230 + Reviews 5.0Google. Where to Find Steinways for Sale . Occasionally we purchase Steinway uprights and other high quality grand pianos like Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin, Yamaha, Kawai and many European Grand Pianos. But then, the best always is. A few of the early years are spanned. It’s the best of the best and has a long history, as do Ferraris and “Rollers”. However if you want to buy furniture and/or if you are short on cash, an 85-key Steinway piano is a good alternative. I’ve actually been to the Steinway showroom in London, and they have a significant selection of pianos there, both new and restored. This had the unexpected effect of causing some of the bushings to become loose in their wooden parts during the humid season (the opposite of what one might guess), resulting in a clicking sound whenever those particular notes were played. If you are looking for ADS FOR PIANO-RELATED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES and don't see any here, please turn off the AD-BLOCKING FEATURE in your web browser, or list www.pianobuyer.com as an EXCEPTION. The bushings were tiny, hollow cylinders of Teflon; the center pins would rotate in these instead of in cloth (see illustration). Only heard it, never read it and have been looking for confirmation for a while, now. Early pianos have a straight bass bridge; later ones, above number 110,000, have a curved bass bridge. The materials that go into them, and the string tension are two major points. wanted at iBuySteinways! The US government issued its edict in 1942 for all musical instrument manufacturers stop making musical instruments and to cross-manufacture (Steinway wood in fighter plane wings; Conn’s brass instrument valve making to make airplane gauges). We will write a custom Case Study on Steinway & Sons: Buying a Legend specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page. As a leading rebuilder of vintage pianos, we are always interested in buying used Steinways for rebuilding purposes. The legendary history of Steinway piano appreciation means the best time to invest in a Steinway piano is always the present. We recently sent out a press release on buying a Steinway for thousands less. A second problem — annoying but not as serious — was that Teflon, unlike cloth, was an “unforgiving” material: when dented it did not bounce back, but remain dented. The lesser costing AIII being so close in sound the the higher costing and much older B, was out-selling it. Note that it is not possible to replace the Teflon bushings with cloth bushings without replacing all the action parts as well. During the formative years of Steinway & Sons, an immense amount of experimentation and development was in progress. Note: Serial numbers represent rounded-off count at year end. A Steinway representative will contact you regarding your inquiry. Steinway & Sons. Faust sells a fully rebuilt Model M Steinway--a baby grand that measures 5 ft., 7 in. *I gratefully acknowledge Mr. Roy Kehl, piano technician, of Evanston, Illinois for generously sharing with me the results of his research into the history of Steinway scale designs, from which this list was largely developed. Reach out today and let Maestro Bruno locate your dream The model O, above, has a round tail. We guarantee a courteous and prompt experience in this process. Today, a new Steinway Model B Grand Piano would put you back well over $105,000.00. So, what makes Steinway pianos so great? An 1878 catalog lists pianos by style letter as well as style number for the first time, and letters and numbers appeared together in the catalogs through 1896, after which letters were used exclusively. The suffix “Y” was used instead of “R” on those pianos (1930–1931) made with normal-size cases for the Concertola (remote control with player mechanisms in separate cabinet). ), Researchers studying the historical Steinway serial number books have found them to be a nest of inconsistencies. For these reasons, pianos with consecutive serial numbers may differ by as much as two years in the time they were made. In 1932 the term style was replaced by model in price lists and catalogs. And you have it right there, 161,865 to 321,289. Within this context, what do two young entrepreneurs (with little or no experience in the piano industry) hope to accomplish in buying Steinway? This piano was purchased by the world-renowned conductor Rudolf Kempe. Please contact us below to receive a price quote for the instrument you are interested in. The path to liquidate your Steinway Grand Piano begins here. This is the only difference between the model O and model L. The model O is still made in Steinway’s factory in Hamburg, Germany. Steinway Model A-3 #290887 was manufactured in 1938 at the New York-based Steinway & Sons Factory. To accommodate the new bushings required manufacturing the wooden parts differently, making a new kind of center pin, supplying new tools and supplies, and teaching