It is generally accepted that the development of the pianoforte has very very little progress since Steinway in the late 19th century, and indeed since the end of the Second World War has effectively moribund, with even modern manufacturers producing no more than Steinway clones.

Stuart & Sons, originally based in Newcastle and lattterly in Tumut in New South Wales, Australia, have over the last forty years produced pianos which have eschewed traditional design standards in favour of technical enhancements designed to bring the pianoforte sound into the 21st century.

Typical, although not exhaustive, have been:
1) the increase in the piano’s range Ambitus) from 88 keys to firstly 97 and subsequently 102, 108 and most recently 112 keys
2) the adoption of special XM piano wire from Stephen Paulello in France to support and improve the enharmonity of the strings in the otherwise unique high and low registers of the piano.
3) the use of specially designed agraffes as string limiters to provide a cleaner and more sustained sound across the entire acoustic range.
4) the provision of a 4th ‘dolce’ pedal to vastly increase the tonal possibilities available to the performer.

This piano was delivered in December 2005. Whilst, somewhat unusually, there are as yet no issues of any kind which require significant maintenance, it is now opportune to upgrade the piano to include the technical enhancements Wayne Stuart has introduced since that time in his continued quest to keep abreast of technology and produce an even better experience for the performer and the listener.

More details here…

1. It is recognised that high-end pianos such as Stuart & Sons need to be refurbished after 20 years to maintain their performance characteristics and hence their value both financially and professional.
2. The technical updates such as the new XM strings and the titanium agraffes have been shown in testing and confirmed in practice to produce a cleaner and more musical sound.
3. This piano will be one of only three Stuart & Sons pianos to have undergone this treatment and updates.
4. This piano will maintain this quality of sound for at least the next 20 years.

Dr Christopher Moore has owned, recorded and performed on the this piano for the last 21 years. Since that time he has acted as a sounding board and advisor to Wayne Stuart as these pianos by their very nature evolve to present more scope for musical reinvestment and redevelopment. The current project aims to bring the piano to the highest state of technical and hence musical standards.

Dr Christopher Moore

The money raised will be used in the first instance to defray the cost of materials such as strings, agraffes etc. the full amount will also cover labour and transport costs.

There are no issues with the target not being reached.

There are no discernible risks or anticipated delays.

Queries, corrections etc to be directed to Dr Moore