Gist Testimonials

“Gist Piano Center has been the exclusive provider of pianos and all piano services for the Louisville Orchestra since 1975.

Their behind-the-scenes work and their commitment to excellence is a national model. Their support for the Louisville Orchestra - and the entire performing arts community - through the good times as well as the difficult ones is truly outstanding and recognized across Kentucky. We are grateful.”

“The University of Louisville has been proud to partner with Gist Piano Center in many projects that have benefitted our Louisville community and programs in the School of Music. Through these events, our music students and faculty have had the opportunity to hear and work with some of today's outstanding piano artists, while the community has enjoyed the cultural advantages of these events in our city.

We have also valued our association with Ron Gist and his outstanding staff in the development of our piano inventory of more than 100 acoustic instruments. In recent years, the School determined to become a member of the select group of institutions internationally who have been designated 'All-Steinway Schools.' Since that time, the University and friends in our community have worked hard to support our efforts to modernize and improve all of our pianos. I'm proud to say that we are in sight of our goal and that the assistance that the professionals at Gist Piano Center have provided was a critical factor in our piano rebuilding and acquisition program - that has taken us to the brink of this prestigious designation.

We have appreciated our association with Gist Piano Center over the years and look forward to our future association as we advance and celebrate the important role of music and the arts in our community.”

“To my good friends at Gist Piano Center,

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for many years of outstanding service to the music community. Your commitment to providing superior pianos and exceptional service exemplifies Steinway’s own 150-year legacy for unparalleled quality and service.

Steinway & Sons is proud that you are a part of our family and pleased to have you represent the entire family of Steinway-designed pianos with such pride and integrity. I commend you for the special relationships you develop with your customers – providing them not only with the world’s finest instruments… but with Steinway-designed pianos that meet their individual needs, skill levels and budgets. Offering your customers a Steinway or a Steinway-designed Boston or Essex piano gives them the very best from which you choose.

In addition, providing your customers with the Steinway Promise ensures the value and investment appreciation of Steinway-designed pianos, and provides your customers with peace of mind for their investment.

Thank you for sharing in our mission to bring joy to countless thousands for generations to come. Keep up the good work!

With warm regards,

Henry Z. Steinway”

[Excerpt from The Congressional Record]

“...Ron should not only be congratulated for his success with Gist Piano Center, but he should be recognized for his service to the community. He has dedicated himself to making a difference in people’s lives through music. By creating more avenues for young people to express themselves, like through playing the piano, children can learn how to imagine, create, and organize the power of music. These skills can later be used as key tools to succeed in the future as they enter adulthood. Thank you, Ron, for ensuring a better future for this state as the younger generations are better equipped to lead Kentucky.

Your hard work continues to display an un-swerving commitment to the people of Kentucky and has received the respect and gratitude of many in the community.

On behalf of myself and my colleagues in the United States Senate, thank you for giving so much of yourself for so many others in Louisville, the state of Kentucky and the entire music industry.”

“Dear Barrett,

Just a note to express my sincerest appreciation for your hard work and dedication at Gist. Your piano recital was successful due to your helpfulness, courtesy and timeliness. I wish you the best in the days ahead. God bless and thank you. Thank you!

Musically and sincerely,

J.D. Folsom”

“Dear Mr. Gist,

My daughter, Megan, just performed her senior piano recital at your store this past weekend and has had many recitals at your store over the years as a student of Anne Meuser.

I wanted to say 'thank you' and to express my sincere appreciation for your kindness and generosity in allowing us to use the recital hall at your store and, especially, the concert Steinway! What a true privilege. Megan loved playing the Steinway!

A few years back, at one of Mrs. Meuser's recitals, you told your story of how you got started. It was a wonderful story that I very much enjoyed hearing and I feel great admiration for you and your store.

I spread great comments about your store and the service you offer whenever I get the chance.

Thanks again. Sincerely,

Anne”

“John,

Thank you to you, your dad and the gang for giving me such a great intro to Louisville! I had a ball! ...and a BAT!

Lots of love,

Judy”

“James & Barrett,

The Roland FP-7 is awesome! My first performance using it will be December 3rd! Thanks again for helping me program my music into it. You are a life-saver.

Thank you also for inviting us to see Judy Carmichael. She was incredible!”

“Dear James,

Thank you so much for all your help. I absolutely love the piano and you were right, I can't walk past it without sitting down to play! This is my first piano, and with so many pianos to choose from, it was a very difficult decision to make. You helped me find the perfect piano, and it has made a world of difference in my piano lessons.

I would also like to pass on my appreciation to the two young men who delivered the piano, and to the gentleman who came to tune it. Everyone I've dealt with at Gist has been absolutely wonderful and that certainly includes Leslie.

Thank you again for your help.

Sincerely,

Linda”

“On behalf of our instrument selection committee, I want to compliment you and your staff for making our experience of evaluating and purchasing [our] instruments a pleasurable one. We feel that we were able to purchase fine quality instruments at a very reasonable price. ... What set your company apart from the competition was the treatment that we received from your entire staff. From the moment we walked into your showroom, throughout the selection process, and continuing even after the completion of the sale, we were made to feel the way customers should feel - appreciated!

On behalf of our entire congregation, thank you for helping us with this endeavor. We look forward to many pleasurable years with our new instruments and with our new friends at Gist.”