Testimonials

Dear Lotof, Dick and I are still savoring the wonderful concert by beautiful and talented Yanna Reznik. We are in the process of wearing out the CD you so generously gave us! Our friend Barbara said Yanna is in a class by herself. I have never seen such a beautifully expressive, mood reflective face on a pianist. Thank you so much for inviting us to the concert and giving us such wonderful seats! It was also nice to see all the talented young aspiring pianists who obviously enjoyed the concert as much as the adults. We are so glad we chose to buy our piano from you and that we continue to have contact with you through the amazing concerts you host. Don't forget our invitation to visit us on the Oregon coast some day with your family. We want you to see the Estonia's home! With much appreciation, Laurel and Dick

PIANO WORLD/FORUM Best Place To Buy a Piano in Portland Oregon. I am new to this forum, and would like to share my piano purchasing experience. After reading the Piano Book, doing my research, and playing MANY pianos, I decided to purchase a YC 208. I will not disclose the price, but will say that Lotof at Michelle's Piano in Portland Oregon is in my opinion the best dealer in Oregon. In every aspect of the transaction, Lotof has been honest, polite, and most important, ethical. From day one, Lotof treated me like a friend rather than a customer. And to this day continues to do so. If you live in Oregon, and are shopping for a piano, there is no better place to purchase than Michelle's Piano. If you visit Michelle's Piano, you will not be disappointed. If only I had visited Lotof first, I would have saved a lot of time, and unfortunate frustration. I look forward to enjoying this amazing instrument (truly, for the specs and features this piano offers it is an amazing instrument and VALUE!) for years to come. Craig Young Chang YP208

I want to thank you for hosting our Performance Showcase, and letting us use your beautiful facility for our rehearsal and concert. What a fantastic and successful venue for us. I also want to thank you for your personal time and your flexibility with using not only your performance space, but your entire showroom for our event. Linda "Sigrid" Roessler, B.S., M.Ed. Managing Director Transformational Voice Training Institute +1.888.389.9159 www.transformvoice.com

Dear Lotof, On behalf of the Clark County Music teachers Assoc., I want to thank you for coming to our meeting and for giving such a splendid presentation with Ray. I know the members who were present enjoyed it and learned helpful information from it. We appreciate you taking your time to come up and share about the Bosendorfer pianos, and thanks for the mugs & pencils! Sincerely, -Elizabeth Ackerman

Dear Lotof, You couldn't be more thoughtful,and I couldn't be more grateful. My son, Bill and I appreciated your very gracious hospitality and enjoyed visiting with you - thank you for your phone call which allowed me to buy the wonderful piano which is so perfect in my home. Best Regards, Sally Thayer

Dear Lotof: I am very pleased to be able to send you a small monetary thank you for all you do to encourage young piano students by providing them with an opportunity to perform on a truly great instrument. Your concern for the education of those involved in the piano teaching community is greatly appreciated. In these tough economic times your willingness to continue supporting the efforts of parents and teachers of young performers is an example of your selfless determination to serve the interests of students. Thank you for making your instruments available to us. Sincerely, Bill Krieger

Dear Lotof & Staff at Michelle's Piano, I want to thank you for your outstanding craftsmanship you put into the restoration of my piano. It was such a thrill to play the keys of the same piano I learned with as a child. I look forward to many years of practice with it. Thank You Loriel Clarck

Dear Mr. Shahtout, On behalf of St. John Foundation and the Woman's Health Pavilion, thank you for Michelle's Piano's gift of the $7,900 discounted Young Chang baby Grand piano to our "A Moonlit Star Affaire". This was our 6th and most successful year celebrating and supporting health care for women at the Sister Margaret Anna Cusak's Woman's Health Pavilion. Your support of this event also helped us reach our goal of raising over $153,000, which will insure that the services provided in the Pavilion continue to be given in a compassionate and caring environment. Thank you again for your continued support of the Pavilion and for helping to provide hope, health and healing to the women of our community. Sincerely, -Cathy Barr

Our first junior music festival was a success! You played an important role in that success with the donation of such wonderful instruments. Thank you Bethany Crosby President, Mt Hood Senior Club

Dear Lotof, Just a note to say thank you for hosting our Jr. Festival for 2012. Everything went very well, thanks to the lovely setting. Afterwards, the judge commented on how musically the children played. She was quite impressed with them. I'm sure a lot of that was because they had a superb instrument to play on! We appreciate your kindness and generosity. Sincerely, Elizabeth

