Does the Sanctuary Grand Piano Sound Different to You?

by Christopher Fritzsche

A few months ago our piano technician, Beverly Wells, informed me that we might want to consider replacing the bass strings on our Yamaha grand piano that lives on the Sanctuary stage. The bass strings, which were original to this 40+ year old instrument, were pretty much “dead,” as she put it. Over time, their sound had deteriorated, becoming dull and “thunky” rather than full, round, and “rich” in overtones. I asked Beverly what it would cost to replace the strings. The answer: More than $2,000. I was going to have to think about this one, as this expense would be quite a chunk of change!
Luckily we had an asset in our “back pocket”—the Beckstein grand piano that our former music director Linda Webb-Khakaba had played. It badly needed extensive renovation work. So I thought to myself, “What if Beverly were interested in taking the Beckstein to fix up and keep or sell in exchange for all or part of the price of the bass string replacement on the Yamaha?” Good news: she agreed.
We were able to make the trade with Beverly. The Beckstein would get a much deserved renovation by an experienced and talented piano technician and our Yamaha would get new bass strings. The appraisal price of the Beckstein was such that the Center even received some cash above and beyond the price of the work on the Yamaha.
It was win, win, win!
When I first sat down and played chords using the new bass strings, the sound was incredible—rich and full and absolutely glorious. I couldn't have been happier!