I bought a Boesendorfer 225 (7 feet 4 inches) three years ago, after a year's research in piano technology and acoustics, and visits to 40 dealers in two states. It was by far the best instrument because it (a) had a highly responsive and even touch, (b) had excellent sustain in the high treble. I tested this by playing a riff in the high treble and by timing specific notes to see how long they lasted; (c) had low bass notes with the same heavy "ring" as that of a 9-foot concert grand, and in this aspect beat the Steinway "B" right out of sight; (d) had a near-indetectable crossover from the tricords to the bicords in the bass, (e) was in perfect condition in the shop, for tuning, regulation and appearance.
In the event I was not disappointed. In addition to the fine sound -- which is very different from the Steinway sound -- it has great stability in tuning. Hence I'm a satisfied customer.
There were a few other surprises as time went on. (a) I found that the bass sounds very different from the Steinway bass. A full chord (C-E-G-C say) starting on the second ledger line below the bass clef does not sound as clear. No surprise -- playing thirds in that range usually produces a rumble because of the interference of the harmonics. But on Boesendorfer instruments the rumble is stronger because the third harmonic --- an octave and a fifth above the tonic -- is quite strong.
(b) I was also surprised at how often I have occasion to use the very low notes below the usual piano's low A. They add a nice touch in SOFT passages where they just need the slightest touch.
(c) Another pleasant surprise that came only later was that I am able to strike the G with my middle finger deep in, between the F# and G#, and strike the A between G# and A#. This is absolutely crucial in an arpeggio run in the left hand in Beethoven's Op. 10 no. 2. Whereas I can't do this with a Yamaha piano which I have and so that passage always comes out limping. This is because the Boesendorfer's black keys are slighly thinner. The Steinway's are likewise thin.
Was it worth the expense? I would guess that there are pianos out there at half the price which would deliver all or nearly all of these characteristics. But how to identify them? Given my knowledge at the time I would not have been able to. Hence I traded on the famous name. Given my knowledge now, I'd be in a better position to canvass the second-hand market and the market in rebuilt instruments, as well as cheaper new pianos, to find one with excellent sound and touch.
I think my minimum standard would be a grand piano of at least 6 feet, preferably 7; a pleasing and even touch; and a long sustain in the upper "melody area".
Topic: Anyone Own A High-end Piano?