Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Uprights: Bösendorfer, Steingraeber, Grotrian, Sauter

So now Keybender do you really have the abilities to say which has the fastest repetition action ?You may need to demonstrate.
When it comes to an ultimate piano it is still a personal choice.These are very high level uprights.
Steingraeber is not everyone's choice that is for sure.Is there no Bechstein dealer in the US that is not too far away from you lubcubbrate ,in the US ?

I went to Their website to find the dealer nearest Me

The closest are 3 in CA, Then 1 in Detroit

Vancouver would be closer. Is Showcase Piano, the dealer You went to in Vancouver, or is there another/better one


~Lucubrate

This the Vienna 123? Looks intriguing, I must say.

I have played them ALL. You MUST add the Hamburg Steinway K132 to the list (but NOT the New York model K). It's really wonderful.
They're ALL dream uprights (except the Sauter 130 Master Class, to me it's not so interesting). Every single one is a gem itself.

At this level, especially with the scarcity of these uprights, can one make too broad generalization of the small manufacturers? I doubt many of us have had the experience to really know. I tried two underwhelming-to-me Bechstein concert 8 examples In NY. I chalked it up to my inadequacy or variability, as far more qualified people have praised it as one of the very best models. If one is looking to buy, I would think it would be highly dependent on availability. I will agree the NY uprights are not so great, at least in showrooms I’ve visited. Still I wouldn’t criticize anyone’s choice.

I tried one in Canada and one in Paris.

It's good but its strength is clearly the touch. That's not to say it sounds bad or looks shabby. It's still a ~13k piano and you won't find the same level of grandeur in the sound as you would in the other models mentioned in this thread. I wasn't too impressed with the casework. The sliding "door" (nice feature by the way) doesn't feel sturdy and neither does the integrated LED lamp (which is also a great idea). Maybe it's a bit like Ikea... if you know what I mean? Design is great, functionality too but it's not made from the best materials by the best craftsmen. If you have a mostly Ikea living room, it would fit in nicely in satin black.

I'd say it's a great choice if you have a limited budget and limited space but are serious about playing.

Unfortunately I can't say much about the tone - the room it was in was so echoey (full concrete, no carpets, nothing) that I couldn't even determine if I like it. Too bad, I might have just bought it if it sounded like in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNE5I6MVKqg (wholeheartedly agree with the opinion presented btw)

This is a perfect example of what I have pointed out here as "idiosyncrasy" or "subjective taste". Thank God, each one is entitled to a personal preference.

De gustibus non est disputandum...

True Fluxo
Sometimes trying one piano or even two of the same brand -- the tuning ,placement in the store.
Sometimes the piano is just not for the customer.I have read here people have said that two really good brand German uprights were just too bright for them.These were August Forster and Steingraeber.
So yes many factors come into play. ANY piano is a sample of a brand.

Having a subjective taste is almost a gift, I guess

True
Not every piano is meant for everyone.

Lucbubrate
I cannot encourage 😫 you to come to Vancouver besides I do not want you to get into trouble!
These are crazy times.
I do hope you find your ultimate upright. Another piano to try would be the Seiler SE 130 model.
These models are totally made in the Seiler factory in Germany and also have a special repetition
action.

Is there an immediate plan to buy, just wondering?

Hey - No argument here!


I’m just trying to learn more,... & with the pandemic/shutdown - This seems like the best place to do that. Can’t really go around & casually play pianos (without appointments, etc). I’ve gotten some very good information here. I do like the idea of having a nice upright, & at some point, will probably get one



I’ll take a look at Them - Thanks Lady Bird!


~Lucubrate

No - Not at all

But if the right piano/price fell into My lap - I’d definitely consider it

Like I told Lady Bird - I’m just looking to learn more, about these specific uprights, & others, if someone recommends One

With the pandemic/shutdown - I don’t know of a better place to do that,... or a better group of ppl to ask, than here. Do You? Does anyone?

Besides - I like It here!


~Lucubrate