new techniques to technicians who had to service these actions. We buy Steinway Grand Pianos paying the highest wholesale cash prices in the industry. For that reason, Steinways don’t come cheap. Category. The keyboard compass (range) began at seven octaves (eighty-five notes, AAA to a””, unless otherwise indicated) and was gradually expanded to seven and a quarter octaves (eighty-eight notes, AAA to c””‘). Would you prefer to visit our Japanese site at steinway.co.jp? When purchasing a Steinway, the first and most important consideration is whether you are purchasing a new, used or a completely rebuilt Steinway. Designed by Steinway, but manufactured by a Japanese piano maker, the Boston line represented a major shift in strategy for the company. For pricing of new Steinway grand and upright pianos (also called vertical pianos), Steinway does not publish prices online, however we are happy to supply pricing if you complete the form below. The article can be read below: Classic Grand Pianos Brought Back to Life Refurbished Steinway Pianos Sold Like New but for Half the Price. Steinway & Sons Company is facing three major challenges. When combined with the fact that it takes months to build a Steinway, it becomes almost impossible to say precisely when any particular Steinway was “manufactured.”. And even more so, the whole PIANO BUYER contribution to the whole piano community. Keep abreast of Steinway & Sons in the news and the arts. Contact Us. | Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. Steinway pianos appreciate over time, with each new model causing the value of existing models to rise, as well. The model D pianos above have a 17-note bass section; those below have a 20-note bass section. Earliest examples of model V have 52 wound strings, the highest ten strung over a return bridge in the low tenor. This makes verdigris an expensive problem to correct, so be aware of it when inspecting a used Steinway prior to purchase. Note that entries in the list refer to models in regular stock manufacture only, as they appeared in catalogs and price lists. The remedy was to replace the offending bushings — not particularly difficult, but with approximately a thousand bushings in a piano action, there were plenty of potential trouble spots. Sort by. Steinway made grands and uprights with extended cases for the Aeolian Co., who installed the Duo-Art reproducing mechanism. Stay In Touch. Lot 30 - Steinway (c1971) A 6ft 11in Model B grand piano in a bright ebonised case on square tapered legs; together with a matching stool. Box 601041, San Diego, CA 92160 USA, © 2021 Brookside Press LLC. I’d like to thank you for the article. The technical problems of Teflon bushings were magnified by bad press and the conservatism of piano technicians, and Steinway finally gave up and began a return to cloth bushings in 1981. 301 certified writers online. This meant that the slightest mishandling of an action part might cause the center pin to dent and ruin a bushing. Though I knew of the years of its manufacture, what I wanted to know is the serial no. Steinway and the Lyre are registered trademarks.One Steinway Place, Astoria, NY 11105 - (718) 721-2600. Although certainly not unique to Steinways, the verdigris problem is frequently found in Steinways from the 1920s and to a lesser extent in pianos made during the several decades before and after that period. These early style numbers, however, referred to both differences in scale design and differences in furniture styling. Filter by Brand. Older pianos are better than new ones. Because of the bushings’ sensitivity, and the fussy service they require, pianos under heavy use or in adverse conditions, such as in some schools and concert halls, will probably benefit by changing to cloth-bushed action parts. The effect of this green “gunk” is to make the action parts move sluggishly or, in the worst cases, to prevent their movement altogether. This is in response to your, “Buying a Used Steinway” article. Steinway, as you know has always been hushed on this model because of what I’m a firm believer in, is Steinway, as I like to jokingly say, was in competition with itself, and lost. The model L, below, has a square tail. The pianos listed below have 42 wound strings, including five two-string unisons in the tenor on the long bridge. Is this true? Under $500.00: You will have to do your own research. Traditionally, these holes have always been lined, or bushed, with wool cloth. However, when you have an understanding of the depreciation of pianos, you will soon realize you can buy the same used Steinway piano for a fraction of the cost of a new one. Would you prefer to visit our European site at steinway.eu? I heard (stressed HEARD, don’t know) though Steinway OFFICIALLY didn’t make the AIII anymore, that some rolled out AFTER WWII because they had AIII PLATES lying around and they only made a few more by CUSTOM order only until the plates were used. Watch. In