Why Does Wayne Stuart of Stuart and Sons Pianos Hate Me?

I recently tried contacting Wayne Stuart from Stuart and Sons Pianos, hoping to find one of his supposedly great pianos so I could do a review of it. However, he turned me down in an extremely rude way, and I have no idea why. I never did anything to him, but yet he acted really pretentious and angry. Stuart and Sons pianos will never be featured on my channel.

[@ThePianoforever]

For those wanting the whole e-mail, here it is. This comment was updated to show my first email as requested. ________________________________________________________ First, My email to Wayne Stuart: Our family runs a recording studio in Tennessee, USA, but travel the country in search of the world's best pianos. We have for some time wanted to review a Stuart and Sons piano, but have not been able to find one here in the states. We are told that there may be one in San Francisco, CA. We would be interested in reviewing that piano if at all possible. Please feel free to contact me back at this email address, and also find out a little about us on my KZbin channel kzbin.info _________________________________________________________ Wayne Stuart's response: "Hello James, The instruments we have in the US are in private hands and as you may appreciate, they are inaccessible to Mome Raths and Moochers. I don’t wish to be critical nor offensive but might I say, I found your so called reviews overly loquacious, tedious in irrelevant minutiae and lacking authoritative insight in to the history and mechanics of the instruments under the spell of your super-charged tongue. In short, a real amateur beat up in a style that few, if any, of the owners of Stuart & Sons pianos would appreciate. The idea is OK, I suppose, but the format is highly irritating and reduces the medium to something akin a car salesman’s rant. Fix the format and I might talk further. Best wishes for now, Wayne Stuart OAM Director"

[@VOmaker]

He obviously didn't watch any of your really young videos. Or he did and didn't like the fact that a young whippersnapper might know as much as he (Stuart) thinks he knows. What a pompous ass! Keep up the good work you do, James.

[@DeanHorak]

Not sure I understand the reference, but I guess it’s an Aussie thing... disney.fandom.com/wiki/Mome_Raths

[@normdeplume6133]

His second sentence started "I don’t wish to be critical nor offensive." Questionable social skills! Wonder how he treats customers with complaints about the product?

[@JaimeVeranoMD]

OMG, just don't listen to him.

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

Truly bizarre. Why would a small business owner want to shoot himself in the foot so thoroughly? What would have ever stopped you from reviewing a privately owned instrument, whether Stuart wanted you too or not? As a proud Australian company his company is likely surviving on government subsidies for "homegrown" products and he isn't too worried about international sales/ exposure. Or he's just a bit of a donkey. Time will tell.

[@bigrussmusic]

Hi James, Greetings from the land down under. Love your tube. I’d like to clarify a few things about your treatment by Mr Stuart. My father is a master piano technician he’s 92, he trained myself and my two older brothers Chris & Rod, we are the only family in Australia to have four members of one family as piano technicians. One of my brothers is one of the finest technicians in Australia and cared for the first Stuart piano in WA( West Australia) for some time before moving to Tasmania. The first artist to perform on that was Roger Woodward , it took Roger 12 hours to get used to the instrument before the concert. My brother currently cares for a Stuart at the Tasmanian Con, I’m sure if you go to Tassie you could check it out (it’s not the finest example lol). Our family has met Mr Stuart several times at length to discuss problem issues and found him to be a JERK. He does not like any crit, and refuses to accept his pianos can have problems. Regards Russ

[@ThePianoforever]

I find the people of Australia to be wonderful, and it's always great meeting new people from across the world! Mr. Stuart is quite the character, for sure.

[@jmitterii2]

In other words he's a fraud using snob appeal to push his less than great pianos for big money.

[@SnazzyZubloids]

@@jmitterii2 most people who have played on a well-tuned Stuart & Sons have great things to say about them. I think Wayne is just a tad insecure and is afraid of any kind of criticism whatsoever, which is no way to run a business.

[@miguelmarquez4192]

@@jmitterii2 exactly. And a snob will buy from a snob. Still, no thanks.

[@MrJdsenior]

@@SnazzyZubloids Good way to END a business, actually, if enough people find out about it. As in, yeah, I'd LOVE to buy a piano from someone who thinks all of his are the gold standard of perfection, will NOT be there if I have a problem, and treats people (his customers?) like crap for his own petty minded insecurities....NOT! He could have medical problems that cause him to be this way, but who wants to do business (especially high dollar business) based on that kind if irrational nonsense?

[@PAPAMOZO]

One more thing, James: if Mr. Stuart changes his mind, please be the bigger man. Play it. Review it. You'll be more respectable than he. Good on ya, sir.

[@ivanmengualalvarez7423]

I disagree. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction, his products don't deserve a video in James' channel.

[@ghollisjr]

PAPAMOZO I would agree so long as he sincerely apologized and gave a good explanation of why he responded with so much hostility. You should show mercy to those who are sorry; if you forgive people who aren't even sorry, you make yourself into a useful idiot.

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

PAPAMOZO James should play it and give it a bad review.

[@alanclarkeau]

​@@KeepingOnTheWatch And that would be the end of James - a dishonest bad review.

[@robbiefest]

Review the owner of the company, and ask , would you want to buy from this man?

[@jassonsw]

Sounds like he'd had a drink or two. That was very rude.

[@VOmaker]

@@dorothylouisegage5286 Nah. He's an old fart. Even older than me. LOL. If he tried to kick his dog, the animal would have his leg ripped off long before it could make contact. As for his son's they don't make an appearance on the website, so maybe they've grown up and moved on and don't really have any interest in the piano biz.

