Amazon Reviews
Chuck
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Actually Read It!
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2021
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Lost in thrall to a shortened attention-span, engendered by computers etc., I was unable to read any book cover to cover. This book restored my crippled ability. The subject matter was engaging - I have a family heirloom Steinway to sell - but more than that, the clarity, sincerity and directness of the writing style compelled and sustained my interest. If Hemingway had been in the Steinway business, this is the memoir he might have written. Highest marks...
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Actually Read It!
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
Lost in thrall to a shortened attention-span, engendered by computers etc., I was unable to read any book cover to cover. This book restored my crippled ability. The subject matter was engaging - I have a family heirloom Steinway to sell - but more than that, the clarity, sincerity and directness of the writing style compelled and sustained my interest. If Hemingway had been in the Steinway business, this is the memoir he might have written. Highest marks...
paul graves
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for Steinway enthusiasts!
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2020
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A very well written autobiography with many interesting stories about a young man's entry and lifelong experience in the piano business. Bob developed a great fondness for Steinway pianos and includes many anecdotes about the Steinway owners in his travels hunting for used Steinways for sale. It's a fun book to read and is educational as well. I highly recommend that you read it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for Steinway enthusiasts!
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2020
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A very well written autobiography with many interesting stories about a young man's entry and lifelong experience in the piano business. Bob developed a great fondness for Steinway pianos and includes many anecdotes about the Steinway owners in his travels hunting for used Steinways for sale. It's a fun book to read and is educational as well. I highly recommend that you read it.
Leticia Gnazzo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Robert Freidman is a National Treasure & Piano Historian
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2023
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If you love the Musical Arts especially Steinway Piano's, this is a must read. This book is full of historical details and Roberts' never-ending quest to make sure Steinway Piano's remain in todays world marketplace as well as his personal history behind many of them in public places today.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Robert Freidman is a National Treasure & Piano Historian
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
If you love the Musical Arts especially Steinway Piano's, this is a must read. This book is full of historical details and Roberts' never-ending quest to make sure Steinway Piano's remain in todays world marketplace as well as his personal history behind many of them in public places today.
Steinway Lover in SF
5.0 out of 5 stars
A piano lover's dream
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2020
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Here we have a great chronicle of unique anecdotes that any piano or music lover will savor for time to come. Full of amazing stories about the greatest piano maker in history written what seems to be possibly the greatest "deal maker" in Steinway history. I particularly enjoyed the anecdote (pg 46) about a rebuilt piano sold to a man near the Hudson who invited the author to attend the christening of the piano .... only to decline the buyers invitation and find out later that it was a private party attended by Vladimir Horowitz who gave the beautiful instrument its first recital in a small private setting. What any piano lover would have given to have been there !!
Wow! Many more amazing stories like that one. Can't wait for volume two!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A piano lover's dream
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
Here we have a great chronicle of unique anecdotes that any piano or music lover will savor for time to come. Full of amazing stories about the greatest piano maker in history written what seems to be possibly the greatest "deal maker" in Steinway history. I particularly enjoyed the anecdote (pg 46) about a rebuilt piano sold to a man near the Hudson who invited the author to attend the christening of the piano .... only to decline the buyers invitation and find out later that it was a private party attended by Vladimir Horowitz who gave the beautiful instrument its first recital in a small private setting. What any piano lover would have given to have been there !!
Wow! Many more amazing stories like that one. Can't wait for volume two!
Louis Spencer-Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
A cheerful read
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020
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Beyond the enjoyment of reading the piano adventures Mr. Friedman so cheerfully and light-heartedly evokes in STEINWAY HUNTER, this book will become a treasure for generations. As electronic and digital pianos take an ever increasing market share, and as hand-carved art case pianos become a thing of the past and hand-crafted piano in general lose their market share, learning about the love and dedication this author invested - aside from the miles he drove - in preserving common and unique treasures alike simply is heart warming. Is there a "Steinway Hall of Fame?"
5.0 out of 5 stars
A cheerful read
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020
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Beyond the enjoyment of reading the piano adventures Mr. Friedman so cheerfully and light-heartedly evokes in STEINWAY HUNTER, this book will become a treasure for generations. As electronic and digital pianos take an ever increasing market share, and as hand-carved art case pianos become a thing of the past and hand-crafted piano in general lose their market share, learning about the love and dedication this author invested - aside from the miles he drove - in preserving common and unique treasures alike simply is heart warming. Is there a "Steinway Hall of Fame?"
MN Buyer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book about the tough and fascinating inner workings of the piano business.
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
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Great book about the tough and fascinating inner workings of the piano business.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book about the tough and fascinating inner workings of the piano business.
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
Great book about the tough and fascinating inner workings of the piano business.
Kevin A. Turner
5.0 out of 5 stars
heartwarming stories
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2023
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I spent a few minutes with the author on the phone recently. In our short conversation, I heard a number of wonderful stories of pianos and their owners. When I thanked him for his time, he suggested this book. Every story in this book has a lesson readers can glean. Often we say that music can touch souls, but this book reminds us that the instrument which provides the music is just as a part of the process as the musician. I recommend this easy read for anybody who needs to remember the power of music and instruments, and to remember how they both bring us together.
5.0 out of 5 stars
heartwarming stories
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2023
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I spent a few minutes with the author on the phone recently. In our short conversation, I heard a number of wonderful stories of pianos and their owners. When I thanked him for his time, he suggested this book. Every story in this book has a lesson readers can glean. Often we say that music can touch souls, but this book reminds us that the instrument which provides the music is just as a part of the process as the musician. I recommend this easy read for anybody who needs to remember the power of music and instruments, and to remember how they both bring us together.
BrianJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very good read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
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Very well written and compelling an array of Piano stories. Some of the circumstances Mr. Friedman finds himself in our entertaining, scary and soul felt and it is an easy and fascinating read. All pianos have stories of some sort and this book will definitely give one an understanding about the generational attachment that can happen when people make music together. You’ll enjoy it!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very good read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
Very well written and compelling an array of Piano stories. Some of the circumstances Mr. Friedman finds himself in our entertaining, scary and soul felt and it is an easy and fascinating read. All pianos have stories of some sort and this book will definitely give one an understanding about the generational attachment that can happen when people make music together. You’ll enjoy it!
Book Lover
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book for piano enthusiasts!
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2024
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A fun read, full of engaging stories, told from a respected industry pro. A great book for piano enthusiasts!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book for piano enthusiasts!
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2024
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A fun read, full of engaging stories, told from a respected industry pro. A great book for piano enthusiasts!
Kayla Bowen
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fun read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2020
What a fun book! Most of the stories are short and sweet, which made for easy, enjoyable reading. This was an intriguing look into a world I’m not very familiar with. Whether you have an interest in pianos or not, you’ll enjoy this!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fun read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2020
What a fun book! Most of the stories are short and sweet, which made for easy, enjoyable reading. This was an intriguing look into a world I’m not very familiar with. Whether you have an interest in pianos or not, you’ll enjoy this!
Pat Palmer
5.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting day in the life !
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2020
Every piano has a story & Robert tells their stories as each chapter draws you into a new adventure of travel, people and discovering the next Steinway treasure. An interesting chronicle of Steinways and their owners as well as being educational and entertaining. A very enjoyable read !
5.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting day in the life !
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2020
Every piano has a story & Robert tells their stories as each chapter draws you into a new adventure of travel, people and discovering the next Steinway treasure. An interesting chronicle of Steinways and their owners as well as being educational and entertaining. A very enjoyable read !
Marc Keller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Captivating!
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2023
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Thank you, Robert, for sharing your experiences with us! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is written in a short story format where Robert reports on some of his most memorable experiences during his travels to buy or "hunt" Steinway pianos. We learn about Robert's training as a technician and how he later developed his piano wholesale business. We also gain insight into his family life. The book is not only a great read for piano enthusiasts or fans of the Steinway brand but should also be appreciated by a much broader audience. In his authentic style, Robert teaches us the values of hard work, building positive relationships, and treating people with respect, among other great lessons.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Captivating!
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2023
Verified Purchase
Thank you, Robert, for sharing your experiences with us! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is written in a short story format where Robert reports on some of his most memorable experiences during his travels to buy or "hunt" Steinway pianos. We learn about Robert's training as a technician and how he later developed his piano wholesale business. We also gain insight into his family life. The book is not only a great read for piano enthusiasts or fans of the Steinway brand but should also be appreciated by a much broader audience. In his authentic style, Robert teaches us the values of hard work, building positive relationships, and treating people with respect, among other great lessons.
Pianogal
5.0 out of 5 stars
For Piano Lovers
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2021
You don't need to be a pianist to enjoy reading about Friedman's quest for Steinways. His searches and his delight at finding a fine specimen are both instructive and entertaining. They evidence his understanding of human nature, and his stories of the personalities of some of the sellers are both humorous and touching.
5.0 out of 5 stars
For Piano Lovers
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2021
You don't need to be a pianist to enjoy reading about Friedman's quest for Steinways. His searches and his delight at finding a fine specimen are both instructive and entertaining. They evidence his understanding of human nature, and his stories of the personalities of some of the sellers are both humorous and touching.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2020
This book is an interesting read. It depicts the adventures of a gentleman who through his life, found and restored many fine instruments in barns, garages, and fine homes to bring joy to another budding musician.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2020
This book is an interesting read. It depicts the adventures of a gentleman who through his life, found and restored many fine instruments in barns, garages, and fine homes to bring joy to another budding musician.
GR Flash
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun read.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2021
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Liked it
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun read.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2021
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Liked it
Murray S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Keeps you riveted to book
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2023
This book is a biography thriller. Both my wife and I couldn’t wait for the next hunt. Interesting,funny and heartwarming.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Keeps you riveted to book
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2023
This book is a biography thriller. Both my wife and I couldn’t wait for the next hunt. Interesting,funny and heartwarming.
RICHARD E. HERSEE
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you love music and appreciate pianos, this is a must read...
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020
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...most interesting how Bob came to specialize in Steinway's and the stories of the various people he met along the way, were most interesting... having dealt with descriptions people give over the phone and what one actually finds when getting to a job, are usually two different things, I found in the painting and decorating business, so I can appreciate some of the surprises he went through. I actually refinished a parlor grand, once in my lifetime and found it most satisfying, only the case... We have a Steinway at church and it is tuned on a regular bases and I keep the case polished as necessary. I really enjoyed reading your book Bob. Richard Hersee, Jensen Beach, Fl.
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you love music and appreciate pianos, this is a must read...
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
...most interesting how Bob came to specialize in Steinway's and the stories of the various people he met along the way, were most interesting... having dealt with descriptions people give over the phone and what one actually finds when getting to a job, are usually two different things, I found in the painting and decorating business, so I can appreciate some of the surprises he went through. I actually refinished a parlor grand, once in my lifetime and found it most satisfying, only the case... We have a Steinway at church and it is tuned on a regular bases and I keep the case polished as necessary. I really enjoyed reading your book Bob. Richard Hersee, Jensen Beach, Fl.
eric
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023
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Fantastic read
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023
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Fantastic read
MatthewG
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Piano Life
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2020
Bob's personal stories about the people and pianos he has met over the years is an entertaining and heartwarming read.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Piano Life
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2020
Bob's personal stories about the people and pianos he has met over the years is an entertaining and heartwarming read.