Grand Shopping - S6 or Steinway?

[copa211]

   Happy Day!  I'm piano shopping & am looking at 2 -

Fully Rebuilt Steinway O, $33k
New Yamaha S6, $38k

Both salesmen are telling me these are 'great, once in a lifetime deals',
'at these prices the pianos won't last', 'better get on this today!'.

So I'm looking for some net wisdom - What do you think?

Good deals?

[lostinidlewonder]

This is easy, the new S series Yamaha is a top quality instrument the restored Steinway WAS a good instrument. Rebuilt Steinway comes with all sorts of variables and most people no matter what qualifications they have in piano restoration do not restore Steinways anywhere near what they would have sounded new. S series Yamaha are beautiful and the best Yamaha models you can get since they are completely handmade instruments, ensure that it is a piano that is suited for your country's weather.

[jimbo320]

I second that! The Yamaha would no doubt be the better choice...

Jimbo

[thalberg]

There is only one way to choose a piano.  Play them both and buy the one you like.

When I was shopping for a piano 6 years ago, I asked everyone "what should I get" and named all the brands.  Everyone had a different opinion.

But honestly, if you like your piano, that is all that matters.  And we all know that no two pianos sound quite the same, so making generalizations about brands is never any guarantee that you personally will enjoy the sound of a particular piano.

Just play them and buy the one you enjoy the most.

[john90]

Just play them and buy the one you enjoy the most.

That quote is very difficult to argue with. At these prices it should be the best piano you have ever played full stop. Used Bosendorfer Imperials can go for less at auction.

I would check the serial number of BOTH pianos for date of manufacture, and thoroughly inspect and photograph both before delivery. Does anyone know when Steinway stopped using animal glues? Be paranoid. You don't want special price or clearance written on the invoice as it may impact warranty. Then once you have bought, you can relax and enjoy.

[quantum]

They are both good pianos, but the brands in question have very different tonal philosophies.  Some people prefer the sound of one maker over the other.  Then again, you are also dealing with high quality models and hand made craftsmanship.  There may be qualities specific to these two particular instruments in question.  I would also agree that you must try both pianos out.  Don't tread lightly, put them through a battery of tests and scrutinize every minute detail. 


In this particular case, my preliminary opinion would be leaning more towards the S6 due to the larger soundboard size. 

[keys60]

That really depends on the rebuild. I've seen rebuilt Steinways that are easily as good as newly manufactured. My tastes would probably pick the Steinway. Yet my tastes are irrelevant.
That being said, however, the advice posted above is correct. Only you can pick which piano you would like better.
 Both great pianos. Let the dealers think you are a PIA. Stay with each for hours if you must. Over 30K is not something you want to make a mistake with.

[copa211]

Thank you all for the input!  Yup - end of the story is what I think but I
appreciate the feedback that I'm on the right track & will certainly get a
tech to check out any piano before I buy it 

I appreciate the feedback - it's a big decision.  I hate being rushed & will
go out again today to try out more pianos.  'Buy in haste - Repent at
leisure!' 

[richard black]

Those are both distinctly expensive pianos. The Yamaha is noticeably bigger. I've not played many of the Model O but didn't feel it was Steinway's best effort. All the same, you'll probably get more life out of an O than an S6. Personally I wouldn't be in a hurry to buy either - I'd rather keep looking.

[jimbo320]

Don't forget to let us know what you settle on...

[quantum]

Don't let the dealers know your heart is racing and your are drooling over the instruments.  Take your sweet time playing them.  Avoid acting overly interested in the pianos.  Don't get pushed around by the dealers.  Be ready to walk out on a moment's notice if the deal isn't just right, even if your heart says "this is the piano."  You can always come back the next day. 

You might even want to bring along another pianist to play.  Take turns playing and listening from a distance. 

[jimbo320]

Ooo good advice! Listen from the playing point and from a distance...

