jim strite
while piano stores have come and gone along chestnut street since 1937, jacobs music continues to serve a growing list of discerning customers as the region’s exclusive representative for steinway & sons.
philadelphia, pa – A trip to Jacobs Music on Chestnut Street captivates the imagination as guests cast wandering eyes over four fabulous floors of pianos, each instrument beckoning for a chance to speak to the soul.
James Kimmel was in a contingent facing the enviable task – which one would find a new home in the auditorium at Ephrata High School? The Ephrata Area School District takes its music seriously, being named one of the top 100 communities for Music Education since 2015 by the National Association of Music Merchants. Ephrata’s philosophy aims to cultivate desirable traits in music students through a ombination of character, community and creativity.
In comparing different brands, the search led to a beautiful Boston GP-215 Performance Edition II grand piano. “After we played a few Bostons, the Decision was really easy as to what our preference was,” says Kimmel, related arts supervisor for EASD. “The others were nice, but the Boston piano was superior. Our committee came to
a consensus easily.”
Warm colors afforded by Steinway designs and versatility were crucial elements in the decision, along with
Boston’s reputation for withstanding rigorous institutional use. The piano’s touch and tone are “outstanding,” Kimmel adds. “Students and faculty alike are very excited about this instrument.”
Jim Strite, director of institutional sales at Jacobs Music, suggested a Boston Grand Performance Edition II, specifically a GP-178 that would fit the bill in terms of space and sound. “He was very thorough and genuine,” says Kimmel. “It was a
great experience!”
Built in 1937, the art deco flagship store
offers a selection of more than 50 new, preowned and authentically restored Steinway and Steinway-designed pianos. Jacobs also has full-service Steinway facilities in West
Chester and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, Lawrenceville and Shrewsbury, New Jersey.
Have all your questions answered — by phone or email.