Artists’ Preference Geographic Origin And Specific Instruments
Steinway manufactures the ‘D’ in two factories, one in New York and one in Hamburg, Germany. Outwardly, New York and Hamburg ‘D’s differ most noticeably in finish, with the former displaying traditional satin lacquer and the latter high-gloss polyester. Differences in the respective instruments’ tone and playing character, however, have led particular pianists to gravitate to the output of one factory or the other Vladimir Horowitz, for instance, preferred a New York ‘D’, whereas , Alfred Brendel, Mitsuko Uchida, Burkard Schliessmann, Grigory Sokolov, Arcadi Volodos, Artur Rubinstein and Krystian Zimerman were partial to the Hamburg product. Garrick Ohlsson preferred the brilliance of the Hamburg instrument in his youth, but the warmth of the New York ‘D’ as he matured. Sergei Rachmaninoff bought three ‘D’s, all New York products, for his homes in the United States, but he installed a Hamburg ‘D’ in his Swiss villa. The difference between the New York and Hamburg Steinway pianos is less noticeable today. Pianist and Steinway ArtistEmanuel Ax says that “… the differences have more to do with individual instruments than with where they were made.”
Several artists have developed documented association with particular ‘D’s. Examples would include the following:
How Loud Are Grand Pianos
Grand pianos can get significantly loud depending on the grand piano type, the room size, floor material, and the lids position.
Concert grands can go up to 110 decibels, as loud as a rock concert. That is why most grand pianos are not recommended for small rooms.
Grand pianos, especially concert grands, can go extremely loud. This is because they are built to resonate with the sound as much as possible. Even the smallest baby grand pianos are pretty loud for tiny rooms.
The loudness of a grand piano depends on the type of the piano, as the baby grand is the smallest and the quietest, and the concert grand is the largest and the loudest of all.
The room size is also important as sound bounces between the walls.
The floor material is also crucial for the sound to bounce and strengthen.
If the material is something hard like tiles, the sound can reflect from the floor, while soft materials like carpet absorb the sound making the sound go off.
Finally, the position of the piano lid creates a big difference. When the lid is open, sound freely travels around the room, getting louder.
However, when the lid is closed, the sound is absorbed inside the tail of the piano, and the instrument gets slightly quieter.
How Does This Make You Feel
What happens to you, the customer, as you make your way down their website? Its only natural for you to develop fears about buying a pre-owned Steinway. After all, this is the work of a very successful and highly-paid marketing team. Please dont feel like a sucker at being swayed by them. They not only changed your mind, they changed an entire marketplace.
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Play The Right Notes With Steinway’s Baby Grand Piano
For the next big concert, play this well-designed miniature version of the Steinway grand piano. For a great price, you can play an instrument straight from the New York-based hall by purchasing it on eBay.
What are the features of the baby grand piano?
The Steinway piano includes 88 keys and pedals for sustain, dampening, and softening the sound. It meets and exceeds the standards of what to expect from a piano, especially from a company as prestigious as Steinway pianos. Different pianos from Steinway and Sons come in different finish options. Models such as the baby grand come in an Ebony Satin finish, a classic aesthetic for Steinway and Sons instruments.
What’s the difference between this model and a grand piano?
A grand piano is generally longer than five feet. A baby model is less than that. A grand piano will also have longer strings to give it a richer sound and a louder volume. Baby grands are certainly capable of projecting loud volumes on their own as well. What makes them so popular is their smaller size, making it easier to move from room to room or venue to venue.
What styles of music are pianos known for?
Pianos are one of the most versatile instruments in history. You’ll find musicians playing them in a variety of settings such as:
- Broadway musicals
When you have your own piano, you’re creating an opportunity for yourself to be able to play in any musical environment.
What environments are best for the baby grand piano?
How Much Does A Steinway Grand Piano Cost
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The short answer: somewhere between $70,000 and $150,000.
For many musicians, a Steinway grand piano is their dream piano. Most serious musicians have played one and recognise them to be some of the very best pianos that exist. While there are more expensive pianos, namely luxury models by Bosendorfer and Fazioli, the Steinway represents the goal for the aspiring classical pianist the piano everybody wants to own.
Unfortunately, while not the priciest piano you can buy in the world, a Steinway grand piano is not far off. Thats why owning one remains a dream for the vast majority of people Steinway pianos are just far too expensive. The most expensive model, designed for huge concert halls, costs in the region of $200,000. You could buy a house for that kind of money!
Fortunately, there are cheaper models, so your dreams of owning a Steinway may not be shattered just yet.
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Special Editions And Price Record
White HouseSteinway Alma Tadema
Over the years, Steinway has produced a small number of special or limited editions of the D-274. The differences in these pianos can range from ornately carved bodywork to large changes in the colour scheme. Custom-built D-274s have also been made for example the “fully crystallized” D-274s with over a million individually positioned Swarovskicrystals covering each piano.
