In Search of the World's Greatest Pianos, Part Four: Baldwin SD 10

In this video James finds a USA built Baldwin SD-10. These were well know as being a world class piano back in the 80's and hold up well if you get one from 1975 - 1985.

[ViralTuber]

We had one in high school. It was donated brand new, and it's manufacture date falls within the years recommended as ideal in this video's description. I had (secret) access to it every school day. During lunch I would sneak into the plush and comfortable auditorium, where it was housed. Frankly, I had been shown a secret method to bypass one particular locked auditorium door, by a fellow student. So I was all by myself, in a totally off-limits and forbidden area, conducting daily practice sessions on a perfect-condition and well maintained Baldwin SD10. Of course, I treated the instrument (and the room) with respect. I finally got "caught in the act" of jamming, by the head music teacher, who blustered in red-faced and ready for battle. When he recognized it was me just innocently playing piano, he thankfully calmed right down. In the end he left me to it, with no orders to stop playing (or sneaking in, -I told him I found the auditorium unlocked) then or in the future! He caught me a few times in the three years I was there, and each time never made any effort to run me off or prevent me from coming back. It was clear he was looking out for me, granting me a chance to play.
If he had found some random student in their just messing around, hiding from classes for example, he would have lowered the boom on them I'm sure. I appreciated how he allowed me time with that amazing instrument. That piano and I were best buddies for 3 years. I think he (music teacher) liked to quote $60, 000 as its price. Maybe that was just the inflated "suggested retail" price, and not the actual out-the-door price. I don't know. After college, where I could again sometimes jump on a couple concert grands they had, I never got to touch a concert grand again in my life.
I'd gladly pay to have some access to a similar piano now, anywhere. My dream scenario would be to know a guy with a big piano store (warehouse!!!) who'd let me hang out at night playing whatever inventory I wanted, of course leaving no trace in the morning that I was ever there. ...Or even some college that would let me pay to play overnight.

[prestigerider]

Nice work James ! That is my all time favorite grand . Played one at a local studio. It transformed me. Nice hearing it again .

[hansroemerszoonvanderbrikk]

You choosen very remarkable pianos for this series, at this point it's hard to tell which one is better. I personally don't know the Baldwin because there in Italy it's rare, it's almost impossible to find one to try, but I confirm this seems to be a world class piano. I personally like this more than the Hamburg Steinway but my favourite remains the old NY Steinway.

[peternagy]

I love that Baldwin bass, but this particular instrument sounds like it could use some voicing. A local rebuilder has a 1969 SD10 that was rebuilt about 10 years ago that I played for a while. It had the same rich bass as this, but the treble was not as percussive as this recording.

[eamonnmcloughlin]

I wonder if you'll be planning to get your hands on a Ravenscroft 275 as a lot of people are ravin' about it (excuse the pun) and liken it to a Fazioli.

[Jampsu]

Just awesome! How long have you been playing piano and which recording equipment you are using?

[theoa]

Thanx for this. Amazing how different the pianos sound! It helps that James is a wonderful talent at the wheel as well!

Any chance you might find a Mason & Hamlin in your travels...