[electrodoc]

S6 or Steinway B? This was a dilemma that I faced about three years ago. I had resolved on purchasing a new piano and when I visited the dealer there was a new S6 and next to it a 28 year old Steinway in excellent condition. I played both instruments and to be truthful there was very little difference in tone or touch. The S6 was perhaps a tiny bit more mellow. For me the deciding factor was price. The S6 was approx. $20,000 and the Steinway $42,000. (Calculated at $1.5 = £1). Needless to say I chose the S6. In terms of comparisons I would not choose a model O.

I have played several Steinway model B’s and they are all different. Some rich and mellow, some very bright and loud. One that I play on a fairly regular basis is quite bright, and to my ear, quite loud for the room which means that I have some difficulty in controlling dynamics. My S6 has a wide tonal range and is just right for my room. It has a lovely action and there is no problem with dynamic range. The tone is on the mellow side but plenty of clarity in the treble, a singing mid-range and a good bass. Pessimists have said that being a Yamaha it will get brighter. So far they have been wrong. It has remained just as I like it and it will almost certainly last for lifetime.

I have it tuned four times per year as I like to keep it in good condition. My technician can also check the regulation and if there were to be a problem with tone he can re-voice it. Tuning is reasonably stable but as with any piano it can be affected by humidity and temperature changes. He also tunes many Steinway instruments and advises me that the S6 requires far less maintenance than a Steinway – something worth considering.

My advice is to play both instruments and choose the one that you like the best. Take plenty of time and try out a variety of styles. If you choose the S6 then I am sure that you will not regret it. I would be very interested to hear of you final choice. For what it is worth I have never regretted choosing the S6 and no desire to change it. It is an instrument that suites me and the music that I play.

best wishes
electrodoc

[copa211]

Electrodoc -

What size room do you have?  I must measure mine - I think it's 15' x 18' - too
small for such a S6?

I went & played a C3 today - much more reasonable choice for the room & the
wallet but it's not the same!    

I've also located a used S4 to consider - less money but used.

Lots of good options!

[electrodoc]

Dear Copa

My roomsize is about 14'x18'. It is carpeted so there is some absorption of sound. The S6 is definitely not too loud for the room. You can either have the lid down (subdued), a very short practice stick (opens the lid about 2 inches) which is good for practice; short stick or full stick. I generally use the very short stick for practice and half stick when playing for final performance.

The C series are not the same as the S series. I also advise against the S4. It is shorter in length and thus loses a little of the bass. I am also informed that the tuning stability of the S4 is not as good as the S6.

If you can afford it I would get the S6 and be prepared to thoroughly enjoy it. The action is very smooth, good tone, good dynamic range, easy to maintain. It is an excellent instrument that will give you years of enjoyment.

Keep us informed.

Electrodoc.

[copa211]

Ok - so my room is actually only 13.5' x 15.5' and the wall that I'd like
the S6 to go on is 12' (doorway opening into the room is the other 2.5').

So is the 7' piano too big??

[electrodoc]

Copa, Hi!

The S6 should fit into the room OK. I assume that the wall against which it will be positioned is the same one as the door, and I also assume that the door is at one end of the wall. Measure 7' and then allow another 3' for the stool when you are playing. Do see if it gives you enough space. Even better would be to make a rough template out of paper and put it on the floor to get some idea of the total space taken.

Also consider the furnishing of the room. It is about the smallest room size for an instrument of this size. If the acoustics are too loud or bright then consider carpeting, soft furnishings, curtains, etc. You can also play with the lid closed.

If all else fails consider having the door re-hung with the hinges on the opposite side.

Electrodoc

[copa211]

Done! 

Thank you all for your opinions - it's nice to have other 'piano' folk
along for the ride.  When I get all dreamy eyed talking piano w/my friends
they just smile... and slowly look away...

So my new piano is... the Steinway.

Both exceptional instruments & I would have been  with either.  No doubt
about it.  It's nice to have good pianos to choose from - not all I looked at
were so nice!

So I chose the Steinway due to $, size & rebuilding job.  I had it inspected by my
tech & it's good to go!

Thanks again!!  - Copa

[quantum]

Congratulations!

Now for some pictures of the arrival 

[john90]

Excellent news!