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I thought the pianist was working harder with the Steinway, but the sound of the Steingraeber just flowed out. The range of tone and dynamics sounded easier to produce on the Steingraeber. Only the pianist knows for sure.
The truest test would be if WE could all hear the two piano recordings from the same speakers. So, where are we all going to meet? Perhaps a Piano World Listening Party!
Eric Gloo Piano Technician Certified Dampp-Chaser Installer Richfield Springs, New York
Sorry to bring back such an old thread, but someone just pointed out to me that because our youtube channel changed they couldn't access the videos here. Also, I could not edit the opening post. So, here are the same videos linked in the initial post should anyone dig up this thread again in the future
Same music, same pianist, same space, same recording equipment, same piano technician Steingraeber 205 and vintage Steinway B
Keith, Thanx for re-posting them. They're great vids for anyone thinking about Steinway/Steingraeber - I watched them a lot before buying my 205 from Hurstwood Farm. Of course Eric is a great pianist. I get the sense from his videos that he thoroughly appreciates and enjoys the differences between great pianos.
I grew up with a B which is amazing and have a M&H AA. But I listened blinded and thought the Steingraeber just smoked the Steinway, which makes me sad. I don't like Steinway as a company, but I love the family heirloom B. Especially now that it is rebuilt. But the Steingraeber has all the warmth, none of the mud, none of the odd sounding notes. Pretty amazing. Did anyone else listen without knowing which they were hearing? I
Previously: M&H AA (2006) Currently: Phoenix C212 (2016)
Keith: What a wonderful experience to hear a superb pianist play two such gorgeous instruments. It's delicious to return to this thread. As an American Boomer, the B is in my DNA. I know that sound intimately. But I have to say that the Steingraeber is equal in every way, but, of course, different. I remember an occasion that you mentioned that Ravel, who owned an Erard, played Masons in America. I can imagine Eric Himy playing a BB with equal, but again, VERY different results. For my money, a vintage BB remains the ultimate home/studio piano, wonderful as is the Steinway B. Sharing your magnificent pianos with us puts us in your debt. Thank you very much. Karl Watson, Staten Island, NY
Keith: What a wonderful experience to hear a superb pianist play two such gorgeous instruments. It's delicious to return to this thread. As an American Boomer, the B is in my DNA. I know that sound intimately. But I have to say that the Steingraeber is equal in every way, but, of course, different. I remember an occasion that you mentioned that Ravel, who owned an Erard, played Masons in America. I can imagine Eric Himy playing a BB with equal, but again, VERY different results. For my money, a vintage BB remains the ultimate home/studio piano, wonderful as is the Steinway B. Sharing your magnificent pianos with us puts us in your debt. Thank you very much. Karl Watson, Staten Island, NY
Hi Karl,
I wish I had a recording of Eric on a vintage Mason & Hamlin BB to share. In the mean time, perhaps this 1913 Mason & Hamlin CC will do.
Can't we all just get along? I hear two superb pianos with differing strengths that bring their own individual voice to the music. Does that voice speak to us? Does it bring something that allows us to hear the music in new ways if we are open to it?
To say that Steinway is the only great piano is like saying that there is only one color blue for every painter to use. I may love that color blue, but I sure don't want it to be the only one.
Will Truitt
fine grand piano custom rebuilding, piano technician and tuner
Just found this-- only 4.5 years late. Lovely contrast, and fantastic playing!
The Steinway sound is a bit more familiar, in a comforting way, to this American, and the differences in tone color among registers is quite intoxicating. Still, it lacks a little clarity, and probably induces a certain kind of virtuosic playing that might not be for everyone.
The Steingraeber is clear and beautiful, if somewhat less varied up and down the keyboard. Perhaps a different piece might make more of that particular virtue.
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