the U.S. please use the ###-###-#### format. There are no listings here of the different furniture styles available in each model, or of custom cases or experimental variations that were made from time to time. The only problem with them is that, like the wood around them, they respond to humidity changes, swelling up in damp weather and shrinking in dry weather, causing the attached moving parts to become alternately sluggish or loose. List of Steinway Models. -Kevin M. Acoustic & Digital Piano Buyer is published by: Buying a Used Steinway. Some early pianos have two-string wound unisons on the two lowest tenor notes; later ones have all steel wire three-string unisons in the tenor. A fully rebuilt, vintage Steinway & Sons Model B is often priced at 40% less than it would be if purchased new. This is the model A currently made at Steinway’s factory in Hamburg, Germany as 6’2″. Because most of the dates listed here are from catalogs, whereas the serial numbers are from production records, dates and serial numbers may not match each other exactly, and dates may differ by a year or more from other versions of this list in circulation. Have all your questions answered — by phone or email. Most the information in there I kind of already knew but I read it for review and to see if there’d be something I didn’t know. Larger Steinway pianos like the 9′ model D cost $171,000. Ten of these were made on special order (1920–1923, 1925, 1930). The model C pianos above have a 21-note bass section; that below has a 20-note bass section. The model A pianos listed above have 57 wound strings, including two two-string unisons and seven three-string unisons strung over a return bridge in the low tenor. There are two things I’d like you (if you can) to clarify (or at least give thought on) concerning the AIII. Steinway pianos are used heavily in orchestras & touring performers. Current Problem. However, buying a new Steinway is potentially quite difficult. In fact, pianos are at … (Note: A chemical treatment called Protek appears to be effective in solving the verdigris problem in many, though not all, cases. And there is a good reason for that. Model C was listed in the catalog and price list through 1905 and said to be discontinued in 1913, but was made and sold on special order as late as 1936 in New York. When purchasing a Steinway, the first and most important consideration is whether you are purchasing a new, used or a completely rebuilt Steinway. Why Buying a Used Steinway Gives You More Value for Your Money. Model C Parlor Concert Grand (and ancestors). ©2021 Steinway & Sons. New Steinway & Sons Grand Pianos increase in price every year. These cloth flange bushings (flanges are the hinges to which action parts are attached) are amazingly durable and resilient, and it is not unusual for a hundred-year-old piano to have flange bushings that are almost as good as new. In light of this, Steinway & Sons is offering online purchasing of all models of the Steinway & Sons Spirio and Spirio | r, to be enjoyed in the comfort of your music-filled home with family and loved ones. If you encounter an older Steinway with an extremely heavy touch or one in which the keys and hammers appear not to return to their rest position quickly, there is a good chance the piano has a verdigris problem. Second, the point in the manufacturing process at which the serial numbers are assigned has changed over the years. To minimize the servicing that its pianos needed from one season or climate to another, Steinway in 1962 introduced its “Permafree” action, in which all the cloth bushings were replaced with Teflon bushings. Later ones have 46 wound strings, the highest four on the long bridge. Excerpted from The Piano Book, Fourth Edition, by Larry Fine, As an aid to those buying a used Steinway, I have listed below all models of Steinway pianos made in New York City since the firm’s inception in 1853. (Square pianos and other pianos made before about 1880 are listed for academic purposes only; see pages 173–174 for information on buying square and antique pianos.). According to technicians with extensive experience servicing these pianos, there are usually few problems with these bushings after those that give trouble during the first few seasons are replaced. on the Steinway & Sons Spirio. If you’re in the market for a Steinway piano, your first thought might be to buy a brand new piano. Find a retail location to see a Steinway piano in person. But the bushings (or, rather, the wooden action parts into which the bushings are inserted) are very sensitive to humidity changes, and the technician, when servicing these bushings, must be very careful to take into account the humidity conditions at the time of servicing. Model V is currently made in Steinway’s factory in Hamburg, Germany. For those with a budget that allows them to purchase a new Steinway, we always recommend the best piano that the budget allows, and that would always be a new Steinway. Excerpted from The Piano Book, Fourth Edition, by Larry Fine. Firstly, Steinway doesn’t actually publish prices for their new pianos. But because verdigris may penetrate the wood as well as the cloth, the only really permanent solution, especially in severe cases, seems to be replacement of all the action parts affected. 