Choosing/Tuning two pianos

[john90]

I have the chance of a mid 1960s Boesnedorfer 170cm for around £3300. I guess it wouldn't take up that much more room space in butterfly configuration in a room hopefully 20'x10' (after taking out a couple of walls) with a Steinway S (154cm)?

Any idea how they would work together sound wise? The plan would be for me to look after the Boesendorfer, get it settled in and keep it in tune with the S if that is possible. Is the length difference likely to be an issue? I'm sure it is more complicated than making sure both middle C's are the same pitch. But that is probably where I would start. 

[quantum]

If there is only one piano being played at a time, I would not think there to be too much problems.  Realize that these two pianos could have a rather large contrast in character between them.  Just a matter of choosing which you would like to play.  Is this for a private residence?

Due to occurrences such as inharmonicity, no two pianos, especially those of different makes or lengths, can be note-for-note in tune with each other.  If one were to tune each note of a piano to match the corresponding note of the other piano, the individual pianos would be out of tune with themselves.  You probably will feel the effects of this if you were to play two piano duets.  There is a reason why concert halls have matching makes and models of paired pianos. 

[richard black]

They'll sound different, for sure, but hey, lucky you! Personally, I have an unusual view on 2-piano repertoire - I'd really rather have two noticeably different pianos. Otherwise, why not simply play 4 handed on one piano?

[john90]

This is for a private residence. That is an interesting point about differences, which would also work out nice in this case, having two quite different pianos when playing solo, which will happen more often.

Unfortunately there are a lot of things that need to fall into place before this becomes a reality. Thanks for the encouragement.