Bechstein D?

[kenzer]

Bechstein D. Thoughts vs. Steinway D?
Playability, tone, action, long-term value, etc.....?
Thanks.

[Axtremus]

I have never played any Bechstein D-280. I have played a few Steinway Model D's. Some thoughts:

1. Steinway D's can sound very different from one piano to the next -- one could say that each Steinway D has its individual character. So it makes little sense to compare Steinway D in generic terms. You just have to play many of them until you find one you like.

2. At this level of pianos, it is very difficult to get a "bad" new piano. Every piano in this league is very good. If it were me, I would go play multiple samples of both models and get the one whose touch and sound I like the most. Just go with your guts on this.

Steinway has better name recognition, and it looks like they also have the marketing prowess to maintain or advance that name recognition. Otherwise, no comment on long term value.

[Hmoll]

You should have asked Bechstein D, American Steinway D, or Hamburg Steinway D.

Pianos of the same model can vary a lot from instrument to instrument, as Axtremus said, but my personal preference is the Steinway D manufactured in Astoria Queens, NY - USA.  The sound of American Steinways is a little more complex - more overtones, etc. - than the Euro counterparts. Again, that is a personal preference. The Hamburg Steinways and Bechsteins are great instruments. However the I prefer the action and responsiveness of the Hamburg Steinway. I've never played a Bechstein I liked either the sound or the action, with the exception of one that was rebuilt by a New York rebuilder who specializes in rebuilding Steinways - go figure.

[kenzer]

I really meant to ask what are everyone's thoughts as to Bechstein D's in general - and also in comparison to American Steinways.
Any input appreciated. Thanks.

[Axtremus]

As mentioned before, I have never played a Bechstein-D and never seen piano dealer put one up for sale, hence have no opinion on its performance or longer term financial value. (Though you can see the "list price" here: https://www.bluebookofpianos.com/bechstein.htm , likely subject to substantial discount.)

If you have played one though and have seen the street prices, I would be interested to read whatever info and opinion you can share. Thanks.

General thoughts on Bechstein: If you are thinking of actually buying a new one, you need not worry about getting a bad Bechstein piano. I played quite a few smaller Bechsteins. In terms of the general capability to give you responsive touch and dynamic range, the Bechsteins do a very good job. Bechstein is no doubt a high-quality piano maker. Between Steinway and Bechstein, the decision is NOT about buying a good one versus buying a bad one, because they are both VERY GOOD -- the decision is about buying one that you like the most, one that responds best to your artistic intentions and pianisitic instincts when you play (assuming you are looking to buy a musical instrument). There is simply no way to determine if a particular piano does that for you unless you play it.

p.s. If you are looking to buy a brand name or an investment instead of a musical instrument, though (and many people do that, there is nothing wrong with that) -- I would go with Steinway.

[kenzer]

After three weeks of much playing on this instrument and pondering.....I took the plunge and finally purchased it. This marvelous 9'2" 20-year old Bechstein should arrive in a week or so.
It has the most glorious tone, the finest of any European piano that I have played. In fact, it is unique in the fact that it has many of the great qualities of a NY Steinway, yet the complete refinement of a Bechstein.
I'm poor! but, thrilled to have the opportunity to practice and rehearse on this fine instrument for many years to come!
Cheers.

[Hmoll]

Congrats!

Hope you have many happy and productive years with your piano!

[tosca1]

What a magnificent purchase, Kenzer!  I have no special expertise with  Bechstein pianos but they from my experience they have a very warm, cantabile voice of  many colours and character.  Many great pianists including Artur Schnabel and the South American pianist Georges Bolet had a definite preference for the Bechstein piano.

I hope that you will have great enjoyment from your new piano.
Robert.