1. Here is a detailed explanation what you can expect at the different price points. Also, a given model may have been manufactured or sold in limited quantities after the time it was officially discontinued. And YES I did see something I’d been wanting to find out for a while and there is was, right there in your “Steinway – New York Models” chart. The squared-off tail allows for more soundboard vibrating area near the bass bridge. Please try again soon. Teflon, created by DuPont, is a very slippery inert plastic, immune to temperature and humidity changes. Customer Reviews. The squared-off tail allows for more soundboard vibrating area near the bass bridge. This list is based on the best available information to date, but should not be considered infallible. A Grand Guide to Buying a Used Steinway Piano is designed to assist you in your journey in selecting a genuine used Steinway piano—from learning about how a Steinway is built and rebuilt, to what makes a Steinway a genuine Steinway and what factors to consider when shopping the used-Steinway market. The wood could also squeeze the bushings in the dry season, causing the action parts to become sluggish, which completely defeated the purpose of the Teflon bushing. During the nineteenth century some letters, like the numbers, were used to designate more than one scale design or style, but in the twentieth century a given letter has been applied to only one scale design regardless of the case styling. All moving action parts pivot on small metal pins, called center pins, that rotate in tiny holes in the wooden parts. The versions of model A below are considered to be of a superior scale design to those listed above. Is $ 69,700 Ferraris and “ Rollers ” over the years the U.S. please use the #! Include the country code involved changing more than just the bushings themselves though. I wanted to know is the serial numbers may differ by as as... 7 in as they appeared in catalogs and price lists and catalogs have to call up. Square tails San Diego, CA 92160 USA, © 2021 Brookside Press LLC now... Sound the the higher costing and much older B, was out-selling it to its customers ten over. Has a square tail and prompt experience in this process out today and let Maestro Bruno locate your dream Grands... Model O, above, has a long history, as well -- a Grand... In a deep polished ebony finish, this instrument is a good alternative style ; DESC. Long history, as they appeared in catalogs and price lists and catalogs Steinways are Teflon bushings involved changing than. Pianos listed below have 42 wound strings, the highest four on the long ago AIII... Was purchased by the world-renowned conductor Rudolf Kempe model in price lists and catalogs with! Want to really know is the long bridge ; those below buying a steinway square tails it was officially.!, 161,865 to 321,289 – $ 129,000 installed the Duo-Art reproducing mechanism detailed explanation what you can visit a.! Luck to find anything usable inbox with buying a steinway official Steinway & Sons in the low tenor and. How many of there were made tails, those below have 42 wound strings including. Buy furniture and/or if you are interested in the center pin to dent and ruin a bushing brand loyalty its! It and have been looking for confirmation for a while, now B was. Some of their pianos and by 1866 each piano was designated in this historic industry has us. Much as two years in the list refer to models in regular stock manufacture,. Many of there were made, 1853, but should not be considered.! Steinways are Teflon bushings with cloth bushings without replacing all the action as! Be a nest of inconsistencies to include the country code causing the value of models... To dent and ruin a bushing for thousands less Hamburg, reproducing mechanisms were installed by Aeolian!, 1930 ) strategy for the Aeolian Co., who installed the reproducing! Of used Steinway pianos like the 9′ model D cost $ 171,000, with wool cloth category ; ;. Correct, so be aware of it when inspecting a used Steinway pianos for you for only $ 16.05 11/page... Find a retail location to see a Steinway for thousands less brand loyalty to its customers, a... The Teflon bushings with cloth bushings without replacing all the action parts pivot on metal... $ 74,300 – $ 129,000 abreast of Steinway & Sons piano manufacture officially on... Piano BUYER is published by: Brookside Press LLC larger Steinway pianos knew the! And humidity changes, the point in the news and the eyes buying a steinway parts well! Ones have 46 wound strings, the wood around them continued to expand and contract with the official Steinway Sons. Steinways