Crafted in 1924. Cherished since 1971. The Tale of My Steinway Baby Grand
Hi there, creative friends.
Ever had one of those heart-tugging moments of nostalgia? I'm knee-deep in one right now. There's this Steinway baby grand piano, a unique model "L" from 1924, that's been a part of my life since 1971. It’s not just an instrument; it’s a treasure chest of memories, and it's looking for a new home.
Let me take you back a bit. When I was 10, my family was living in Paris. Yup, young me, in our dreamy Parisian apartment, learned how to play the piano on a rented baby grand.
Funny story…
I was so engrossed, obsessed really, in learning and practicing between lessons that, believe it or not, my Mum once had to ask me to take a break. She craved a moment of peace amidst my relentless repeating scales. I would get lost in my afternoon sessions even when freshly baked croissants arrived... simply magical.
Now, what really fueled my love for the keys? It was my Mum. The house would come alive with her spirited show tunes and Rag Time pieces. Honestly, it felt like our living room transformed into a mini Broadway stage every time she played.
Post our Paris stint, we landed in San Francisco. That’s when my mahogany beauty, the Steinway Model "L", graced our home. My Dad bought it second hand and it’s been in the same location in the living room of my parents home since 1971. And just for the record, they don’t make the Model “L” anymore. It was discontinued in 2005. It’s truly one of a kind.
Here’s how it’s described: “The Model L is popular with accomplished pianists because of it’s beautiful tone, volume and touch. Many professional pianists pick the Model L for their home or for their practice piano.”
One of my fondest memories is playing a Chopin Etude with the living room french windows flung open, my Mum waiting to take me to the airport to fly to college. I didn’t want to leave.
But, times change. After losing my Mum in 2019 and with Dad moving out of the house, it's time for my cherished piano to find a new home where it can bring joy to yet another family. I've listed it for sale, complete with stunning photos, and I'm hoping to find a new home for it soon.
I’ve got a favor to ask you. Many of you aren’t located in the SF Bay Area, but even if you’re not, I could really use your help:
Ever sold a piano before? What worked for you?
Know someone who'd cherish this Steinway as much as I have?
And if selling doesn’t pan out, any ideas for the best charity to donate it to?
Your input means the world to me, truly. So, if you've got suggestions, stories, or just some good vibes to send my way, please share them with me. You can email me directly at anne@annelafollette.com.
Don’t forget, I'll be sharing more about this and other stories on my weekly Wednesday live chat! Join me there, and until then, keep making beautiful music.
xo,
Anne
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Have fun and I’ll see you next week.
Remember,
It’s Never Too Late to Create®
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation. I grew up in Paris on the Place St. Sulpice and walked to school through the Luxembourg gardens. And that was only the beginning… Learn more by watching the video on my About page.
