I have a question that I`m presently struggling with. If any one can help me with the aesthetic, musical, or purely economic issues I would be greatful.

If - and I wish you`ll take this as a hypothetical question for now -you were approached by a BIG name piano company - say Steinway or Kuhlau - to sponsor their pianos (you know: play only on them and do promotion gigs and such stuff) would you consider it? Would it be, aesthetically, the correct thing to limit your range of instruments - to allow yourself to be biased for a specific company? And musically, wouldn`t I... er, you... be limiting your creativity? Obviously, a lifetime supply of pianos specifically catering to your tastes would be great - but, in this case, does the end justify the means?

Thanks for any help!

~robert quiller

Hmmm.... That`s a good question. I was thinking about it for a bit and I don`t think I would take an offer like that. Yes, the lifetime supply of pianos sounds perfect especially if you`re addicted to the piano like me...but...later on I would hate it. It would turn into a job to play and not a pleasure. That`s my answer even though it`s short. I wouldn`t want to make it into a job.

I don`t know if you`re still checking back on this thread, but I`ll reply anyway...
It depends on the company that gives you that offer. If it really is good, then I don`t see what the problem is... Big companies have a huge range of excellent instruments, all of which are of good quality. Maybe I haven`t played long enough to understand this, but I am content with whatever I manage to get my hands on (I don`t have a real piano at home, just those electric piano look-alike ones and I pretty much dislike using it, so whenever I get the chance to use a real one I don`t care if it`s broken and stuff) and if the quality of the instrument you`re given is good then I don`t see how you can become bored with it (if you do, you can always change it for another one)
*Shrugs* I`d take the offer.

Olga -

Thank-you for your response! I agree that a company could supply me with all the pianos I`d ever need, but my real problem was, to put it simply - would that be fair to other companies? Nonetheless, thank-you very much!

~robert quiller

Why does it have to be fair?

Merely because I have a unassailable apathy to unfairness and injustistce in all its forms.

~robert quiller

I`m glad you`re like that because there`s not many people these days who are. Just do what you feel is right and I wish you luck! : )