New Estonia 190 or rebuilt Steinway A3? too big for 13'9 by 22'4 room??

[fleah]

Hi,
I just played an amazingly gorgeous Steinway A3 from 1919 - a true beauty.  I'll be comparing that with an Estonia 190.
do you all think a 6'3 Steinway is too big for a second floor apartment - the room is approx 13'9" by 22'4", the foyer leads into it and it goes into the dining room - so there's an L shape.
would love your feedback
 

[sylvester550]

Hi,
Just bought a rebuilt 'O' after a day comparing a number of instruments, including an Estonia, some Yamahas, and others. The new piano was pretty good, but |I just kept returning to the Steinway. Back to back there was no comparison. The Steinway is amazing.
Sy

[stevebob]

The quality of both brands is well known, but any rebuilt instrument is only as good as the rebuilding job.  Everything must be been done correctly by a skilled rebuilder using the proper parts; the better the instrument, the more imperative it is that everything be done exactly right in order for it to retain its value.

If you like both pianos and the prices are comparable—and if you have complete confidence in the restoration of the Steinway—then I think the choice is a matter of personal taste.

[fleah]

Thanks - .

[solstyce]

Steinways are incredible. I would say Steinway without a doubt, but, since I haven't played either pianos, I really don't know. But honestly, i think older restored pianos sound better than many new ones. For example, my 1908 Blasius and Sons (which I bought for 20$) sounds much better than the 30 year old upright I had before. It was in perfect tune when I recieved it, but I have played it enough so that some of the strings are a little flat. As soon as I have 7,500$, im restoring my Blasius. Its my baby, I love it so much.

[fleah]

so I just played an amazingly gorgeous Steinway A3 from 1919 - a true beauty.  I'll be comparing that with an Estonia 190.
do you all think a 6'3 Steinway is too big for a second floor apartment - the room is approx 13'9" by 22'4", the foyer leads into it and it goes into the dining room - so there's an L shape.
would love your feedback
 

[keys60]

Really depends on what else you have in the room and where your priorities lie. If its just a piano and a few chairs or a small couch, you're good.

[stevebob]

Really depends on what else you have in the room and where your priorities lie. If its just a piano and a few chairs or a small couch, you're good.

I don't understand.  If the piano has the potential to be overly loud for its space (which, I think, is the issue), how would minimal furnishings mitigate that?  My understanding was that the opposite was true, and that lots of soft furnishings plus objects of irregular shapes are best for reflecting, absorbing and dissipating sound in such an environment.

[pianorebuilder]

I don't understand.  If the piano has the potential to be overly loud for its space (which, I think, is the issue), how would minimal furnishings mitigate that?  My understanding was that the opposite was true, and that lots of soft furnishings plus objects of irregular shapes are best for reflecting, absorbing and dissipating sound in such an environment.

It is not so much the size of the piano (an A3 is only 6' 4"), it is more about the quality of the sound.  Anytime you go below the 6' threshold, you will be sacrificing not only volume, but clarity and definition of the sound.  The scale design is so much smoother than the A2 (and decidedly so over the A1), that the richness of the piano makes it a joy to play.  If the piano has the power and the Action performance that comes with a well restored Steinway, then you should be able to control the volume yourself in that size room with no problem.  Of course, you can use sound absorbing materials throughout the room, but I doubt you want to live in a "Studio" type environment.  I personally have a Bosendorfer Model 225 in about the same size room, and I have never been "blown out" of the space by that piano (and it's 7'4") Even when a REALLY good pianist plays it!
If you like the sound and playability, it should be fine!

[keys60]

Steve.
I was only thinking in terms of size/space, not the absorption or deflection of sound. A room the size posted is pretty substantial and a 6+ foot of that quality would do really well.

[fleah]

I feel that I"m really drawn to this A3 -- now how in the world do I know if it was a good rebuild job?
thanks y'all
 

[keys60]

I would pay a good tech their fee to check it out for you. Play it for a while. If you really like the action, sound, nothing stuck, clicks, feels loose, check the strings for rust and oxidation and still have a tech check it. If it feels right and gets the ok and you love it, its destiny.

[pianorebuilder]

I would pay a good tech their fee to check it out for you. Play it for a while. If you really like the action, sound, nothing stuck, clicks, feels loose, check the strings for rust and oxidation and still have a tech check it. If it feels right and gets the ok and you love it, its destiny.

I feel that I"m really drawn to this A3 -- now how in the world do I know if it was a good rebuild job?
thanks y'all
 

That is the $64,000 question!  First and foremost, you must be completely happy with the piano to begin with.  If there are certain things you don't like (Action weight, voicing, odd noises), don't take it for granted that the seller will simply "take care of those things".  I can't believe how many customers fall for the line "since all the Action parts are new, the Action will get easier to play once it is broken in".  If it doesn't play right to begin with, it's not going to work any better later.     
   I would advise you to hire a local (independant) trusted rebuilder to evaluate the piano for quality, and who does not have a stake in the deal. There are great deals to be had nowadays in the used piano market, but if the price is too good to be true, I would be cautious.