Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Tuner-Technicians Forum Steingraeber K-192 v. Bluthner 4 (or 6)

Hello everyone-

I am looking for insights regarding the extent to which a Steingraeber K-192 (6'3") may be revoiced while still keeping its glorious tone and action! I would appreciate thoughts from those familiar with these pianos compared to the Bluthner 6 (6'3") and 4 (6'8"). Basically- I need the intimacy of the Bluthner for accompanying and due to living in an apartment. But! I am totally in love with the depth and action of the K-192. The power is also addictive but alas will need to be tamed for my situation and purposes! It will be replacing a 7' Schimmel Classic in a fairly large room (288ft').

I know, first world problems lol

Thank you!

Why did you choose this group instead of the piano group?
Ian

We carry the Steingraebers and used to carry the Bluthners. The design of the Steingraeber, in our experience, allows it more flexible voicing and if it is well regulated and expertly voiced, can be controlled at the softest volumes. The Bluthners always seemed to start at a higher volume regardless of voicing or prep unless you just kill the hammer.

Any grand piano in a small lively setting may produce too much sound too easily especially for accompanying.

Sorry, I was silly to miss that your question was principally about voicing.
Ian

Hi Keith,

Thanks for your response! That's interesting about the Bluthners having a higher baseline volume, I would have assumed it to be the other way around.

I'm finding that while the Steingraeber is incredibly responsive to being controlled at any volume, the percussive attack and overall projection make it extremely difficult to live with even though I have deadened the room with carpet, acoustic panels etc. It hasn't been voiced to the room yet, but I am wondering if it's even possible to bring it down enough to be tolerable in my setting without losing too much of the gorgeous tone (which as you know didn't come cheap!)

I would love your thoughts as to whether you feel a Bluthner might have been a better choice in this respect.

I would work with the dealer on seeing what can be done to get the piano to be at a volume you can live with and with a less percussive attack. The room itself might just be too loud for a powerful instrument. I don't know if a Bluthner would be a better choice. It would depend on your approach to playing, the room, and the music you are playing and of course, what you like.

Thanks Keith. Yes, that's what we're doing. I guess my question was more if you feel the Bluthner is overall a less powerful instrument than a Steingraeber of comparable size, all other things being equal. I was blown away at how much louder the Steingraeber is than the Schimmel it replaces, once I got it home. As were my neighbors lol

Have you or your dealer asked Steingraeber about this? Worth an
email.