Very interesting piece, a long article plus sonics and slides, on Steinway
pianos.  The most recent of several installments focuses on the variances
between those made in Germany and in the US.  Emmanuel Ax plays a Schubert
Impromptu on each, and comments.

Two other installments treat the inexplicable variety in character between
otherwise twin instruments, and, for the plagiarists among us, how to
build your own at home.  All accessible via:

   http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/27/nyregion/27PIAN.html?th

If you'd need to register with the NYTimes, this multimedia item is esp
worth your taking the trouble.

BBailey