Estonia Pianos

[donjuan]

Does anyone here own an "Estonia" brand Grand Piano?  I was reading about them in the newspaper, and supposedly, they are just as good as Steinway, and only half the price.  Now, I am curious..
donjuan

[Axtremus]

Estonia makes only three models: 165 cm (5'6") grand, 190 cm (6'3") grand, and a 9-foot concert grand. Last I heard, they have about 100 workers making roughly 500 pianos a year. (And they make only one brand -- all their pianos are branded Estonia.)

We don't talk about Estonia that much over here, but "the other piano forum" has turnd extremely enthusiastic about Estonia in the past year or two.

General word of mouth is that Estonia has improved their products rapidly since their current President, Indrek Laul, bought them out of near insolvency in 1995. I attended a dealer-sponsored "recital" where Dr. Laul was a featured pianist. He told stories of how they have changed over everything of the Estonia piano that only two old parts remain (treble strings and chick block), the even got an ambassador from the Estonia government to attend and he talked about how the Estonia is being viewed as some sort of national pride thing for Estonia the new country (since they broke off the former USSR, they're looking a national identity of sort, I suppose).

I played their model 165 and model 190, before -- I cannot judge build quality, but the Estonias make a very good sound. I did not buy Estonia because I was looking for a more powerful, "bigger piano" sound, but I was very impressed by the Estonias nonetheless. (And, no, they are not "half the price" of Steinways -- they are LESS THAN half the price of Steinways, if you compare their model 165 to NY Steinway model M. I've read of the Estonia model 190 bought for anywhere slightly below 20000 USD to a bit above 24000 USD in the past 8~10 months.)

If some one is shopping the small- and mid- Yamaha C-series, Kawai RX-series, and Petrof -- around the 160cm~190cm/15k USD ~ 25k USD range in the US or Canada, I would recommend trying out the Estonias as well -- compare and then choose for yourself. They are easier to find in the US than in Canada since 90% of Estonias got exported to the US anyway.

One hint -- words are that the Estonias have been improved upon rapidly in the past 10 years. Some improvements are fundamental, some cosmetic. So if you want to buy an Estonia, buy the newest model possible. If you happen to like the older model's sound and touch better, that's fine -- buy the one you like better. But, if the dealer has one made in 2002 and one made in 2003 sitting in the showroom floor, and you cannot decide based on sound and touch, then I'd recommend picking the newer one.

[xvimbi]

I completely agree with what Axtremus said. The Estonias I checked out a while ago had a beautiful and rich sound and felt very comfortable to boot. It remains to be seen, though, how well they hold up over time. Quite a few pianos sound nice at first, but can be a nightmare to maintain. In any case, I am definitely keeping my eyes on Estonia.

[Hmoll]

I've played a few Estonias. I like them a lot. Nice sound, and action.
The price is right too.

[rich_galassini]

Disclosure: I sell Estonias

These instruments are very difficult to keep in stock. The music director at Villanova University just purchased one.

If you have not yet played one, it is worth the troube to find one.

My 2 cents,

Rich Galassini
Cunningham Piano Co
rich@cunninghampiano.com

[pianojems]

My friend owns an Estonia, and a I have tried playing it. The sound is very nice, and compatible with more expensive pianos.

[Spatula]

Very very interesting...I have to see for myself!

along with those "super":

steinways
petrof
fazioli
bosendorfer (I always get the spelling wrong)
and whatever else

[ivoryplayer4him]

We don't talk about Estonia that much over here, but "the other piano forum" has turnd extremely enthusiastic about Estonia in the past year or two.

What do you mean "the other piano forum"?

[xvimbi]

What do you mean "the other piano forum"?

https://www.chopinfiles.com/forum/index.php

[Axtremus]

https://www.chopinfiles.com/forum/index.php

I was referring to https://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/forum/1.html
https://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

[xvimbi]

I was referring to https://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/forum/1.html
https://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

Oh, I thought you meant THE other forum