Steingraber or Sauter

[Cecelia]

I have tried a Steingraber upright 122 and a Sauter 130M.  I like the touch of Sauter but I prefer Steingraber's sound. It is richer and fuller.

Due to the limited space I can only afford an upright and hence I want to buy a grand-like upright (please dont mention steinway and son cos it is out of my budget!)

I like to play Brahms, Rachmaninoff and Debussy.  So please give some advices on choosing between these pianos.  And where can I find more history on these piano? is that true Steingraber is built by the same sister facotry of steinway?

Thanks

[pianomanrsn]

This is really not much of a contest. Steingraeber is considered one of the best pianos made. They only build about 30 pianos a year and each is designed and assembled with such care and precision that you would never forgive yourself if you passed on one.

See my query about "Short List of German Grands."

There are so few Steingraebers in the US that few have had an opportunity to play on them, but those that have all respond with gushing enthusiasm. You see comments about the incredible touch, even action, smoothness of scale, etc. I have never heard anyone say something bad about them.

One of the options I am exploring is getting Udo, the head guy at Steingraeber to perhaps design and build a custom grand in the 7'4" range for me. They offer a 6'10" parlor grand (the 205) and on custom order a 9' concert grand (E272), but nothing in between. The dealer I spoke to in Florida seemed to think this could be arranged. Can you imagine anyone else agreeing to build you a custom grand for which a whole new frame, case, and soundboard would have to be developed! (now if I can just arrange for Franz Liszt to sign it)

Rob in Dallas

[Cecelia]

I wish i can have a grand at my place. But since moved to live in a city apartment this wish is not going to be fufilled.  That's why I try to get a grand-like upright. I used to play Yamaha 6"1 grand.  But i think both pianos i mentioned are as good as that.

[dinosaurtales]

I'd be willing to bet that the Steingraeber upright is a BETTER piano than the Yamaha grand.  I vote for Steingraeber!