Dear Rick,

 

I am writing to commend your company for the excellent service I received during the recent purchase of my 1012 Steinway. From my first visit, Joe made it clear that my concerns we important to him. He took notes on the style and size of Steinway which I wished to purchase, and promptly contacted me when my piano arrived at the shop.

 

The rebuilding process afforded me the opportunity to greatly expand my knowledge of pianos. During my numerous unannounced visits to the shop, my questions were always answered in a patient and courteous manner. It quickly became apparent to me that you, as well as Ernie, Bob, Ricky and Harry, are consummate craftsmen, for whom attention to detail really means something. In this age of mass-produced mediocrity, such qualities are rare, indeed.

 

The men who built my piano 82 years ago are long dead, but because of your efforts, this great old instrument lives anew, and will enrich my family for years to come. It shall always be my distinct pleasure to recommend your company to friends and acquaintances. Much thanks, again, for a job well done!

 

Bob G.

 

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Hi Rick and Carolyn:

 

Words don't seem adequate in expressing the gratitude we all have for the generous contribution you all at Schaeffer's Piano Company made to our choral festival last Wednesday. The Steinway and Sons grand piano that you provided us with was absolutely "heavenly" and was greatly enjoyed by the accompanists who played and the ears that sat and listened! Thank you so very much for your continued support to the musical life of our community.

 

P.S. I look forward to talking with you soon about starting the process of rebuilding our grand piano on the Magruder HS stage. Given the quality of the Steinway we experienced, I'm confident that you can work your same magic on our Kawai!!

 

Sincerely, Peter S.

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Dear Mr. Schaeffer:

 

We were glad to get your note in the package of books and delighted that some businesses run on trust and honesty.

 

My wife is very pleased with the piano, and we have recommended you to several friends who have admired the restoration job. Please consider us among your friendly customers.

 

Thanks again for straightening out the problems and for taking the time to write.

 

Bob S.

 

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Dear Mr. Schaeffer,

 

I must really apologize for this long delay in writing you about the pianos but I think you understand that we left Washington in such a rush and left for Africa right after. We had a marvelous trip and now we are finally back and trying to get settled down and I must write this brief word now without delay.

 

I do want to tell you how perfectly delighted my mother and I are with the work that you did on our Steinways. I can truly say that it is beyond anything that I ever dreamed could be accomplished – both the appearance of the instrument and the tone and touch. As you know I had talked to a number of experts especially about my Steinway and the possibility of lightening up the touch – some of these in New York and they all were most discouraging about this. So I had really almost given up and decided to sell the piano. Now here you and your colleagues have literally brought it back to life and the touch is just beautiful now and of course the case just like new. And as for my mother's old Steinway – well truly, we just look at it and marvel that it is the same instrument – it looks just like a new concert Steinway now and is a real joy to play on.

 

We must thank you too for the tremendous effort you put forth there at the last moment to get the pianos ready for the movers. This was indeed the most considerate of you and meant so very much to us. You really put your hearts into this work and the way the pianos look and sound are a real testimony to your artistry and devotion. We shall always be more than grateful to you for all you have done in giving us back our instruments and giving us such deep satisfaction.

 

Again thanking you most sincerely and wishing you continued success in your work.

 

Virginia-Gene R.

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Dear Rick,

 

Thanks very much for all that has been done to our Knabe Grand piano! It is the greatest pleasure on earth to work with people who really care about their craft. Your people certainly care as do you!

 

I'll make arrangements as soon as possible for a moving date. I'm ending my teaching semester at George Mason University, so my days are especially hectic until May 16th.

 

Thanks again,

Roberta C.

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Dear Mr. Schaeffer,

 

I wish to commend you for having Mr. Harry Oakes on your staff at the Schaeffer Piano Company.

It was my good fortune to have Mr. Oakes come out to tune my piano.

 

Not only was this young man extremely personable and gracious – but he did a wonderful job.

Mr. Oakes took the time to explain, in detail, what he did – and why- as well as what future work I would require on the piano.

 

In this day and age of "so-so" attitude – it was gratifying to see someone of Mr. Oakes caliber. He is very knowledgeable – his expertise is certainly exemplary.

 

Sincerely,

Rosalie G.

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Dear Rick and Jon,

 

This note is overdue, as I'd intended writing you sooner about the 1900 Steinway Model A grand piano. I cannot tell you what having this instrument and playing on something so fine has meant to me. It is, by far, the best gift I've ever received in my life, and the joy I have in it is probably sinful. Is it permissible to love an inanimate object? If not, we are both in trouble. The piano is our Golden Calf. It is also a most perfect, gorgeous thing and even improves the quality of mistakes. But it is also extraordinary what beautiful sounds it is capable of producing even when played amateurishly. What a revelation that has been. Richard told some of our friends, "Mary Evelyn is happier now than she's been since she retired." It is so.

 

We have set up the humidifier in the room and are as solicitous of the piano as if it were a beloved child, which in a way it is. Hundreds of music makers could, no doubt, play your piano better, but none could love or appreciate it more. Thank you, thank you so very much for the loving, extraordinary skill and craftsmanship you brought to its restoration. You have created a thing of beauty in which you can take enormous pride. Long may you flourish and continue your noble calling.

 

Sincerely,

Mary Evelyn B. and Richard M.

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Dear Rick,

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Thank you again for providing Montgomery County Class Piano (MCCP) with a beautiful, well-maintained

piano for our luncheon at Timpanos.  We are very appreciative of your donation and of your continued

support of MCCP.  We are happy to have you as part of our "team-music" and hope you enjoyed the luncheon.

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Sincerely, 

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Susan Keller

President, MCCP Association

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Dear Mr. Schaeffer,

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When we spoke recently you assured me you had blanket covers and man power to properly move my baby grand.

You certainly do have all that and then some...Kevin and Gabriel! These two men did an outstanding job for us

and beautifully represent your company.  They were polite, pleasant, professional and powerful! It was wonderful

having our beloved family treasure transported by these two gentlemen.  Please give them another pat on the back

for us and add our accolade to their personnel files.  Thank you very much for excellent service.  Our daughter

will be calling soon for a tuning appointment!

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Sincerely,

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Judi K.

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