Rosso Corsa Steinway
The Bright, Bold Story of the Rosso Corsa (Ferrari Red) Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand Piano and its New Home & Family
The Story of One of Our Proudest Pianos
It started in Spring 2020. I acquired two monumental Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grands which were brought in to the Piano Boutique workshop to be completely rebuilt, inside and out.
The Surprise Behind the Inspiration
Nearing careful completion of the first Model D, I was speaking to a great friend Angelo Di Pardo. He is world renowned for is Custom Motorcycle Shop Cycleworx and spectacular one-of-a-kind motorcycles. His award-winning custom build, affectionately named Pinky-Up, pays tribute to his friend’s wife who was battling cancer. Pinky-Up toured across the city to raise cancer awareness and was even displayed at The Hospital for Sick Children. The bike caught the attention of famous custom bike builders Paul Jr. and Sr. from Orange County Choppers … and me!
This bold statement bike inspired me to consider doing something unique one of the Concert Grands as he had with the Cancer Awareness Motorcycle, Pinky-Up. Our conversations led to the idea to refinish the Steinway with a Ferrari Rosso Corsa finish, the same colour as the luxury sports-car.
A One-of-a-Kind, Showstopper Rental
Since The Piano Boutique provides piano rental options for the world’s prominent recording artists and Toronto’s Concert Halls, I thought it would be a great way to promote the business and give artists and institutions a spectacularly unique piano. The Piano Boutique would be the only piano supplier with a Ferrari Red 9’ Steinway Concert Grand!
That’s the backstory!
The Journey Begins with a Rebuild to Remember
Then the rebuilding of the Model D began. It was going to need everything that goes in to a properly fully rebuilt piano and more!
Inspired and eager, the project started with the cabinet. It was completely taken apart. All of the hardware and screws were removed. The strings are removed. The tuning pins drilled. The plate removed, exposing the soundboard, bridges and pin-block. The cabinet was then stripped down and the pin-block removed.
The soundboard was then repaired and restored, the bridges re-notched and a new custom made pin block was fitted back in to the piano. Perfection is crucial! How the piano’s bearing is set makes the tone and sound.
Seeing Red!
Once every detail of the rebuild was complete came the fun part: bringing the character to life through vibrant colour.
Choosing colour can be a tricky challenge with the myriad of shades each telling a different story, making a distinct impact and a world of difference to this magnificent instrument.
After pouring over shade upon shade in different lights, I narrowed it down to two Rossas by luxury car maker Ferrari: Rossa Corsa and Rossa Istorica.
In the end, I was swayed by the richness and vibrancy of Rosso Corsa.
Layer upon layer of lacquer was applied with gentle sanding essential between coats and polishes.
There’s a Global Pandemic. Hit the Brakes!
Right in the middle of the project…the world came to a halt with the world pandemic.
What am I going to do with this piano?
Carrying on was the only answer. We toiled on, putting every positive energy and heart into perfecting the instrument. It was a peaceful therapy and respite to work on amid the confusion and distress outside our doors sorely affecting the lives of so many around the globe.
Destined for a Special Buyer
Then, one day, we got mail!
The query came from professional basketball coach and former player who was head coach for the Toronto Raptors and is head coach of the Canadian men's national team, today: Nick Nurse!
He led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship and was named 2020 NBA Coach of the Year.
All of our clients are special, and find the right piano for them. This music and sports loving big personality was no different.
He was looking for a Steinway piano for himself and his two children as a legacy instrument.
During his visit to The Piano Boutique, we looked at the many Steinway pianos on display and discussed many options. It became clear that he was looking for something unique and very customized. Just like This is our speciality!
Go Big and Go Home!
At the time of Nick’s visit to the Boutique, the Ferrari red 9’ Concert Grand never crossed my mind.
It’s a colossal instrument for a private home and not yet on display.
Mr. Nurse’s accomplished assistant Genevieve and were deeper in discussions about the possible colours and artwork Nick sought for his original piano when the Rosso Corsa Steinway rolled of the workshop and onto the showroom floor.
Genevieve was visiting The Piano Boutique when I unveiled this magnificent instrument to her out of interest and pride.
The energy in the room swelled. We both knew why. Just like Angelo and his custom bikes, there is a machine for every rider and a piano for every player.
It’s about feel, fit and the spark of love!
Sporting professional and music lover Nick Nurse would fall in love with the Rosso Corsa Steinway Concert Grand!
What Will Be Your Piano Story?
Are you looking for your a masterpiece? Any size or colour, The Piano Boutique is all ears. We would love to hear from you and create beautiful music and memories with you and your family. Drop us a line!