[@jassonsw]

There's just no need for it. He makes great sounding pianos. Why the patronising, rude, unpleasant reply to such an innocent request?

[@johnpeer8260]

This Australian sounds like a bitter old drunk. Just subscribed...can you say good things about my Nord Grand, lol? It cost a lot, and there are haters! ;-)

[@ThePianoforever]

If you like music, you might want to check out my second channel "Milan Recording Studios". Feel free to subscribe and hit the bell icon if you want to! kzbin.info/door/u1LrpmWwK1ztTvIayRar9w

[@ghollisjr]

It would make a lot of sense if Stuart and Sons pianos are pure hype furniture pianos. I never heard of a good instrument maker who didn't want honest publicity.

[@mattekudasai8249]

it seems like they are from what I've seen

[@gregslivkoff5237]

I wonder how he treats his builders/workers. Must be a real treat working for him.

[@fr.jamesjohnson1567]

Wow! That is the height of rudeness! I'm sorry you had to receive such a reply. I really enjoy your reviews and your playing, James. Yours is one of my very favorite channels on KZbin. If I had a quarter million dollars to spend on a piano, after having heard Mr. Stuart's words to an artistic pianist, I would never purchase his instrument--just because of his attitude. I don't blame you for passing on featuring one of his pianos one bit. Keep up the great work! Regards.

[@mouldypretzel]

As an Australian myself I can say, I know the type quite well. All smiles and happy vibes for the cameras, but horrible people once the cameras are turned off. I imagine the reason has to do with age. A lot of my country folk are easily threatened by youngsters and would go to great lengths to assert their superiority. Just my thoughts

[@neilloughran4437]

My immediate feelings too... manic behaviour.

[@valentinerichardbarker8765]

In my experience most Australian people are very friendly, polite and welcoming. Just a very few exceptions go to the opposite extreme, and it would seem that Mr. Stuart is one of these exceptions.

[@nathanielbrice8725]

I’m Australian and I’m embarrassed by his response! I think he’s being unnecessarily rude and probably thinks you’re not a good enough player to deserve playing it! I love your reviews and am jealous that you get to play some amazing pianos! Keep up the awesome videos!

[@ThePianoforever]

Nathaniel Brice I have been lucky enough to meet a few Australians in person and all have been very nice and friendly. I found Mr. Stuart to be more funny than anything else and I suppose there are characters everywhere.

[@aaronpercefull5528]

Two piano brands I hope you'll be able to review someday: Stephen Paulello's pianos (French) and Phoenix pianos (English). Of course you'd have to travel to France and England, but that would be a fun road trip. Paulello makes a 3 meter concert grand that is straight strung and has 102 notes (F to F). His designs include many other, more abstruse innovations. Phoenix uses carbon fiber extensively (including the sound board) and even have one model that is entirely carbon fiber. They also use a bridge agraffe system, which I believe Stuart also uses. Maybe they will be nicer to you than Mr. Stuart.

[@scottnokes]

James, you are doing a great job with your channel. Although I am not a young man, your videos have inspired me to learn at least a little bit of piano. My great aunt Peggy was a fabulous organist, and played piano as well. She played at my wedding in 1986 just before she died from brain cancer - her last pubic performance - which I have on tape. Peggy would have loved your channel. She always told me to feel the music, let it flow through my body, and embrace my soul. I know now what she meant - it just took me a few decades to figure it out. You are an inspiration to many folks, so keep at it, ignore the naysayers - and thank you so much for doing what you do.

[@colinmurphy2214]

Yikes. At least over email he seems to be quite the acerbic character. You’d think he’d jump at the chance at some free advertising, especially in a country where Stuart is relatively unknown, at very least he didn’t need to be rude. He could have had an honest and glowing review that would have been seen by thousands, rather he volunteered for bad publicity, very surprising, and keenly disappointing.

[@dadautube]

@ Alexander Alekhine: true all that ... in one word, the writer of that email (whoever it was) sounds rather 'cocksure' ...

[@lollycopter]

> "You’d think he’d jump at the chance at some free advertising, especially in a country where Stuart is relatively unknown" Don't worry - they're not well known in Australia either. Most of us stick to Steinway, Kawai, Yamaha and all the other leading brands.

[@RegiHedahl]

James, Keep up the good work and never quit standing up for yourself. I do greatly enjoy your video reviews. There's another Australian made piano that you might try to review. The name of that piano is Overs. I believe there is one that was sold to someone in New York but you might check with Ron Overs, the builder of that piano.

[@gaugeonesteam]

I'm a retired piano dealer/tuner/mover from the UK. Sadly, I've met a few "Wayne Stewarts" over the years in the world of pianos. Don't let it get to you! I am actually living in Beglium now. Chris Maene's place not so far from me. His straight strung grand looks amazing on his website. I believe the harmonics are quite different to a cross strung. Also seen another pedal variation a few years ago. Sustain pedal that just lifted the bass dampers. Sort of poor mans sostenuto pedal! Suzuki Baby grand I seem to remember. A couple of other rare features I have seen over the years are: 1) Ivory sided white keys on a Russian concert Grand. 2) One piece ivory keys on a german upright.

[@CalvinLimuel]

Robin Spicer some Yamaha Upright pianos have that “poor man’s sostenuto” as a middle pedal. We have some of them at Berklee.

