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I am a teacher by profession so I had Monday the 21st off. I chose to spend some time playing some high end pianos on my day off. What a great time! I played a Bosendorfer 225, Estonia, 190, and 274, Mason Hamlin BB, Steinway O, Bechstein (do not recall what model, but it was 6'3") and a Baldwin SD10 and SF10. I went really with the purpose of playing the Mason BB and Baldwin SF10. From my past experience with Mason BB's I thought that would be the piano that blew me away. But.....when I sat down to play the Baldwin SF10 I fell in love. It had the rich American sound that my rebuilt Conover has, and the dynamic range I was able to get was incredible. I had never had the oppurtunity to play an SF10 before, this was the first. And, while I love Steinway B's, this SF10 spoke to me more than the B's I have played. The next most amazing piano was actually the Bechstein. While being over a foot shorter than the Bosendorfer it sounded two feet larger. What an amazing tone!

"I am a teacher by profession so I had Monday the 21st off. I chose to spend some time playing some high end pianos on my day off. What a great time! I played a Bosendorfer 225, Estonia, 190, and 274, Mason Hamlin BB, Steinway O, Bechstein (do not recall what model, but it was 6'3") and a Baldwin SD10 and SF10."

Did you get one of each?

Well, Liberace liked the Baldwins… many other famous artists did as well.

Sounds like a fantastic piano adventure, Craig! Thanks for sharing.

Rick

What a lovely way to spend the day!

I just had a similar experience last saturday. The august forster and bechstein made my day.

Sounds like a great day! Just curious - where in Oregon are you and which stores did you visit?

"Well, Liberace liked the Baldwins… many other famous artists did as well. "

Me too . . .

Day well spent!

When I was growing up, Baldwin was a significant presence as the piano of choice (or at least "official piano") of a number of performing artists, concert halls, and major symphony orchestras. I don't know the old Baldwins well personally, but I'll bet there are some gems that are still available.

If Portland, Oregon;

Michelle's Pianos; Estonia, Kawai, Bechstein
Lotof Shatout is the manager, and a fine salesman.
michellespianos.com

Classic Pianos; Bosendorfer, Mason-Hamlin, Yamaha, Schimmel
Brian Unis is the manager, and they have good people working the sales floor and rebuilding facilities.
classicportland.com

Both have large used piano inventories, too. Classic has the larger store, and bigger used inventory (...they've got a warehouse nearby).

Our Portland Steinway/Sherman-Clay has closed. The previous store manager is working to open a Steinway outlet; he has a lot of support from customers and organizations he has helped through the years. A lot of good will built through being a nice guy! Hope that helps, I do.

Sincerely,

Rich, I am in Salem Oregon and I visited Michelles Piano in Portland. I did not have time to get over to Classic and play some Bluthners. Rich I tried to PM you but it said that the folder was full. I actually had a question about the SF10.

Thanks so much,
Craig

nwpiano:

These are all fabulous pianos, both dealers Classic and Michelles' great dealers!

Wondering how the pianos you played would have compared to a similar size 7'4 Estonia or the brand new 6'10 grand 210 introduced just today at NAMM show in Anaheim.

Battle of the giants: to be continued....

Thanks for sharing,

Norbert

Norbert, hopefuly I will get to play the 7'4 Estonia as I am told Michelles will be getting one in later this year. And while I think Estonia is a great sounding piano (and nicely built) I still love that deep rich American sound. I really do blame my Conover for that. I have never played a Sauter, but am told that they have a deeper, richer sound than most European pianos. I was not impressed by the Bosendorfer 225, too focused on the fundemental. The Bechstein was great, one of the best actions I have ever played.

Craig -

I can't tell from your original post the Baldwins you played were NEW or late models. Could you please clarify ???? Thanks !!!

The august forster and bechstein made my day.

Nice!

Carey, bothe the Baldwin SD10 and SF10 were built in 1997.
Craig

Thanks - that's what I figured.....given that they are no longer being built in the US. We recently bought a 1996 SF-10 for our church sanctuary and have been enjoying it immensely.

I did that once[ wish I could have spent the day]. I was in a private room that had about 10 pianos. They were all Bechstein accept for one Bosendorfer [ Imperial]......I'll never forget the feeling that if I closed my eyes I could not distinguish which Bech I was playing....how could they be equally enchanting. I still think I will own one someday.

rada

I also love the 'deep American sound' but IMHO European built quality still stands on its own, especially when it comes to the finer details. This may or may not be important to individual buyers.

Estonias are definitely more delicate sounding pianos but the new 6'10 introduced right now at NAMM has already been described as "delicate + ballsy" something the 7'4 model definitely is as well.

Sauters are stunning, powerful pianos with indeed richer, i.e. 'deeper' sound than most Euros - once you play/feel and also "see" one, it can be hard to accept another standard quickly....

And then there are always the exceptions and wonderful discoveries along the way...

Thanks for sharing - much enjoying your posts!

Norbert