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Q: As someone in the market for a completely restored A or B model Steinway, I'd be interested to know about people's experiences with restorers in general across the country. I have seen the work of only two firms to date, Faust Harrison in New York and Dumont in San Jose, both of whose work I found to be excellent. I would be particularly interested to hear from anyone who has actually purchased the type of instrument I'm considering.
- Greg K.

A: Dear Greg K., I spent the last 8 or 9 months working with Irving and Sarah Faust on the 1907 Steinway Model A-2 that is now in my home. After shopping at Steinway & Sons, NY, AC Pianocraft, Maximillian's, etc., I fell in love with both the sound and finish of the Faust instruments. I spent a couple of hours with Michael Harrison in the NY showroom. He is a charming gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. Later, my dealings were with Sarah, Irving and their son, Josh Faust, who, for all intents and purposes, is the foreman of the shop in Dobbs Ferry. We spent a lot of time with Sarah and Irving, touring the factory, listening to Sarah play the pianos (she is a wonderful player..), seeing various instruments in different phases of restoration.

I am a stickler for detail (some say "anal retentive"), so I guess I come across as a bit of a pain in the ass. (I try to be nice about it, though..;-)

The entire Faust family dealt with me regularly, without any complaints. I made multiple trips to the factory to check on the progress of my instrument, and was welcomed warmly every time. They included me in decisions about voicing, key weight/touch, stain colors, finish, nickel or brass fittings, etc. It was a real team effort. They included me every step of the way, because they knew that's how I wanted it.

I received my instrument about 10 weeks ago. It is spectacular. Serial #124889, it was originally a Sketch Piano, according to Michael Mohr at Steinway. Steinway shipped it to Lyon & Healy in Chicago back in 1907, and then I lost track of it. If anyone reading this knows who may have owned it along the way, I'd love to hear about it.

Today, the African Mahogany, Victorian (Lotus leg, scrolled music desk) Model A-2 is without a doubt, my pride and joy. Original ivory keys, Renner action, voiced by Tolly. It has a hand-rubbed satin lacquer finish. It is not only an incredible sounding instrument, bit it is drop-dead-gorgeous, to boot.

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