[@user-dq6bd5nt5t]

@@CalvinLimuel I had a Baldwin upright that had the same thing.

[@Modeltnick]

Hi James. If I were you I wouldn't even sweat the response from that guy. There are lots of American pianos that you might not have stumbled on that are probably very impressive to review as well. Being from the Philadelphia area, there were two brands that were pretty common in the area. One was Lester, made in Philadelphia, and the other was George Steck. You mentioned a 64' stop on an organ. The worlds largest pipe organ is at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. It is a Midmer-Losh and is about 90% restored. It has a 64' stop that is functional. Please keep giving us an education in pianos and all things keyboard! Many times people act out of resentment because they are usually jealous of your ability and personality! You have nothing to be worried about with your "regulars". Thanks for posting this!

[@Sunnyacres55]

Thank you for sharing this. It is Wayne Stuart's loss as you give such honest and intelligent reviews. You are always fair on your reviews and never undermine the companys or belittle them. Your research into each instrument is unbelievable and any music company should be proud to even have you ask to review their product. Don't spend too much time thinking about his rude email, he is just one of those mean hearted people and not worth it. I loved how kind you actually were in telling us this story. Keep up the fantastic good work you do!!

[@franslengkeek]

I visited Steingraeber @ söhne last summer in Bayreuth Germany. One of their great grand pianos is standing outside on a stage in a public area to be played by whoever wants to. So i did, pure magic!!

[@ThePianoforever]

That is awesome!

[@lokmanmerican6889]

I'm sooo glad to have read your comment ;-)

[@PNWRTRider]

James - your format and style is why many of us do subscribe: open, honest, enthusiastic, knowledgeable without being too technical [for that one can visit PTG for info] and very helpful. Your response was as polite and honest as your initial contact with Mr. Stuart, and provided more insight as to his make of piano being of limited presence, perhaps for good reasons...but none of us will ever know since he is so secretive about the quality.

[@johnnycee888]

Took piano lessons for 7 years and love the piano dearly. You Mr Shawross are an excellent teacher and piano recitalist. I've learned quite a bit from you. (I'm 76 years old this year) - As for Mr Stuart, all I can say is that I will pray for him. He obviously needs the Lord Jesus, Big Time.

[@PiXimperfect]

Keep making videos, James :) We are with you. Bad for him, none of us will ever buy a Stuart and Sons after watching this video. I trust you more than any piano expert.

[@Drewster58]

There is room on KZbin for all styles of talking, reviewing, and appreciating things. You are a fun and lively voice, and come off as an Everyman, a spokesman that regular people can relate to. I get a kick out of your delivery and style and enjoy all your videos. But it is a fact, no matter how nice we are some people will not get us, they won’t relate, and will not like what we do. Do it anyway. There are probably several thousand piano stores and other related businesses that will welcome you.

[@normdeplume6133]

Wow! First thought is that maybe he does not consider you to be qualified to review pianos. You are young and are not a international artist. Maybe 30 or 40 years of playing in concert halls worldwide would impress him more. My thought is that your hearing is probably much better than most older, more experienced pianists. He could have just said in his reply that since the ones in the US are in private hands, he would not want to bother the owners. And leave it at that. And maybe offer to let you know if one was ever obtained in the future by a US store. If they are that rare, chances of any of you audience buying or ever playing one is unlikely. So no great loss. Is there any music written for such a piano anyhow? If the "resonance" of the extra strings is an added value, why not just add the strings without keys? Just hit them with a hammer to tune them and let them do their thing when the piano is played. Probably better to review pianos that more people might actually have access to. This is from one of your 16,000 subscribers!

[@rich5310]

James since you played a lot of pianos what grand pianos make and models would you suggest to look at for under $30000? I dont like bright pianos ? thanks

[@ThePianoforever]

I think if you look for a well kept Baldwin from the 1980's with new hammers and recent regulation it might be a very good find. I am generally not a fan of the L, but the SF-10 ( I own one) or SD-10 can be wonderful pianos. You might want to check out my video on 10 things to know before buying a used piano.

[@DeanHorak]

My impression is that his is a gimmick piano. There is no way this guy can compete with the rich skill and technology of something like Bosendorfer or Steinway, and yet sell for $300k, so they add more keys and an extra pedal. This might be appealing for someone who wants an expensive piece of furniture to impress their friends, but a top level pianist would likely not be impressed. They are selling exclusiveness and mystery, not a quality instrument that can withstand scrutiny.

[@piranhaplantX]

(I know, necropost. But whatever) Honestly, I think this is true for anything over the standard 88 keys, to varying degrees. I mean, the problem isn't the piamo itself. It's that we run into the limits of human hearing. Some of the sellers of these pianos even acknowledge that these extra keys mostly exist for the added resonance, and not for the extra notes. So there's just a certain point where it becomes a bit of a gimmick, since we're at the point of hardcore diminishing returns.

[@TheEchelon]

@@piranhaplantX No such thing as a necropost on KZbin lol

[@nowkentapplegate5315]

Good for you. There may be a few times I've disagreed with you but never have I doubted your honesty and sincerety which is why I keep watching you're videos.

[@DAVE121063]

Your video format is great and doesn't need 'fixing'. Your enthusiasm is infectious and I always enjoy listening to you (talking and playing). I don't understand why anyone would be so rude and unprofessional with such a response. No wonder there are only two Stuart and sons pianos in the US. I am in the UK and have never come across one in 25 years of piano tuning. Keep up the good work and thank you.