Michelle's Pianos in Portland has my highest recommendation. In deciding to purchase a piano after not having played for 25+ years, I did a great deal of research and visited four piano dealers within delivery proximity of my home in southern Oregon. While all the sales people I met were helpful (and certainly wanted my business), Lotof Shatout at Michelle's was the only one who seemed genuinely interested in making sure I got exactly the right piano that would fit me personally. He spent a great deal of time discussing my previous skill level, aging hands, and budget. He is very knowledgeable both as a technician and musician which was most helpful. It was because of this personalized attention to customer service that I purchased my piano from Michelle's, even though they were not the closest location. I have not been disappointed. The piano is a perfect fit for me and I love it. I can also say that Michelle's has an excellent delivery team. They were courteous, professional, and meticulous, installing the piano up a steep flight of stairs with no dings, dents or scratches to the walls, floors, or the piano. When I later discovered a very minor cosmetic manufacturing flaw on the inside of the key cover/fall board, Lotof acted immediately and I was contacted by Kawai's technical support manager within one day. A new fall board will be installed at the 1st tuning at no charge. This exceptional level of customer service exceeded all expectations. In this economy most dealers will give you a great bargain, however, at Michelle's you get the additional added value of proven, outstanding customer service. Thanks again for all. Shelley

Dear Lotof, The "Music For the Heart" was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I thank you for enabling me to attend. I'm not very brave about driving into Portland, so my going along with Debi was the best. Seeing Ray brought back so many lovely memories of Vienna as guests of Bosendorfer nearly three years ago. It is amazing how a sequence of events can shape one's life. The friendships that result are the finest part. Thank you for being a Kind, thoughtful man. Fondly, Pat

Dear Lotof, Thank you very much for a wonderful experience on purchasing the Schimmel 132 from Michelle's Piano. I am confident that Schimmel is the right choice and my kids will enjoy playing it for many years to come. Does Schimmel come with the keyboard cloth? Do you carry the wheel holders? Since the piano is going to be on hardwood floors and California is prone to earthquakes, I would love to have one. Attached are two checks for the piano and moving cost. Thank you! Sincerely, -Nathan Cheung

Dear Lotof, thank you so much for all your help in procuring the Roland DP990F electronic keyboard. This keyboard is the answer to my prayers. Not only does it feel and sound like an acoustic piano (the sound comes closer to a real grand piano than any other keyboard I have ever played, but also the alternative sounds are authentic (like the harp, for instance). This keyboard is midi-capable, as well. I am looking forward to the possibility of composition using appropriate software. And teaching is great using this marvelous machine. My students already love it, even though I have had this keyboard for only a few days. I have not begun to explore the many facets of this Roland, but I tell you I am very pleased. Thank you very much. I appreciate what Michelle's has done for me! Sincerely, Retha Palmer M.M.E. in Piano Pedagogy

Thanks for your special kindness... a kindness that sets you apart from the rest of the world. Thank you -Bob & Janice

Lotof~ Thank you again for the beautiful piano! it looks wonderful in our new living room. You were a great help to my mother! Sincerely, -Jessica Deetner

Lotof; you are a gentleman and an example of how dealerships should treat their customers, with respect and attention to detail. Thank-you! Jeffrey T. Hickey, RPT Oregon Coast Piano Services Registered Technician Member; Piano Technicians Guild

To Lotof, Kim and everyone at Michelle's Piano: Thank you so much for lending us the piano for our choir event at Uwajimya. We had a great community celebration and raised over $1,000 for Japan, and much of the credit goes to you. Dan Ehrenfreund, Errol Hassell School

Dear Mr. Shahtout, Thank you so very very much for taking care of our piano tuning problem for us. Mark arrived in time this morning (after calling to verify the appointment). He did a great job. He's very professional. We are happy customers. Thank you. -Marjorie and Robert Brothers

Dear Lotof Shahtout, I want to thank you for your extreme professionalism when presenting myself and my student Jill with the pianos available at your store. I guess that a meeting with a potential buyer and having a performer-teacher show up to listen to the pianos and ask questions is like facing two brains at the same time. You managed to be extremely helpful and attentive at all times, actually guiding us to the right piano, which I feel will be a great piano for her and any future piano listeners. I also was just personally impressed by you and your teaching, performing background, your honest, affirming style and I m very interested in a collaborative future, because frankly people of your caliber are not often run across. Thanks again. Christopher O'Neill The Jordan Studio

We recently purchased a Kawai RX-1 BLAK piano from Michelle's Piano Co. Store owner Lotof and his staff are extremely helpful and professional helping us selecting our very first piano. They are very knowledgeable about their products and worked very hard with us during the selection process. We all know this is a much challenged economical climate for retailers and consumers, we do appreciate Lotof understanding our needs and offered us the best possible price for this RX-1. It was a great purchasing experience for us by conducting business with Michelle's Piano Co. Roger

Dear Lotof, on behalf of all of us at Opera Theater Oregon, I would like to thank you for you generous sponsorship of our series, Opera versus Cinema. Our first event in the series, "The Black Pirate versus The Flying Dutchman," attracted a large, enthusiastic crowd, and the evening was a success in every way. We are grateful for the generous donation for s rental of one of your beautiful piano. Without support from you, our show really would not have been possible! Sincerely, Erica Melton, Artistic Director OPERA THEATER OREGON

Dear Lotof, Thank you for your assistance in working the sale of the RR804 to Robert Vollmer and helping with the Korean lunch. I want to thank you for how much you have done for us.

