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For grand Bösendorfer, my teacher has one and it's beautiful in feeling and sound. But I don't have any space for a babygrand so I found myself an upright Petrof, Didn't knew uprights could sound and feel this good. Very happy with my find.
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I just wanted to say I had played a Bösendorfer once in my life. I saw a used one listed at the the dealership that had rebuilt my 1928 Steinway. So I thoughtâŠ.okâŠ.why not cross that off my bucket list? I drove there. I played it for 4 minutesâŠâŠmaybe 5.
A rebuilt 1928 Steinway, a French Gaveau, and a Golden Era Chickering later, it now owns me. It has a sound beyond my wildest dreams. Sometimes I just go in the music room and sit next to it, in utter disbeliefâŠ
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My first serious piano was a Steingraeber C212 (7 foot). I traded up to the Steingraeber D232 (7â6â). Both were beautiful instruments with superb upper registers. I loved particularly the chocolatey tone of the D232 in the middle and lower octaves â Iâve never heard a tone like that on any other piano. I traded the D232 for a Steinway D that was completely rebuilt by PianoCraft a few years ago. Itâs a NY Steinway on the outside, but a Hamburg Steinway on the inside. All three instruments are better than I will ever deserve, but Iâm glad to have had them in my life!
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Peter Gallanis What a lovely journey with pianos you've shared! Each instrument has its own character, and it sounds like youâve had quite a beautiful experience with your Steingraeber and Steinways. The chocolatey tone of the D232 really adds a special touch to the middle and lower octaves, doesn't it? Transitioning to a rebuilt Steinway D must have been a fantastic experience! Have you noticed any favorite pieces that shine on your current instrument compared to the others?
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There is so much variation within brands I feel it is hard to pick a brand vs a piano. I looked at a lot of pianos before I chose mine, and I bought a Mason and Hamlin Model A. I am very happy with it for my house, and usually prefer it to others I play; but I recently had opportunities to play a Bosendorfer and a Bluthner, and they both made me want them.
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Stephen Hessert It's great to hear your thoughts on piano variations! Choosing a brand can feel daunting, especially with the wealth of options available. Your Mason and Hamlin Model A is a fantastic choice â They have a rich, balanced sound that's perfect for home playing. Those experiences with the Bosendorfer and Bluthner must have been exciting!
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Steinway made in Hamburg. Ens of discussion
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Christian Hi Christian! Great to see you mentioning the Steinways made in Hamburg!
It's fascinating how each model can have its own unique character and tonal qualities. They are certainly terrific in every possible way! Had the privilege to play on a few at the Colburn School recently!
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Agree with Christian - Steinway is the only piano.
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I find this question to be a bit off-putting and at the same time interesting. As each piano has its own personality and character I'm afraid I can't judge them just by brand. i realize that the brands also have certain somewhat identifiable characteristics but this question is too difficult for me! I have a Steinway B and I love it most of time and question it once in a while - but it never disappoints me, it is always there for me and always able to give me what I ask of it, and more.
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richard guzauskas That's an interesting perspective! You're absolutely right that each piano has a unique character and voice beyond its brand. It's great to hear how much you enjoy your Steinway B. It seems like a solid partnership! Have you found that certain pieces resonate differently on your piano compared to others? It would be fascinating to know how its character influences your interpretation of different works!
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My favorite is Fazioli. I've had the good fortune to perform several times on a Fazioli concert grand, and when I went to the retailer in Manhattan to select the instrument for the events it was obvious that the Fazioli was superior to the several Steinway D's that were also available.
At home I have a 100 year old Knabe 5'6" grand that was rebuilt (formerly a player piano!) several decades ago but still holds up...a family instrument for generations - beautiful red African mahogany with an oil finish - it glows. Also have a Mason & Hamlin BB from the late '90s (when M&H was reintroducing that instrument and staging a quality assault on Steinway), It stands up to any Steinway B I've ever played.
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JGILLSON What a fascinating post about your experiences with different pianos! It sounds like you have a wonderful connection to your instruments. Fazioli really does have such a unique sound that can elevate any performance, and itâs especially interesting to hear how it stood out compared to the Steinway D's during your selection process. Your 100-year-old Knabe must have such a rich history tooâthere's something special about family instruments that add a personal touch to music-making.And that Mason & Hamlin BB sounds fantastic; it's great to hear it holds its own against Steinways! Have you found that each of these pianos inspires you differently in your playing? Itâs always insightful to hear how different instruments can influence interpretation and style.
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Dominic Cheli Hey Dominic hope all is well! I find that my Knabe has a lighter tone than my Mason, particularly in the bass and baritone ranges (the Mason is a monster), so I gravitate towards it for Bach and Mozart. These two instruments do influence interpretation in subtle ways...the Mason seems to invite a kind of performance-focused playing more than the Knabe...it really is a concert instrument. I have been playing some four-hand/two-piano repertoire lately with a friend (Mozart Sonata in D; Brahms Haydn Variations) and I find the instruments really complimentary - favoring the Knabe for more primo, treble-focused parts but it's also fun to trade!
I hope Tonebase returns to NYC for another workshop at some point. My hour with you playing Chopin Opus 48 No. 1 was one of the most fun, inspiring and directly helpful sessions I've ever had!
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JGILLSON Your insights on the tonal differences between your Knabe and Mason pianos are wonderful to hear. It's fascinating how the character of each instrument can subtly influence your interpretation of composers like Bach and Mozart. Your experience with the four-hand repertoire sounds like a delightful explorationâhow wonderful that the two pianos complement each other so well! The session we shared on Chopin Opus 48 No. 1 remains a fond memory, and I appreciate your kind words. Working on the next NYC event currently, and looking forward to announcing it soon! Stay tuned!
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For me itâs Bechstein. Always has been since college where there was a Bechstein baby grand and Steinway baby grand in the recital hall. During Covid I managed to find a secondhand Bechstein from the 1980âs and I love the warmth and depth of tone. The colours can be so rich or restrained, the touch so even. Everything era sounds good on it but Beethoven is just sublime. At the end of a days teaching (usually on a significantly lesser instrument) I only have to play a few notes and hear that Bechstein sound to feel completely reinvigorated and ready for more piano piano piano. I also have a Boston upright which is a great piano as well, again fabulous colours and tone.
Now I wouldnât say ânoâ to a beautiful Steinway grand should one land at my door and I was amazed at how much of a piano for a reasonable price could be had from Steingraber when helping a student choose a new piano recently.
But for me, Bechstein every time!
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Angela Fogg What a wonderful reflection on your experience with pianos! Bechstein certainly has a unique character. Your insights on the warmth and depth of tone, especially with Beethoven, really capture the essence of how a piano can rejuvenate one's spirit after a long day. It's also fascinating to hear how your Boston upright holds its own alongside the Bechstein!
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