[@pastorwaltercross3891]

Thank you for being a gentle person, honest and informative to the masses. Mr. Stewart does not know you you all And does not have a relationship with you professional or otherwise. You keep doing what you’re doing you are a blessing. Do not take time away from your mission to answer foolishness and his misunderstanding unless the person is seeking wisdom and knowledge. and never answer in what can be perceived as anger I am sure he has a fine product. Please forgive errors I’m limited to voice type. You will probably buy all three models one day the best response to criticism is success thank you remember how babies are cute to the parents and grandparents especially

[@epicrelaxingmeditationmusi744]

I recently came across this video and wondered myself how do you tune a wind Stewart and Sons what I believe was the answer sat in front of me I have a Yamaha Motif xf8 and this has an octave up button so I gave it a try to see what that note would sound like an octave above C very interesting my question would be can you actually tune with your ears on that note ?

[@Lucius_Chiaraviglio]

On the videos (including KZbin) that I have found showing 97 key or 102 key Stuart pianos being played (and even 1 of a 108 key piano being played), they sound very good (including all the notes being in tune) except at the extremes, which is also true of more standard pianos, meaning that they have a greater compass than most pianos of notes that sound good. The sound has less resonance/sustain, but is more crisp than most -- not so good as a Bosendorfer for something dreamy like Debussy or Satie, but better for music that needs crisp-sounding notes like Mozart, Beethoven (I found a KZbin video of one being used for the Emperor Concerto, for which it excelled), Brahms, or Ravel. (To my perception, a Steinway is in between, and represents a compromise for both type of music, not being the worst for either type of music, but also not being the best for either type.) So it is a puzzle that Wayne Stuart would be against an honest review.

[@EsequielMeza]

I am so sorry you had to endure such abuse from this horses ass!! I am a professional concert artist and so enjoy your videos quite a lot. They are both entertaining and informative. Thank you for all that you do!!!

[@Pythonaria]

Gosh James. I cannot believe that man was so ill-mannered and rude. My thoughts were that he makes expensive, cheap tat and sells to people who know nothing of pianos, probably can't even play a piano but want something to brag about. A piano should never be "just" a piece of furniture. A piano not played is a very lonely and sad piano. My own piano, a digital grand but a relatively cheap one may not have the best finish in the world but I love it and love playing it. I like the succinct way you put Stuart down and it was nothing less than he deserved. Keep on making your videos just the way they are. I, and many others, really enjoy your informative and honest reviews.

[@anjapinkau3737]

I agree with prism: Anyone who is proud of his product would want the publicity. If Stuart and Sons are afraid of an honest review, they might fear the outcome. Or whatever. He problably was just upset about something else, and let it out on you, James, for no good reason. Forget about it! We love and appreciate your videos! They are honest, competent, informative and fun to watch. Love, Anja

[@benjaminsmith2287]

This is very disappointing. I was looking forward to and was actually excited when you said you located two Stuart and Sons pianos in the USA with one of them in a CA location. I don't understand Wayne Stuart's response and it is, to be charitable, regrettable that he took the tone he took. Your subscription levels are definitely high enough to at least introduce their pianos to many in the USA who aren't familiar with them. Well, all I can say it isn't their piano's fault. Both Steinway and Yamaha have corporate things about them I dislike. But, you give reviews on their pianos and some of the pianos of theirs you reviewed have been outstanding. That helps them (to the degree they need help). Stuart and Sons pianos seem like they may be very nice and interesting pianos. Oh well.

[@jamchiell]

James you're such a nice guy and you don't deserve that. Keep making the videos, they're so cool.

[@vernmoss7486]

Hello James. You made some very good points on how to tune the extra notes on these pianos. Have you heard of David Klavins? He's made a 12 foot tall and a 15 foot tall pianos. Sometime you'll have to review his pianos. I would love to hear your comments on his low bass notes. Supposedly the 15 foot upright piano has a bass string that is 12 feet long!!!!! Another piano to look into is called; Rubenstein. This is a 12 foot concert grand piano with extra bass notes. Let me know what you find out. Thanks- The Pianoman!!!!!

[@dal0229]

I hope beyond hope that Rubenstein allows visitors to play his piano again - no other piano has a bass as jagged, mean, **fat** and **crushing**! Honestly could be substituted for bass on metal recordings, it's THAT good! Although the Borgato 333 is a close cousin to the Rubenstein in terms of sound; it has a leaner tone in the bass but otherwise gives a general idea as to how the Rubenstein will sound in person. :)

[@prestige2000rider]

Just keep looking ahead bro. I have seen this with Musicians and producers too. The majority are terrific and some i would call friends. There will always be a few where ever it is, that i would never care if i saw again. But its very rare. You are a good man. Excellence attracts the same. Its a good place to be in.

[@Mark959]

Hi James. Have you had a chance to play on a piano with the "Pédale Harmonique"? I own one - possibly the last one to be sold in the UK. Currently, Feurich are either "re-evaluating" it's mechanism, or have decided to ditch the idea altogether. Most Feurich pianos just have the standard 3 pedals, but I believe they made quite a few with the optional 4th pedal. I think it's great - even if it is just a gimmick, that doesn't stop it being a lot of fun to improvise and compose with.

[@TheWurlitzerman123]

That's a shame, but it sounds like you handled it with calm maturity, which is to your credit. Who knows what the future may bring, but maybe it is better that you didn't review that piano.