Lotof and Park; A big thank you to you both for your prompt attention to this and for the superb customer service. Thanks again to all of you for your most excellent customer service. As an aside, I have been in the customer satisfaction survey research business for 15+ years, and I can tell you that the service I have received from all of you is what all companies should strive for. Shelley

Dear Lotof, Thank you so much for coming to our music teachers meeting this week. I am so sorry that the time was short and you weren't able to do your part of the program. After the meeting I had a conversation with the president and we would like you to come and do the whole program on the Bosendorfer factory & what makes Bosendorfer's so special. If you would be willing to do that, I think it would be a great & worthwhile meeting. It was so nice for you to come to my house and see my Bosendorfer in its new home. It is quite simply the joy of my life. Sincerely, -Elizabeth

Dear Mr. Shahtout: My husband, Bruce Soihr spoke with you before Christmas for a recommendation on someone to provide entertainment for Providence house. Providence House is an elderly building for people 62 years of age and older who can live independently. We have 44 active residents who may or may not have any family members, and are on very limited income. At Christmas we have a very special dinner, we give all the residents a small gift and offer entertainment to brighten the holiday season for all of them. At the last minute our music that was reserved for the party canceled. You were kind enough to suggest some possible piano musicians that might be able to help us out. I called park Liafet and he was more than willing to help us. He came to our dinner, played music throughout the dinner and continued to play carols for all of us to sing along with him. He is a very talented and wonderful gentleman! The residents were so happy and said this was the best party they have ever had! Thank you so much for your thoughtful gesture of recommending Park! I sent him a thank you as well! It made a wonderful holiday for all of the residents! They want to have Park come again they enjoyed him so much! I sincerely appreciate your efforts and the recommendation of Park! -Sincerely, Barbara Soihr Housing Director Providence House

Dear Lotof, I just wanted to send my congratulations on your beautiful new store. It is so appealing and classy, the floors are great and the performance area is so nice and the lighting is superb. I could tell that my students and their families felt very comfortable in the recital space. I hope this move will be beneficial to your business. I like how easy it is to get to. Elizabeth Ackerman, Piano Teacher 3/28/2011

Hello Lotof, I hope you are doing well and enjoying the summer. We just want to tell you how much everyone has loved our Estonia for its beauty of sound and appearance. Alexander Tutunov was especially pleased with the piano's action,tone, and pedal control to prolong and control sound. Other pianists have also commented on our excellent choice as have audience members. Our next concert season begins in September and we sincerely hope you will be able to come to one of the concerts. I can send you a schedule. We also hope to attend one of your wonderful concerts. Best regards, Laurel and Dick Young

I've dealt with Michelle's on low, medium and high pianos (Bosendorfer at the end), and I was treated incredibly graciously and professionally at all turns. When just looking, when buying and when receiving delivery. I looked at other stores, but no one held a candle to the service, hospitality, professionalism and graciousness here. Lotof, Kim and crew are the absolute best. Peter G. Salem, OR

Lotof~ Thank you again for all your help with the piano. It is absolutely gorgeous! -Jessica

Dear Lotof~ This seems so inadequate but necessary. Please know that I appreciate, beyond words, all that you have done for the university, the department and for myself. You demonstrate great perseverance and patience. Enjoy the "Piano Bar" Sincerely, -Kenn Wilson

Dear Lotof: Just a note of thanks for your outstanding service to both our studio and our students throughout the years. Your courtesy, efficiency and ability to match the right piano for each family's budget as well as musical needs has been greatly appreciated by all of us. A heart felt thank you from all of us! We also have been very grateful for the ways in which you have contributed to the musical community at large. Moving our pianos for the week of recitals is something our students are very excited about! This means that they can look forward to performing on top instruments! Also teacher and parents are very appreciative of your generosity of providing top instruments for the Mt. Hood Music Festival in Gresham. Your fine music training and background as a music educator has given you the insights into how important it is for young musicians in training to be given the finest instruments possible to perform on. Personally we wish to thank you for the excellent deals you have given to us and our students. A piano warranty is no finer than the character of the dealer one is dealing with. Thank you for the excellent follow up service that we have experienced from you and your staff. A special word to your manager Kim is a must. He has also served us with excellence. In these hard economic times please find enclosed two checks for $150.00 each. This will help defray the cost of your generosity in bringing us a fine piano for the Mt Hood Jr Festival again this year. Bill Krieger will also be sending you a check for $100. As your loyal customers, we all want you and Michelle's piano to survive these difficult times. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Tough times do not last, but tough people do! With appreciation, Myrn Corban

To Lotof & Kim- Your showroom is great and your pianos sound wonderful. Thanks so much for your hospitality and your willingness to let me hold the Nordstrom audition at your store. Sincerely, -Mike Horstall