Steinway Model B versus C grands

I've been doing some Steinway shopping for the past year or so. I find myself drawn to some of the Steinway's out there, but haven't found the 'ultimate' Steinway.

In terms of construction I've been very dissapointed is the overall preparation of most of the Steinway B's I've found on the showroom floor. I've seen unlevel keys, irregularly spaced keys, widely varying key dip and key weight, friction problems and so forth. For a $60K+ instrument I find this rather appalling. <flame on>Steinway really needs to get a handle on the prep work and stop blaming the dealer for the lack of prep <flame off>.

Even worse, the tone of the newer B's seem to be rather lackluster. In particular the bass is just pathetically anemic on most new B's. This does not seem to be a voicing problem, but rather more serious than that. For a piano that's almost 7 feet long I have fairly high expectations. The pictures on the wall should rattle! My 6'4' Petrof has a fuller bass than some of the B's I've heard on showroom floors. Whatsup with that?

Even so, there are those few instruments, usually found in the possession of musicians, that just sound and feel great. These are the ones responsible for the Steinway reputation. Unfortunately, these few instruments are generally not for sale.

So, now I'm thinking that I need to try a Steinway C. The extra 4-5 inches in length should help with the bass problem. I've also been told by some 'experts' that the C is actually better than the D for small spaces such as residential living rooms and small studios.

I'm told the Model C (7'4' or 7'5' depending on who you ask) is still made in Hamburg, but stopped being made in New York sometime in the 1930's (or so I'm told). They are pretty rare apparently as I have been unable to play one in over a year of traveling around the world. There are a few forsale on the Internet, but not in my area or in any of the areas frequented by high-tech drones (like me).

Anybody out there care to weigh in with an informed opinion of the Steinway C versus the B? Is the C the 'ultimate Steinway'? Am I better off looking for an older B (~1910)? Opinions? Flames?

How about an explanation for why most of the new B's seem to be lacking in the bass department? Is this my imagination? Is the fuller bass from the older B's because of the noticeably thicker rim?

Jory,

I understand your concern over finding the perfect piano - 60K is nothing to sneeze at. But make no mistake, there are some incredible B's out there. And that's a small price to pay, for a lifetime of satisfaction.

As a touring jazz pianist and a Steinway Artist, I'm on the road 9+ months out of the year, and have the chance to play literally hundreds of Steinways - mostly B's and D's. Every so often, you'll play one and say, 'THAT is the most amazing instrument I've ever played.' And then the next night, you're even more blown away by a different one. That's just the way it is.

Steinways are very individual instruments, and each one has a personality all its own. I can go up to Steinway Hall and play 15 B's, and maybe 2 or 3 will knock me out. But someone else will be amazed by the other 12.

I wouldn't give-up on a B for a C. The few times I've played Hamburg C's, I haven't been tempted to switch from my New York B. They are great pianos, no doubt, but I'm still more moved by the scale of a great B or D.

Keep looking around, and play every instrument you can. Every time I'm on the road, I stop-by the local Steinway Dealer, in the US and abroad, and play what they have in stock. It's incredible how many great instruments there are out there.

There are fabulous instruments out there - and you'll find one if you don't give up. Trust me - I found the instrument of my dreams, FOUR TIMES! (And I'm always looking for the next one)!

All my best. Keep the faith.

Jon Regen

When it comes to assessing bass, you have to take into account the size and acoustics of your room verus that of the showroom. A Steinway B might well rattle the pictures on your wall, ,even if it is not apparent in a larger space. Proximity to the room boundaries will also have an effect on the bass weight - rolling a piano into a corner will maximize the bass level, but you might find it too heavy sounding in that placement.

Jeff

<A target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href='http://www.josephaudio.com/'>Joseph Audio</A>

Be sure to try a new Mason & Hamlin 'BB'. The bass will knock your socks off. Good luck with your venture.

Jon,

I still don't know why you didn't like that B you sold me (talked to Lugwig & he told me Jonny don't like that B for some reasons). I did some works myself on it (regulation, fixed that F# key, voicing). I Just absolutely love it (my wife too). Like you said, Stienways are very personal. We played many B and D before and after, I still haven't found an equal. I heard you got another B. Wish you well on all your tourings and stuff.

Tim

I have tried the BB. You're right about the bass. That was actually the experience that started me thinking that the bass on most B's is kinda weak.

I really like the attack sound typical of Steinway B's in mid-treble region. The M&H's don't seem to have that going on. Some of the ones I've played recently are just down right heavy in the action department.

Tim,

I loved that piano - one of the best B's I've ever played. But I sold it before leaving for a year and a half tour with Kyle Eastwood. It's not easy having a $40,000 instrument in a tiny apartment in NYC, with no one to look after it.

I'm glad you're enjoying it. You deserve it.

All my best.

Jon Regen

True but even the vintage ones from the 'Golden Age' could even knock your shoes off.

Mark Mandell www.pianosource.com

Martin