other_people's_pianos raze there's something in some of them that chases the ideas away. i'm not sure what it is. some of it must be a matter of what an instrument gives back to you when you play it, and i know i've been spoiled in that department. other people's pianos are a crapshoot. they're either ridiculously inspiring, or if there's no spark, they make me feel like i've never played a piano before in my life and it's foolish to try now. it's got nothing to do with how in-tune the piano is. it's a feel thing. if the attraction isn't there, you can't force it. and trying to gently explain to a piano how you're just not that into them...it's always a little awkward. "it's not your soundboard; it's my fingers. but you're a real catch. you'll make someone else's hands really happy someday, i swear." (plink plonk) "hey! there's no need to get snippy." (dramatic minor seventh chord) "fine. have it your way. see who wants to play you with that attitude." 130710 ... raze a few i've known, and one or two i never met: baby_grand childhood_asthma keep_it_in_the_family liquor_chocolates sheila's_piano tamara vertical 240217 what's it to you? who go blather from