In reference to a 1914 A.B. Chase 54” Upright Piano which was fully rebuilt and subsequently relocated to Washington State. The client then hired an independent technician in the area to service the piano:
“….[The new technician] is awesome. Certainly not you but who is! Ok, so here’s the deal – he is making comment after comment about how incredible your work is. Even to the detail of the way it is strung. He said he has never seen a non-factory stringing that was so perfect. “The stopping point for each string is almost exact. Wow!” When he opened up the bottom he took a deep breath and again said, “wow, just beautiful work.” Of course his first comment was about the finish and how flawless it is.
He actually loves AB Chase pianos and works on three others. This is the first one he has seen rebuilt. He continues to find perfection everywhere! Oh and he is fascinated by the keys. He has never seen non-ivory keys look so wonderful. He keeps wondering out loud if they are actually whole piece ivories.
Is it appropriate for me to say, “YOU ARE AMAZING BILL MONROE!” – Nancy T.
In reference to a 1898 Knabe Grand piano with an antique rocker Capstan action, after a complete Action and Damper Action Restoration:
“…Friday I entertained 21 friends for a night of music. We had three very excellent musicians, three really good pianists, a guitar, and a lot of friends who really love to sing. I wanted to pass along that one of the pianists who performed said she absolutely loves the sound and flexibility of this piano. She has played on all kinds and told me the instrument was so ‘elastic’ and flexible that she was able to play easily with great feeling and interpretation. It was truly beautiful!! She mentioned that she plays on a Bosendorfer but likes the sound and ease of playing my Knabe!!!! She and I think that this piano ‘sings.’ And it responds to pianists who ‘caress’ it! Wish you could have been here!!! All to your credit, Bill. Many, many thanks!” – Dee C.
In reference to a 1989 Knight Upright piano after an All-Day Regulation and Voicing service:
“…just wanted to let you know that now that I’ve had a chance to put The Beast through its paces I’m mighty, mighty pleased—more responsive, better touch, nice bright sound, etc, etc — its the deformed, transformed. Couldn’t be happier with the result. So thanks again—Best to you and yours” – Lenny Z.
In reference to a 1923 Bush & Lane 5’2” Grand which was fully rebuilt:
“…now that the piano is in our home, and playing here, I really like the sound and feel of it, even more than when we played it in your shop. My wife commented tonight: ‘By the way, I do like the sound of the new piano.'” – Michael S.
In reference to a 1973 Steinway & Sons model L which received a completely rebuilt action:
“…IT IS FANTASTIC! We received it on Wednesday and…that day we set up for the Wisconsin School Music Association Middle Level Honors Choir, band and orchestra rehearsals that we host each year… The clinician and pianist were absolutely thrilled with the piano and it had a terrific debut.
This is what a Steinway should feel like and sound like. It is exactly as it should be and as I hoped it would be.” – Molly P.
In reference to a 1927 Mason & Hamlin model A which received a completely rebuilt action:
“Bill Monroe is a technician’s technician!
It was time to replace the action in my 1927 Mason & Hamlin Model A Grand piano. I had decided to go for the new Wessell, Nickel & Gross composite action parts, and I asked Bill to do the rebuilding work for me. He was so very conscientious and listened to all my requests for making this the best piano it could be. The action is truly amazing and is everything that people are saying about it. But the best part of the process was placing this job in Bill’s very patient and capable hands. I am truly in awe of the mastery that Bill displays in making this craft of rebuilding into an art form. I hold him in the highest esteem and always felt confident that he would get the job done and I would be forever happy with this piano. For those who worry how their piano will turn out, I say never fear, Bill is here, and you will be truly pleased and inspired with his work!” – Mary Neumann, Registered Piano Technician
In reference to a new Boston GP163 in which a complete Touch Weight Analysis and modification was done:
“Bill’s work is superb. He understood what is important to me as a player and made my piano into an instrument that truly fits me. I can play with a level of expressiveness and control that I find impossible on most instruments. He has pretty much ruined playing other pianos for me!” – Jeff K.
