Questions on Steinway B from 1886

[thf00]

A dealer offered me a rebuild Steinway-B (New York) from 1886 (I
checked the serial number already). I played it a little already and
found it quite a nice instrument, warm Steinway tone.

It has been heavily rebuild:

 New finishing.

 Original soundboard, but repaired, cracks removed, looks very good.

 New pin block, new pins, new strings.

 New hammer heads, new dampers.

 Keys are *not* ivory, but plastic. Look uniform and good.

 Action: some parts replaced, very well regulated.

The touch and action is very good, like a new piano. I was surprised
to hear that it is *that* old.

Now my questions:

I don't remember well (have to check it again), but I think it has
only 85 keys, according to the "piano book". Which would be ok for me,
but I wonder if others may have an objection to that. Would it be more
difficult to sell later? Shall I reduce the price because of that?

Is a 1886 Steinway B really the same model as new B's? Is there any
principal objection to buy such an old instrument?

The price the dealer asks is the equivalent (I'm in Europe) of 32000 US$.

He offers me to buy my 9 years old Yamaha C6 for 16000 US$, thus the
Steinway would cost me only 16000$. I think the price for the Yamaha
is quite fair, others have quoted much less. Of course, that could be
a sales trick.

I will check it thoroughly again and will let my technician check it
before I buy.

But I'd like to hear your opinions / advices. Thanks!

[Hmoll]

A dealer offered me a rebuild Steinway-B (New York) from 1886 (I
checked the serial number already). I played it a little already and
found it quite a nice instrument, warm Steinway tone.

It has been heavily rebuild:

 New finishing.

 Original soundboard, but repaired, cracks removed, looks very good.

 New pin block, new pins, new strings.

 New hammer heads, new dampers.

 Keys are *not* ivory, but plastic. Look uniform and good.

 Action: some parts replaced, very well regulated.

The touch and action is very good, like a new piano. I was surprised
to hear that it is *that* old.

Now my questions:

I don't remember well (have to check it again), but I think it has
only 85 keys, according to the "piano book". Which would be ok for me,
but I wonder if others may have an objection to that. Would it be more
difficult to sell later? Shall I reduce the price because of that?

Is a 1886 Steinway B really the same model as new B's? Is there any
principal objection to buy such an old instrument?

The price the dealer asks is the equivalent (I'm in Europe) of 32000 US$.

He offers me to buy my 9 years old Yamaha C6 for 16000 US$, thus the
Steinway would cost me only 16000$. I think the price for the Yamaha
is quite fair, others have quoted much less. Of course, that could be
a sales trick.

I will check it thoroughly again and will let my technician check it
before I buy.

But I'd like to hear your opinions / advices. Thanks!

The trade in the dealer is offering is probably a sales trick. You should have a reputable tech look at the piano, and tell you what an honest price is, and what problems potentially exist with the S&S.

As far as the 85 keys, there are a handful of pieces you won't be able to play. Also, it is visually confusing to play an 85 key piano after playing an 88 key piano.

[eddie92099]

As far as the 85 keys, there are a handful of pieces you won't be able to play. Also, it is visually confusing to play an 85 key piano after playing an 88 key piano.

No it isn't,
Ed

[Hmoll]

No it isn't,
Ed

I've heard a lot of people who go back and forth between 85 and 88 key pianos say it is confusing. I have no reason to dispute what they say , so it deserves consideration for some one thinking about purchasing a piano with this size keyboard.

[eddie92099]

Who are these idiots? Where are they? Only joking  
Ed

[tosca1]

I used to have a Bechstein model 10, a delightful little piano that had only 85 keys and there was no problem at all in terms of the keyboard geography.  I suppose that an 1886 Steinway will be almost a collector's item and hence the steep price.  Steinways can be wonderfully lasting pianos and if this particular instrument is pleasing in touch and sound  and you are getting a reasonable trade in for your Yahama I would go for the heirloom Steinway.  
Good luck,
Robert.

[Hmoll]

Ed and Tosca,

I was going by second hand feedback about the confusion of 85 key vs 88 key. I've never played an 85 key piano, and now am curious. Must try it to see for myself.

[eddie92099]

It's the same as playing a normal piano except the high notes stop at A not C,
Ed

[rachfan]

I was lucky (?) to start piano eons ago on an 85 key Chickering, and was elated to graduate to an 88 key piano. In my youth I gave a successful solo recital on a fine 85 key Steinway.  Maybe that earlier experience with the old Chickering helped me not to be confused that evening.  Subsequently, I did encounter a couple of 85 key pianos and "played" the keyblock in the bass a couple of times, but no real problem.   I do know, though, that Bosendorfer has that removable cover that is kept over the last three low notes of its Imperial; otherwise, the odd topography does spook some pianists in performance.  So, it's conceivable to me that if the larger compass keyboard can confuse pianists, perhaps the shorter scope keyboard could do so as well.  Just my conjecture.

[rachfan]

Another thought on that 1886 S & S:  While the soundboard was repaired, it was not replaced.  The first place I would send my technician would be underneath to see if there is still a measurable crown in that 1886 soundboard.  If not, I the evaluation would be over and the fee minimized.