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We have recorded Enrique Granados' The Maiden and the Nightingale from Goyescas 3 times on 3 different semi concert grands.
Same music. Same pianist. Same location ( we literally put tape on the floor to make sure ). Same piano technician. Same recording engineer. Same recording gear. Same gear set up.

I will reveal the brand or brands and model or models of pianos some time in the near future! Enjoy! I am very much looking forward to people's responses

I'll play. I greatly prefer 1 & 3 over 2. Between 1 & 3, l like the differences they present, but if forced to choose, 1 is my favorite of the recordings.

Thanks for playing!

I can't hear enough difference to consistently choose one over the other. This kind of test is interesting, there was a test comparing old violins vs new violins done some years ago that turned up that no one could tell a stradivarius from a new quality made instrument, including the person who owned the stradivarius. The players were blindfolded and the majority picked a new instrument. It would be interesting to do the same thing with different age and brand pianos.

I prefer number 2 for it's clarity but would happily trade my Yamaha for any of them.

Listening with Neumann KH120s , a (new) Cranesong Solaris Quantum DAC and Senn HD650s into the Cranesong -- They're all very good but I prefer #1. It seems to have that extra bit of dark tone and richness that I like. But #3 is very good too and so is #2. In that order.

Since you said Semi- concert, is #1 a rebuilt NY Steinway C ? I heard one on your site not long ago that had a gorgeous tone. Are we including 7' models ?

I agree with Dave and Sam

#1
#3
#2

I can't wait to find out which is which.

They all sound good.

Love the idea of the post, very interesting!

Also can't wait to find out the answer.

I agree.
#1
#3
#2

Keith:

I prefer No. 3

Karl Watson

I like 2 slightly better than 3 and find 1 to be indistinct and clumsy sounding.

But hearing this piece makes me remember how simply wonderful my wife can play it. I may have to set her to task if she is willing so I can hear it on my concert grand.

I would also say no2 is best.It is difficult to judge with recordings though.

This sounds so romantic.You will have ask nicely.Do not forget -at least one red rose for your wife !

I like no. 2, too.

No. 3 is similar to two, but too tart sounding.

No. 1 could use a tad of brightening--not too much.

Nobody up for brand speculation? Bosendorfer, Shigeru Kawai, Fazioli, Steinway, or Yamaha?

I had time to only listen to the beginning, but my first impression is that I would prefer nr 1.

Since I don't mind getting this all wrong:

1: Steingraeber, 2: Estonia, 3. Steinway.

They all sound gorgeous. Beautifully voiced. Bravo.

In order of preference: #1, #3 and then #2.

1 was also my favorite. 2&3 were pretty equal. Wish I could have heard in person. Who knows what was lost by YouTube compression.

1. Steingraber
2. ??
3. Steinway

I liked 2, then 1 and 3. But as some others stated, all three sounded fine and I would happily accept any of the three.