[@tigergreg8]

I agree, it may be better, because Stuart wouldn't be able to handle any criticism, and who knows where that would lead too. People are better off staying clear of this guy.

What a looser Wayne Stuart!! I will play every other piano, Steinway, Blüthner, Bosendorfer, Mason & Hamlin...but not a Stuart & Sons Piano!!! You just proved how no one else in the world plays or knows about your product! James love your posts , keep on playing those great pianos! Do a Steinway & Sons Beverley Hills visit and hopefully they will be gracious and allow you to play a Steinway & Sons Piano for all of us to enjoy!

[@hunterbailey-watts2544]

There’s a 97 key model at my uni (Sydney con). It rarely gets used and is in a practice room somewhere. This particular piano has an awfully heavy action... and I think that’s how it’s meant to be which is concerning. It’s high register is decent but the extra bass keys sound questionable.

[@temptress123]

You are personable and knowledgeable, polite and enthusiastic. Geezer's an idiot! I think you gave him far too much publicity for a make of Piano I hadn't previously heard of. (Obviously not a brand of any significance 😉) I like the way you pause at the end of playing something beautiful, to allow your audience a moment to savour the resonance of the last notes. Keep doing what you're doing, James! p.s. BÖSENDORFERS RULE!!!

[@sonicsound84]

"handcrafted grand pianos since 1992​" ? 92? They are basically infants in manufacturing pianos. Steinway & Sons was founded in 1853. I wouldn't worry about it. :-) keep up the good work!

[@PAPAMOZO]

James, I have no idea why this man would respond to you in this particular manner. You seem like a perfectly nice young man, full of knowledge and history of so many different pianos, keyboards, etc. I hope he realizes his error, and sends an apology to you, and allows you to review one of his products, which, by the way, sounds very interesting. I also would like to know how old you are, because you seem extremely young to have such immense knowledge. Please keep up the good work. There are many people who enjoy your critique, your playing, and your knowledge. God bless Rev. Ellsworth

[@ThePianoforever]

Just turned 19, but have been around music and pianos my whole life.

[@PAPAMOZO]

@@ThePianoforever Most impressive, young man. I pray nothing but good on you and your family.

[@PAPAMOZO]

@@Captaink-1 Agreed, sir.

[@erwinschrodinger2546]

Just for the record, a "mome rath" is the entity mentioned in Lewis Carroll's poem Jabberwocky. They are mentioned in the very first stanza: "’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe." They are also mentioned in the last stanza, which is identical to the first. The best explanation of what mome raths are was provided by a Mr. Humpty Dumpty in one of Lewis Carroll's other works, Alice in Wonderland. Alice is asking Mr. Dumpty about the words in Jabberwocky: "And then 'mome raths'?" said Alice. "If I'm not giving you too much trouble." "Well a 'rath' is a sort of green pig, but 'mome' I'm not certain about. I think it's sort for 'from home'--meaning that they'd lost their way, you know." "And what does 'outgrabe' mean?" "Well, 'outgribing' is something between bellowing an whistling, with a kind of sneeze in the middle: however, you'll hear it done, maybe--down in the wood yonder--and when you've once heard it, you'll be quite content. Who's been repeating all that hard stuff to you?" So I hope that clears up "mome raths" for everybody. I would guess that "Moocher" means the same as it commonly means in the United States, i.e. a free-loader, i.e. someone who persuades others to give him things. But don't all reviewers have to use a borrowed copy to review in many cases? Does he really expect you to buy a $200,000+ piano just to review it?

[@mikeward1701]

Doesn't the Sydney Opera House exclusively use Stuart & Sons pianos? I remember many years ago taking the virtual tour of the opera house on their website and in one of the smaller performance spaces (the concert studio?) they had a Stuart & Sons as one of the cameras positions was sat in front of it.

[@ThePianoforever]

They have many different pianos from many different brands, last I heard.

[@frozenfan538]

Bosendorfer is my absolute favorite piano and it's my dream to own one in the future. Stuart and Sons would never be a piano I would ever play.

[@thingsthathappenedtomymoth2816]

James, I’ve watched your informative videos for about a year now. Your response to this fellow who clearly did not value your knowledge and clarity is inspiring. “Mome raths,” by the way, which I may be misspelling, is a term invented by Lewis Carrol, used in his poem (from ALICE IN WONDERLAND) “The Jabberwocky.” I feel certain Lewis Carrol would have been in your side.

[@neilloughran4437]

Bad PR I think! He could do a lot by apologising...

[@brentraycraft3067]

You are wise beyond your years James, please keep up the great work! P.S. if I ever make a Piano, you will be very welcome to give it a whirl because I could trust your honesty.

[@xyBoyMusic]

Is cuz you the very rare person that knows his stuff. That gonna make lots a peeps uneasy. But keep up the most excellent work!!! You so awesome!

[@larryr6046]

This is quite unfortunate, how he treated you. I have heard one of these being played and it excels in the way all notes have an even sound and when played with power it is beyond amazing. I don't think any piano does everything perfectly and if different music were chosen perhaps any faults would have come out. Maybe that's what Stuart & Sons is afraid of.