The White House has a specially designed D-274, which is normally placed in the largest room of the White House, the East Room. The 2002 White House Christmas card features this piano.
The world’s most expensive grand piano sold at auction is a specially designed D-274 named Steinway Alma Tadema it sold for $1.2 million in 1997 at Christie’s in London, breaking Steinway’s own 1997 price record of $390,000. The D-274 was built in 188387 and designed by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. It is displayed at the art museum Clark Art Institute. In 2006, Steinway recreated an exacting replica of this piano.
New Vs Used Steinways
In reality, new Steinway pianos feature the same excellent design and quality that has kept Steinway pianos at the forefront of the industry. The exceptional performance of new Steinway pianos is evidenced by the use of Steinways less than 10 years old in professional concert halls around the world.
Because Steinway pianos are designed to be rebuilt, used Steinway pianos can also offer excellent quality. Steinway pianos can retain their original quality for decades if you properly repair and maintain them. However, when considering a used Steinway piano, buyers should pay close attention to the condition of the instrument and where it was rebuilt or repaired. Not all piano rebuilders use genuine parts from Steinway when restoring a piano, which compromises the value and performance of the piano. Poor execution of repairs can also cause damage and lower the performance quality of a piano.
If a Steinway piano is rebuilt, it is paramount authentic Steinway parts be used. Steinways that are rebuilt with non-Steinway parts will not provide an authentic Steinway sound and have lower investment value. However, some piano rebuilders may use non-Steinway parts in repairs to cut expenses. These companies may not identify Steinways they repaired using non-Steinway parts. When shopping for a used Steinway piano, ask for written verification that the piano was restored with genuine parts.
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What Can We Learn By Googling Used Steinway Piano
To understand the answer, and see what the fair price means, we need to dig a little deeper.
Lets start by examining our own natural biases, and evaluate the authenticity and source of the information that is most widely disseminated.
Lets analyze the first page of google search results together for a simple phrase, Used Steinway Piano. First line results of a Google search. This looks like a comprehensive, impartial source of information, right?
Take another look.
As you can see, 4 of the top 5 sites are owned by The Steinway & Sons, including a very impartial-looking web domain, www.usedsteinwaypiano.com, with the following title: A Grand Guide to Buying a Used Steinway Piano.
Lets analyze the first page of google search results together for a simple phrase, Used Steinway Piano. First line results of a Google search. This looks like a comprehensive, impartial source of information, right?
Take another look.
The Used Steinway Piano website is owned by the same parent company that dominates the other top results its owned by The Steinway and Sons, and its purpose appears to some to be not only to inform you, but to ensure that you buy a Steinway from them.
“Steinway Village in Queens was a community William Steinway built near his Steinway piano factory in the late 19th Century.”
Rebuilders Care About Their Craft
In this section of their website, Steinway goes so far as to say that a Stein-Was is actually counterfeit. Something thats counterfeit is illegal. Counterfeiting is a crime. No wonder language like that engenders fear in customers.
But Steinway is using more than language. Its actually taking legal action! In a 2018 policy letter , Steinway threatened legal action against anyone using a Steinway decal on their piano if it doesnt have all 12,116 Steinway parts. This letter was addressed to all, including, private owners of Steinway pianos. In theory, Steinway can sue you for exchanging that one inch of felt on your piano.
Screenshot from Official Steinway Site. : http://www.usedsteinwaypiano.com/
Screenshot from Official Steinway Site. : http://www.usedsteinwaypiano.com/
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Determining Your Steinway Budget
When determining the right Steinway piano for your budget, consider the size, style and features you desire. Are you seeking a classic Steinway grand piano or a smaller Steinway upright piano for an apartment or classroom? When choosing the best model of Steinway grand piano, consider the space you have available and how you will use your piano. While smaller models are appropriate for home use, a larger model is the preferred choice for studios and concert halls. When choosing a Steinway piano for home or concert use, you may also consider aesthetic features, such as the finish or veneer.
Remember, buying a Steinway piano is an investment, not just a purchase. Steinway pianos appreciate over time, with each new model causing the value of existing models to rise, as well. The legendary history of Steinway piano appreciation means the best time to invest in a Steinway piano is always the present.
Fair Pricing: How Much Is A Steinway Piano Worth
How much is a Steinway piano worth? Learn about the “off the lot” Steinway piano price drop when buying new at the Steinway showroom.
How much is a Steinway worth? As pianists, musicians, students, parents, and music lovers play through Steinway pianos they love, it is a question of great importance. Many financially savvy individuals understand that often, when they pay more for something, it retains its value better than something less expensive.
