Young Chang’s latest initiative combines the best of the old and new.

During a press conference Friday afternoon, company executives announced a complete
redesign of every model in the Young Chang and Weber piano lines. Now, all instruments
will be built with new performance goals using the latest technology. These goals include balanced timbre across the whole compass; smooth, warm pianissimo; strong, clear forte; and musically transparent bass and tenor transitions.

“When I visited the factory in Korea, I saw the old and the new,” said Bruce McNeil, vice president of Young Chang. “I saw places where technology was being used, and I saw places where human hands were being used.

“I think you can say that at Young Chang today, pianos are being built the old-fashioned
way but with technology.” The initiative was led by piano design veteran Delwin Fandrich, who mentioned that he has never seen a company do such a grand redesign.

“These are the best-sounding laminated soundboards that I have ever heard,” Fandrich said.
Corey Allen, arranger and keyboardist for The Manhattan Transfer, then offered demos of various upgraded pianos.