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There's a shop near Boston that appears to be selling a 6'8" Bechstein, lightly used. No idea how lightly, or how big a discount from retail.

I don’t think they’ve made a 203cm piano for quite a while, it could be pretty old.

A Model B, from 2006.

https://www.rogers-piano.com/pianos/c-bechstein-model-b-grand-piano/

A sound that I personally enjoy with Jazz is the August Förster. Here is an example of an AF 190.



Another short video with the August Förster 215, played Jazz style:

Well, there could be some misinformation here. As terminaldegree pointed out, if it is a 6'8" B (203 cm) probably is a much older piano than the B models with 212cm (6'11") the maker has been selling for many years now (30 or more?). In 2006 the B's surely were already 212 cm

I'm guessing the date is easier to get right than the length-- so it's probably the 6'11" version. Anyway, the link is there if any interest.

They do sound very nice!

They are lovely, aren't they? Sometimes used Boseys show up in the used market. Still not cheap, but more affordable.

Also I think Boesendorfers inside Yamaha dealers has given them a huge exposure. I became a huge fan after playing a few at the Yamaha dealerships.

Exactly! That is the only reason I ever got to try out and fall in l love with a Bösendorfer.

Very nice sound!

I only found that all that big letters on the side of the piano very distracting! I think a piano would look more elegant without all that bold letters on its side.

Maybe call Mason & Hamlin direct and ask them who might be a good contact in your area to try a new one?

Glad you enjoyed the sound. The August Förster 215 you are referring to only has stickers on it in connection with the upcoming concert; that would be my guess. This is quite common, although, as you point out, it challenges the aesthetics. The August Förster 190 in the first video does not have it, and neither would a new AF 215.
I wrote about a Phoenix piano I tried out back in 2018 in London, where I pointed out the same thing. Apparently the sticker had be put on for a particular event, but they are easy to peel off. Many lesser known brands have a limited chance to expose their name, so I guess that is why they do it. Personally I always take a look at a piano after a concert to see if I could guess the model correctly. Last time it happened was on the "Istituto Di Cultura - Oslo", the Italien Culture institute, so I should not get any points for correctly guessing it was a Fazioli.

_Skjalg