Steinway “Cost of Use”
So how do you know if its TOO expensive? The answer may be found in what is known as the Steinway cost of use or cost of enjoyment, namely what you pay for the piano, minus what you can reasonably expect to sell it for in 10-15 years. If you do a little work on both sides of this equation , your Steinway cost of use can be minimal in many cases, it is zero. When someone buys a Steinway piano new from the Steinway showroom, there is invariably a significant drop in value the minute the piano comes home. People understand that when it comes to luxury cars, and the effect is very similar when buying brand new at Steinway. The reason being that when you buy new at Steinway there is no competition, and therefore the pricing is not subject to an actual market, but rather the pricing desire of the Steinway company.
The Mercedes Benz E Class is the fastest depreciating car
Secondary Market for Steinways
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Youve Tried A Few Steinway Grand Pianos
Maybe visited the Steinway Piano Gallery, or snuck on stage after a concert of a well-known pianist at your local university. You have tasted the rich, exquisite, iconic, Steinway sound, sweeter and finer than your favorite glass of Cabernet. You know the data, youve tasted the goods, you just want what every thoughtful, fair-minded, diligent person wants.
Steinway Artists are not paid to play a Steinway, nor do they receive a Free Steinway for personal use. Steinway Artists choose to perform on Steinway pianos.
Why Are Grand Pianos Better Than Other Pianos
Grand pianos have better, louder, and clearer sound, as well as better responsiveness, compared to other piano types.
They also have much better aesthetics, which is pretty important for piano experts. They are made with top-quality materials and are the most expensive piano types.
You can check how a grand piano performs compared to an upright piano or a digital piano in the comparison videos. The difference can be clearly heard between the models.
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Concert Grand Piano Banks
For the convenience of touring performers and in the belief that every D-274 is somewhat different in character, Steinway maintains a collection of D-274s in “concert grand piano banks” across the world for instance, the company maintains more than 40 in the basement of Steinway Hall in Manhattan. Such pianos are given “CD” designators, and they receive replacement stencils calculated for greater visibility at a distance. A pianist visiting one of these banks may sample and choose from a range of D-274s, according to taste, for public performance or recording Steinway prepares and transports the chosen instrument, although the artist bears the cost of these services. As noted above, some artists have developed affinities for particular instruments included in this program the requirement that instruments so supplied be credited to Steinway led to Olga Samaroff’s above-mentioned purchase of a D-274 on which to make records.
Steinway Grand Piano Pricing
The cost of a Steinway grand piano depends on the model and the finish. New Steinway grand pianos produced in the Queens, New York, factory are available in six different models with four standard finishes available. With each increasing in price, the available finishes are satin ebony, polyester-polished ebony, polyester-polished ebony with sterling hardware and lacquer-polished ebony.
Model types include:
The Steinway & Sons factory in Hamburg, Germany produces seven models of Steinway grand pianos that are comparable in size to those produced in Queens. The additional C-227 model falls between the Model B and Model D in size, measuring 7 5 1/2. Steinway grand pianos produced in Hamburg have a polished ebony finish.
Below are the prices and sizes of Steinway grand pianos constructed in Hamburg:
- S-155: The S-155 measures 5 1 and is priced at $80,200.
- M-170: The M-170 measures 5 7 and is priced at $88,000.
- O-180: The O-180 measures 5 10 1/2 and is priced at $93,100.
- A-188: The A-188 measures 6 2 and is priced at $99,400.
- B-211: The B-211 measures 6 11 and is priced at $115,800.
- C-227: The C-227 measures 7 5 1/2 and is priced at $136,000.
- D-274: The D-271 measures 8 11 3/4 and is priced at $175,700.
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Which Piano Is Right For You
While grand pianos are some of the most majestic instruments, they are not the best choices for entry-level musicians.
They are expensive, big, and loud, making them ideal for professional pianists regularly gigging.
For entry-level piano players,we recommend going with a good digital piano or an upright acoustic piano if you have an extra budget and space.
Digital pianos are great devices that replicate the piano feel and sound amazingly these days.
Plus, they come with extra features which make the playing more fun and versatile and the learning process faster.
Upright pianos are not just musical instruments but also great decor if you have a big house.
Plus, they sound acoustic, which feels slightly warmer and more natural than digital pianos. But, as they are acoustic pianos, they need constant maintenance and good care.
The Best Way To Find The Best Concert Grand Piano For You
Individuals and institutions interested in buying a concert grand piano know that such an investment will require a step-by-step process to assure the right selection for them. Premium piano companies who make concert grands are ready to assist such buyers with a tried and true approach to finding the right piano.
For example, the Steinway Selection Process gives peace of mind to the institutions and individuals interested in participating in this structured, deliberative approach to piano buying.
The fact that Steinway instituted this process years ago illustrates how extraordinarily special concert grands are.
Once you are serious about buying a concert grand, you can try some Steinway Model Ds and other brands concert grands at their authorized dealers to make comparisons. This is a huge purchase and one to be taken with great care.
Then you can determine if the Steinway Selection Process is for you.
Take an inside look at one institutions purchase of a concert grand for their university and how the Steinway Selection Process worked for them:
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