[@radiorexandy]

James, don't let it spoil your day. Obviously, the guy has issues... I've been following your KZbin channel now for about a year. It's always interesting and, I've often been blown away by your level of technical playing and musical maturity. And, your sense of humor as well. Your presentations are always warm and engaging, fun and informative and very educational, as well. And, I always look forward to your next episode. Keep up the good work! Kindest regards and appreciation,, Andrew Rood

[@radiorexandy]

Some further thoughts: I decided to do some online research on the Stuart and Sons Piano. I watched one of his promotional videos and they are very beautiful, even stunningly beautiful, I would say. And, one of his promotional videos featured a pair of pianists playing one and the sound was spectacular Rich, Resonant and Powerful. I also listened to a Suzuki class playing a Stuart piano at the world famous Sydney Opera House and, guess what? The piano they were using was a STEINWAY! In Australia :-) Then, I went back to your review of the email response Mr. Stuart sent you and, I still cannot wrap my mind around why he would respond in such a strange manner -- perhaps he's off his meds??? It simply makes no sense, at all.

[@FFKpar]

Love the shade being thrown at Stuart & Sons lol

[@bblozan]

I watched this video with keen interest as someone who has interacted with WS via email as well...though I knew from the beginning how it would turn out. I had a question for him about bridge agraffes and, like you, was delighted he wrote me right back. Soon, however, I simply decided to stop prompting his (always rapid) replies. He relishes the opportunity to insult the person he's talking with along with their piano and other piano makes just for good measure. I initially thought "Stoneway" was a typo but quickly realized it's his way of showing evident authority through his disdain of that venerated instrument. I'm sure he manages to keep his ego intact by shooting off insults on the reg, but I have to think he diminishes both himself and the success of his company as collateral damage. It just didn't feel good to deal with him.

[@batlin]

Please continue to review in your honest and informative way. Occasionally you'll meet someone who spits in your face for no reason other than that they're personally in a bad place. No need to question your way of life and start doubting yourself when that happens -- just keep doing your thing.

[@goldwinger5434]

As I'm sure that others may have pointed out, a polite response would have been, "Our pianos are in private homes and we are not comfortable giving out their contact information."

[@borisc6714]

Have you ever played on Feurich Pianos, with a "harmonic pedal"?

[@ThePianoforever]

Feurich Pianos, yes: harmonic pedal, no.

[@borisc6714]

@@ThePianoforever Thanks for your answer. I hope you'll come across this kind of piano. I would be interested about what you think about the harmonic pedal...

[@MrVonweber]

James, thanks for your channel. You are to be commended in a younger world that seems less interested in keyboard instruments in favor of guitars. Both pianos and guitars are good for making music. There are musicians who want everyone to love music....notice and experts....that's you. There are musical technicians who are condescending to those they think interior to themselves. Thank you for your work efforts!

[@dylanreischling4151]

Have you played a George Steck?

[@laurayeesnover631]

Awesome videos! We love your finds and honest opinions. The comparison videos are very nice and your ears are similar to ours. Keep up the good work!

[@scottguo1222]

Before this piano made its way into any sort of performing venues this man will be long dead, the internet and knowledge will live on and this amazing content you created will also live on to educate everyone of their product. Well done!

[@paulallenMacca]

James have you ever played a Challen Upright like the one Paul McCartney played on Hey Jude.

[@ThePianoforever]

Not yet.

[@danielwhite9595]

Challenge. Then there is Chappel, another English piano, a nine footer being for sale in Akron, Ohio and on Craigslist that would probably be an interesting review for James if the folks were amenable

[@danielwhite9595]

Auto correct can be quite annoying. Challen became challenge

[@dominicvollath209]

This video was perfect. I particularly liked the ending "... and I'll move on to playing better and more exciting pianos."

[@pauljmeyer1]

That was an arrogant and nasty e-mail.

[@bdawg8930]

He's literally like a five year old In youtube comment sections. Wayne: "ur content is bad." James: "why?" Wayne: "it just sucks, make it better." James: "can you list some reasons why you don't like my content?" Wayne: "it's bad." James: 😐 Absolutely no constructive criticism what so ever.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

Bro, your vids are awesome in the piano world. "Boutique" instrument making is an almost impossible way to make any real dough. Many people will become bitter. I've never played one, but I doubt it will compare with a Steinway, Yamaha, etc... It may be different, but doubtfully superior. Interesting correspondence, though.

[@skn9895]

I can’t tolerate a snob. How very sad that a grown man would respond in this manner. I’ve just recently subscribed to your channel and have watched several of your videos. I like your youthful enthusiasm, honesty, and the fact that you are reviewing pianos and not video games! Feel free to come to Montana sometime and review my old 1925 Howard upright! I’m sure playing it would send you screaming into the night! But it was my grandmother’s, so it will always have a place in my home. I also have a Casio Privia keyboard that I like quite well. I hope to someday have a Mason and Hamlin BB. It will be my reward to myself for having reached my desired level of proficiency.

[@stephanhartmann1128]

Hi James, just was inspired by this video to watch your Bosendorfer Imperial review. There you state, and that sounds reasonable to me, that there is not much music (thus not much need also) for extra keys on a piano like the Imperial. Even less reason would there be to have 11 more keys like on the Stuart and Sons. Probably he is upset about somebody saying like "ok, nice, but what do you need it for?". Looks like having a 1000 HP car where you never get the power down to an, even not public, road. On the other hand, pianos moved from having 58 keys Mozart's time to 88 up to now.

[@QuasarRedshift]

love your work and your passion for pianos !