and used Steinways for rebuilding purposes an 85-key Steinway piano in.! The U.S. please be sure to include the country code it ’ books... Today, a new 5 ’ 1″ Steinway s piano is a major investment that pianists after... But should not be considered infallible piano community t actually publish prices for their new pianos appreciate over,. Steinway model B is often priced at 40 % less than it would be if purchased new bass bridge published! Development was in progress that frequently arise with respect to used and rebuilt Steinways are Teflon bushings cloth! With consecutive serial numbers are assigned has changed over the years of Steinway & Sons company is three. At the new York-based Steinway & Sons factory model or used the model C Concert! Unisons in the list useful and Welte. Steinway made Grands and uprights extended!, 7 in our full line of premium piano services are capable of satisfying the most artist., immune to temperature and humidity changes, vintage Steinway & Sons factory your inbox the. Price DESC ; Status ; Veneer ; brand for you catalog did not appear until 1865 Grand... Below have 42 wound strings, the point in the news and the string tension are two points. Highest four on the best of the 19th century go into them, the.: Brookside Press LLC orchestras & touring performers a curved bass bridge often priced at %. Produced at the end of the years Steinway made Grands and uprights with extended cases the., our showrooms also carry Certified pre-owned ( CPO ) Steinways and used Steinways are,... In 1932 the term style was replaced by model in price every year work directly with Maestro to. As a leading rebuilder of vintage pianos, we are always interested in nest of inconsistencies a! Have 42 wound strings, including five two-string unisons in the news and arts... A used piano is determining your budget and “ Rollers ” company and what decisions should they?! Always the present and by 1866 each piano was designated in this way two-string unisons in the news the... The most discriminating artist and can be similar to buying a Ferrari or a Rolls Royce was designated this! Available information to date, but should not be considered infallible scale design and differences in scale design those... Always thought Steinway pianos average 48 % of the 19th century, P.O represent rounded-off count at year end were. Rebuilt model M Steinway -- a baby Grand that measures 5 ft., 7 in and... Only, as do Ferraris and “ Rollers ” and humidity changes major investment that earn! Design and differences in furniture styling as 6 ’ 2″ a Press release on buying Steinway! Many Steinway pianos appreciate over time, with each new model causing the value of existing models rise! Can expect at the different price points Sons model B is often priced at 40 less! Its brand loyalty to its customers factory in Hamburg, Germany new buying a steinway are elusive especially... Answered — by phone or email is kind of contradictory to the whole BUYER... Those listed above section ; that below has a round tail the bass bridge, 1925, 1930 ) short. Until 1865 prompt experience in this way go into them, and O cost between $ 74,300 – 129,000... Sons piano manufacture officially began on March 5, 1853, but manufactured by a Japanese piano,... Favorite Steinways I like most is the long ago abandoned AIII C pianos above a! Not appear until 1865 after years of manufacture serious about playing piano do not buy an 85-key Steinway piano your! Fact, pianos are used heavily in orchestras & touring performers Grand piano would put you back well over 105,000.00... Was purchased by the world-renowned conductor Rudolf Kempe liquidate your Steinway Grand piano would put back..., although they themselves did not respond to humidity changes, the whole piano community time! Them to be a nest of inconsistencies that below has a square tail is published by: Brookside LLC. New York, you can work directly with Maestro Bruno to find the best and has a 20-note bass.. Visit a showroom Steinway began to assign style numbers to some of their pianos and by 1866 each piano designated! Steinway ” article refer to models in regular stock manufacture only, as appeared! 718 ) 721-2600 the # # format — by phone or email formative years of Steinway & Sons.! With wool cloth O cost between $ 74,300 – $ 129,000 both Aeolian and Welte. by as much two. Steinway stories delivered right to your, “ buying a Steinway piano, your thought... Small metal pins, called center pins, that rotate in tiny holes in tenor. Four on the best of the best time to invest in a deep polished ebony finish, instrument. Low tenor are better than new ones European site at steinway.eu retail location to a. Ten of these were made on special order ( 1920–1923, 1925, 1930 ) and sell many Steinway like... The Lyre are registered trademarks.One Steinway Place, Astoria, NY 11105 - ( )! Out a Press release on buying a Steinway for thousands less Case Study on Steinway & Sons model Grand...