bluthner or bechstein A190?

[koichi]

i am currently looking for a new piano and came across bluthner (the 6'2 model if i remember correctly) and the bechstein A190. i am rather confused as which to buy, any comments? the bluthner seem to have a lighter action but sounds better. actually i am considering this few - bluthner, bechstein A190, shigeru kawai (all around the 6 feet range)

any comments? do all bluthners have lighter action compared to the "standard weight"? is it too light?

i've also heard that bechstein academy series is not made in germany fully, is that the reason why it is cheaper than C.Bechstein?

thanks a lot.......

[iumonito]

I love the old Bechsteins, but I must admit I don't care for the pianos Bechstein is making these days.  Bluthners on the other hand have come back to the character that inspired the likes of Debussy and Furtwangler.

I would go with the Bluthner if you are looking only at new pianos.

[koichi]

I love the old Bechsteins, but I must admit I don't care for the pianos Bechstein is making these days.

thanks for the reply
why is that so? the new bechstein (academy series i mean) are not as good??

btw, how much does a 2nd hand yamaha c3 worth now? any idea? a rough range of the price?

[iumonito]

Hi, Koichi,

It is a matter of taste.  The Bechsteins that I have played that have been made in the last 10 years were non-descript.  Sounded very much like a Steinway clone by and large.

The older Bechsteins have, in my opinion, much more character.  The sound in the older Bechsteins I have played is clearer (in the really old ones, like 150 years old, really really transparent), with a singing quality that I don't feel is present in their newer siblings.  The actions in the older ones is pleasantly light, very responsive, which I don't feel Steinways are.  Have you ever heard the Liszt Decca recordings of Jorge Bolet?  That type of sound is what I love.

On the C3, it depends on location and condition of the instrument.  You can get an idea about market prices in USA for used ones here:  www.rickjonespianos.com.  In my opinion most of the instruments he has there need a lot of work to be in top playing shape, but I would tend to think that is characteristic of shops that concentrate in used pianos that have not been rebuilt.

[spaciiey]

I dont know if I like their uprights much, but I can't really fault blutner.

[pianocarlier]

A Bluthner ore a Academy Bechstein...The Bechstein Academy would be my choise. There is more possibility to play pianisimo and fortisimo. Also, the technisians are far better educated...