[@grahamrankin5557]

Hi James, I've just caught up with your experience with Wayne Stuart, and as an Aussie, I'm sad and sorry that it was anything but cordial. I would have relished your review of the S&S pianos as they seem to offer a different sound to conventional ones, requiring players to adjust their technique accordingly. But not to be. As a matter of fact, your experience reminded me of an attempt I made a few years ago to contact Stuart and Sons by email, requesting information about a possible visit to their facilities. You, at least, got a prompt reply, I didn't get that, even with a followup to my request. So, it appears you are not alone. Cheers and keep up the reviewing. Regards, Graham

[@dessiplaer]

Mr. Stuart just got the Shawcross Smackdown! 8-)

[@Waldszenen]

Looks like I know which piano manufacturer I won't be giving my money to. I was considering them too, being based in Sydney.

[@youregrammersucks]

All he had to say was that they’re in private hands so wouldn’t be accessible for review purposes: job done. There was absolutely no need to proceed with the personal attack. His response says far more about him than it does about you, James.

[@drewbaker5595]

James never fear many of us in Australia enjoy your video, although I question Australia being exotic..there is a Stuart and Sons piano here in Melbourne at venue called Tempo Rubato. It’s very load and I didn’t think too much of it.

[@g10118]

I believe you are correct about the true reason for this hostility, specifically with regards to the added upper notes. There are claims made by owners/oddly invested forum rabbits that the no/low downforce design of the agraffes allow the upper register(s) to sound "much' better, yet all available audio evidence points to the contrary. There's one stuart and son's owner who seems to have made it his life's work to defend these pianos on the internet. I would wager he spends more time typing than he does playing. I really doubt you're missing out on anything special with these instruments, very strange defensive behavior from the maker AND owners alike for a long while now. If anything, these added notes are only really useful for producing sympathetic vibrations and moving the c8 etc. closer from the edge of the soundboard. Even the S&S website has a review stating "These registers are mostly used to embellish the sound, notably in the mixture and cymbal stops. I absolutely think that the last notes can be used in the same way. " Seems that even S&S 'approved' players have trouble finding a concrete reason for the physical presence of these additional keys.

[@krisanapanna]

The Australian piano with unique bridge cap, is not so unique. The juries are still out on this design performance. Invented more than 100 years ago, and used in some model of Steingreaber and Sons, it produces unconventional harmonics, supposedly. Most people refer to it as the phoenix system.

[@bryduhbikeguy]

I look forward to all your reviews.To have a builder be such a pompous ass, is just what may happen when someone can reach about to pat their own back too frequently.I will continue to watch and listen as you create,and present.Thank you for your wonderful music and videos.

[@pianodreamsmotherson5053]

James you have done nothing wrong. You say your personal opinion about different pianos and your followers like that. I don't know what's going wrong with the guy. Stay above. Keep up the good work and enjoy it. We love you.... (thank s to googel translater 😁😁😁) I watch your video s a few weeks and I understand much more than to beginn. My English gets better and better I hope).....

[@louisc.gasper7588]

The extended bass provides harmonics that enhance the sound, but what's the use of the extended treble? My knowledge of the piano literature is limited, but so far as that knowledge goes there is just one piece -- the piano reduction of Ferde Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite -- that would actually use that extra range. And it uses in a way in which the tuning would not be critical. It seems to me that making a piano with an almost useless extra treble -- a range that, besides, as you point out, would give a lot of technical trouble -- building that and putting it on the market is akin to the fish tail craze in automobiles in the 50s. "Our car is superior because it has the biggest fish tails in the whole fishy business!" "My piano is the greatest because it has the most keys!"

[@danielwhite9595]

A significant amount of the piano literature was composed when pianos were 85 keys

[@Lucius_Chiaraviglio]

@@danielwhite9595 . . . or fewer.

[@paulprocopolis]

I see there are a lot of comments below, so if anyone has already supplied the following information, please feel free to ignore/delete this comment! 'Mome raths' is a reference to Lewis Carroll's poem 'Jabberwocky': "'Twas brillig and the slithy toves, Did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogroves, And the mome raths outgrabe". Obviously this is intentional nonsense, although the text of 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' (in which the poem appears) offers this - not very helpful - explanation: "rath is a sort of green pig; but mome ... I think it's short for 'from home' - meaning that they'd lost their way". Anyway, 'mome rath' is clearly not a compliment! The definition of a 'moocher' is "someone who lives off others without giving anything in return" - which is demonstrably untrue in your case!!Anyway, do keep searching out those interesting pianos. Thanks!

[@MrTaiese]

Ouch sorry to hear about but im not surprised since living in Australia some of us dont take critics well lol. I actually wanted to play on a Stuart and Sons but I don’t see myself playing one anytime.

[@seanbryant2848]

Well, you do not deserve such an excoriating attack. I find your videos to be so enjoyable, informative. You are a fine young man, and it is a pleasure watching you, and especially when you revel in, and revere historical instruments. Keep up the fine work!

[@colinmurphy2214]

Sean Bryant Excoriate... thats my word of the day...

[@atarimasters]

Wow, that’s disgusting. I’m new to your channel and one day I will be purchasing a piano for my self, you videos have helped narrow down my search a lot and I take your reviews very seriously and I find you to be very genuine and non biased when reviewing a product. Very unprofessional of Stuart and sons to respond like this and they probably missed out on some great advertising as I’m sure they make a lovely grand piano, I think they refused because your not here to just boast there product, you wanted to give it a genuine review, which may have negatively affected them. If they didn’t want anything to do with you they should have said so respectfully.

