.

I plan to try some recording when I get some decent mics for the purpose.

As for the string cover, I made it myself using double thick 100% wool Melton fabric. This fabric is usually used to make winter coats. The cost was less than $100CAD.

What I have next to the piano is an air filter to keep the dust down. Also in our climate, I don't really need a damp chaser as the humidity here in Vancouver is usually between 40-60% year round, which is perfect for the piano.

As for the piano being 'tropicalized', I'm not sure what that means or how Sauter does that, but your suggestion that it is some sort of treatment to the sound board and other parts of the piano to make it more resilient to air moisture conentrations swings makes sense to me.

Cheers,

allthumbs

[j_menz]

** wonders why no photos of the hammers or the undercarriage

 

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** wonders why no photos of the hammers or the undercarriage

 

Ok, you asked for it!

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** wonders why no photos of the hammers or the undercarriage

 

More...

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** wonders why no photos of the hammers or the undercarriage

 

Still more...

[j_menz]

Still more...

Cool!  Now happy. 

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Here are a few more pics...