Sohmer had their showroom just down the street from Steinway in New York City. Both companies produced top-tier pianos in New York and were fierce competitors. Many of the classic American design elements are incorporated into both pianos, such as the wet sand cast plate and cold pressed hammers for warm tone. This is a gem of a piano which has been lovingly cared for through the ages as evidenced by the nearly flawless, real key tops (not plastic) as well as the original matching bench. (Benches don’t last as long as pianos!) What makes Sohmer pianos like this so sought after is the rich sound of the great American pianos from the Golden Era of piano building prior to WWII when the quality of workmanship in the hundreds of piano companies vying for customers was at its apex. The woods available at that time are also rare today. This piano has brand new Mapes strings. (The same type used on Steinway pianos.) It also has new tuning pins. The plate has been re-gilded and the finish has been refreshed and looks gorgeous. The piano has had moderate play. So, the action has good felt and is regulated to a high level of performance. Anyone who appreciates the great American pianos from year’s past, will love this instrument for what it is – a piano that is a little bit bigger than a baby grand, yet not a full grand – the perfect size for many homes – and in wonderful condition – a rarity today.