[@rikspector]

James, We Love you, you are a light of reason in a world of craziness. There are and will always be people whom one can't fathom... Ignore them,they thrive on discord and will be reincarnated tone deaf....Oh maybe they already are:) Cheers, Rik Spector

[@ARGG-hu8wx]

I think you reviewed their piano pretty fairly without needing to play it. The best part is to ask “why would their product be so fantastic if the only places they can be found are in museums and rich people/politicians houses”. That speaks in droves about how valued their company is to real professionals. Like someone else in the comments section said, they’re probably just furniture. A show piece; a flashy status symbol like a golden toilet or pearl-encrusted toothbrush. It always disgusts me when people in the music world become so pompous and full of themselves that they insult and degrade incredibly talented musicians such as yourself. You keep doing you, man: don’t change for anybody!

[@clydebermingham121]

Don’t be angry guys ... Who’s right? Who’s wrong? All is well that ends well ... 🙏🏽👍🏽🎹

[@cannedmusic]

the only thing he may be fearing is the comment you may make of the extra keys being too unique, hard to discern as scaled notes and difficulty of being tuned...or he was just drunk, as someone else stated

[@cannedmusic]

I made this entry before I got halfway through Jame's critique (of lack of professionalism) please ignore the fact that Mr. Shawcross essentially said the same thing about not being able to tune properly or not being able to hear it as a person sitting in the audience. Should I have proceeded to watch the whole presentation, it would have not been posted.

[@zain4019]

I subbed to your channel, I was going to anyway, but this seems the perfect video to earn your subscription. Calling out bullshit is right down my ally.

[@Nightyyou]

This video made me laugh multiple times. This guy showed no respect to you whatsoever and you responded in a very honest and funny way. I have no idea what there is to "fix" about your format. Maybe his email had a little more details about what he wanted to be changed. But as you said, it is not worth to change a good format to please one guy. Keep doing your thing. That´s what brought you were you are and it will server you well in your future.

[@dadautube]

@ Nightyyou: James has uploaded the full email content in his first comment ...

[@vhm14u2c]

I wouldn’t let that person get under your skin. We subscribers know the format of doing your vids, is impeccable to say the least. I would just move to higher grounds, and keep doing informative vids, like you been doing all along.

[@ledgema7686]

I think you mean the organ at the Sydney Town Hall and not at the Sydney Opera House. That's the one of two that has a full length 64' stop. Though finding a PDF of the Sydney Opera House, they have a Steinway 9' D and a Yamaha CFX 9' concert grands. They also have other Yamaha baby grands and uprights. www.sydneyoperahouse.com/content/dam/pdfs/venues/concert-hall/CH_Tech_Specs_2018.pdf

[@ThePianoforever]

I have been told that the Sydney Opera House has 30 pianos available on site, and one of them at one time had been a Stuart and Sons piano that had been donated to them, but it was rejected for unknown reasons and sent to the Government House for display.

[@brmh1667]

IMO you do just fine. We all have to deal with unpleasantness in this world. You are taking the right course of action by trying to avoid it.

[@AWildLithuaniaBall]

Has he played the piano by --- and mohr?

[@SarumChoirmaster]

You did nothing wrong and you are just fine! I enjoy your youtube videos / reviews and any intelligent stable person knows its YOUR opinion in the review based on your experience. He missed a golden opportunity to advertise his pianos through you. His loss! Keep up the great work.

[@richardholmquist7316]

Your anger at Mr. Stuart is entirely understandable; he certainly acted badly. However, I may be able to answer one of your questions about the Stuart & Sons pianos (partly anyway, I don't remember the details). They use a special frame insert of titanium for the extended treble compass to B8. This is strong enough, I suppose, to improve tuning stability. The insert is manufactured separately from the rest of the frame. Listening on line, I found the extreme treble a very interesting sound, but certainly it has almost no sustain (no fault of the builder's, it couldn't possibly). An Australian composer (sorry, forgot the name) used the range effectively in very rapid passages. I'm glad to see someone attempt to use this range, a resource that music has almost never employed. Many organs are capable of it too.

[@suzyflorida1193]

You do such great videos! Great format! No need to fix anything. Except maybe Wayne Stuart. What a creep! He's a little man. Like a mouse. You might say "Stuart Little." Keep up the good work! Your fan, Luv Suzy!

[@kassemir]

Couldn't you just get a piano tuner with perfect pitch to tune the upper register? But, yeah, he could've just told you they were in private ownership without the insults. He's clearly not interested in talking to you, so don't get that part of the reply. To me, it simply reads as a bit of elitism. A sort of; "we only tailor to the finest clientel"-mentality. I.e. they only want very wealthy people to buy it as a sort of status-piece. Kind of like how some people buy expensive sports cars and then drive them within the speed limit on main roads, instead of taking them on to a race-track and actually using them for their intended use.

[@zwz.zdenek]

Sorry for getting OT, but muscle cars often forbid track use through the loss of warranty. They know the car wouldn't last for long.

[@herobrine1847]

@@zwz.zdenek Perfect pitch wouldn’t help with tuning. When keys get so high, notes become indiscernible and instead sound like mechanical tapping noises.

[@folkeholmberg3519]

It comes with a high price to insult a young and ambitious man. And that's good 😊

[@mattsweat9176]

While I can barely play piano, & certainly can't afford a concert grand (unless I sell my home!), as soon as I get the money, you can rest assured that Wayne Stuart will be the LAST person on earth I would buy a piano from!