Q. How did you get into the piano trade and how long has your shop or dealership been established?
A. I went to Stevenson College in 1992 and completed an HND course in stringed keyboard instrument technology in 1995. In my third year I was allowed to work with Norman Motion in his workshop. My first job in the trade was with John Ross Pianos, Corbridge who I was with for a year. I then went on a working holiday to Granada Spain and worked for Pianissimo where I learned a lot about upright regulation. I moved to Aberdeen to work for Bruce Millers, Scotlands largest and oldest independent music company. After seven years service and with the help of The Piano Shop on the Left Bank…..Gordon Bell Pianos LTD was born in 2003!
Q. Tell us a bit more about your shop and staff.
A. The shop holds a stock of fifty pianos spread out over three floors, with a large showroom in the basement. We are located in the city centre between the two top city venues. I have a part time member of staff ‘Lewis Gibbon’, you can find Lewis in the shop on a Saturday helping with appointments, shop maintenance, our technology side and with deliveries. We also have a French polisher and a full time independent piano teacher. We offer concert and domestic tuning, event hire of grand pianos, a removal and disposal service and repairs. We carry out all piano work for Aberdeen Preforming Arts and we are one of only three piano companies to hold the royal warrant in the UK.
Q.What range of pianos do you sell and why have you chosen that range?
A. We are the sole Kawai Selection Centre in Scotland, Offering a full range of acoustic grands, uprights and digital pianos. We feel Kawai Pianos offer best value for money but at a very high standard, They have an unmatched build quality, being durable with a beautiful sound and really are one of the best piano manufacturers on the market today.
Q. If you could have any piano in your home what would it be and why?
A. I would have a Shigeru Kawai SK-5, because its one of the most beautiful sounding pianos on todays market and that size of grand would fill a lovely space at home.