Hi,
For the last several years I've owned a Baldwin Model L grand (6' 3") bought new. Previously, I had a pre-owned (American) Steinway Model M grand (5' 7"). It's really hard to say whether I prefer Baldwin or Steinway, as I've played both all my life. It really depends on the repertoire. The Baldwin absolutely sparkles when playing French impressionistic music. Steinway, however, owns the heavier Germanic romantic literature. For Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninoff, both pianos deliver a gorgeous sound. My dream would be to have both a Baldwin SF10 Steinway B and to switch off according to what I would be practicing or playing at that moment. Both pianos offer a brilliant treble. The big difference is in the bass. The Steinway has the famous thundering bass. The Baldwin offers a darker, profoundly deep, deep tone. Both are most pleasing.
I've tried many of the other comparable length grand pianos. Young Chang is too clangy for me. As to the Yamaha, although I like the touch a lot, I dislike the woody bass and the brittle treble. (Tecnicians fall over themselves in praise of the rollout action, but of what possible importance is that feature to the discerning artist?) Kawai offers a neutral, colorless sound to my ear. Despite its legendary status, Mason & Hamlin's sound strikes me as the American counterpart of the Kawai--sound without much character. Borsendorfer sounds great up to a point, but at triple forte the sound seems to break and shatter apart like glass. One piano I did like and that fascinated me was the Falcone, although the upper octaves were a bit thin, but pure. Similarly, I much prefer the American Steinway to the German, as the latter emphasizes the fundamental tone rather than the overtones, creating a thin, tinny sound at louder volumes in my opinion. I realize sound perception is subjective, and that many here will disagree. But I do enjoy my Baldwin L grand and recommend it to others.
Topic: What kind of piano do you have?