Baby/small grands ... advice gratefully received

[_sonatine]

Hi there
I'm in the early stages of looking for a baby grand (in the UK) and I would be grateful for some advice. I was initially hoping to find a 10-15 year old Steinway S - model S as my room is fairly small and a Steinway as I played a Steinway D some years ago at university and really loved it. Having briefly tried an S I found the bass disappointing so I am intending to try the M and the smaller sizes of other brands. Can anyone advise re particularly good baby grand models? Any views on the minimum size necessary to have a decent bass? I've considered an upright but I'd much rather have a small grand.
Many thanks.

[hbofinger]

On a baby you are facing the problems of physics: A good decent bass requires about 6+ feet (2 meters) of length minimum on the piano. So every baby is a compromise.

Also pianos differ so widely one from the next, even same models of the same year. So the best thing is just to play play play different instruments until you find just what you want.

It is good that you have set yourself some parameters. I just went through the process from the other end - I set a minimum length (7 feet) and a max price range (low to mid US$ 20ks). Believe it or not - I found something that matched perfectly, and am now arranging the financing (1970 Yamaha C-7 rebuilt this year in Japan for US$ 21k with a very nice tone).

[john90]

Try a lot more pianos. Even a brand new S. They are all very different.
Failing that, consider knocking a wall through. You can half what you spend on the piano and get something you love.

[ionian_tinnear]

My model M is quite amazing in the bass, but i'd probably not go any smaller.  Mine's a 1924, what they call the 'golden-age' of steinways.

[_sonatine]

Many thanks all, some useful points. hbofinger, hope you enjoy the Yamaha C7. And interesting to hear about the 1924 M. Thanks again.

[ignaz]

Hello, In general the size of any grand piano should be 6ft or longer to get the best qaulity of sound in all areas of its tone production.  Now on Steinways you may get away with a model M (5'7") or an Model O/L (5'10") that can match a 6 foot from an other manufactorer.  The wood from a Steinway is harder in the rim than most Asian pianos and some European pianos.  The sound will project farther than a comparable piano by an other manufactorer.  The only advantage to a Model S is size nothing more, it is really the same scale design as a model M but 6 inches shorter. In Piano sound and tone production 6 inches is a lot.  See if you can find that extra 6 inches in your home or better yet 3 more inches (Model L/0). You will be happier in the long run with the Model L/O. Ignaz.

[_sonatine]

Belated thank you for this post which is very useful and I have now decided to squeeze in an O having tried some. Thanks again for your help.

[49410enrique]

in that size/price range i would strongly consider an estonia (they only make three sizes a small i think 5'2 and 5 6(or , and the big daddy concert grand, i have absolutley loved every single one in every size that i have played.

good documentary (excerpt) on them below

[pianoplayjl]

Perhaps even a parlour grand if the brand your looking for is available.

[dedilya]

I agree with the suggestion to look into Estonia. It is very nice piano, good touch and typical European sound. If you like more "American flavor" meaning more complex and mellow sound and tighter touch, check Boston PE163 or PE178. I have Boston GP163 for 3 years and absolutely love it. Because of wide tail it is equivalent to 175 of other brand grand length.

You may also try Black Kawai RX3, a lovely piano.

Good luck   

[ana1969]

I have antique grand piano-Boesendorfer FNS 9335,year 1886 for sale. It is Mahagonary,with sliding,carved  candle holders 2.4m long ,hight 0.95  1.4m wide ,3 peddals . Needs tunning after transportation and some repairs on the keypads.Let me know do you need any pictures

[timmyotoole]

Steinway is the priciest of pianos, the best-known, and considered by many to be of the highest quality. Steinway currently makes five sizes of grands: the Steinway models S (5’1″), M (5’7″), L (5′ 10 1/2″), B (6′ 10 1/2″) and D (8′ 11 3/4″). (These are the sizes produced at the New York plant. The Hamburg, Germany factory also produces the models A (6’2″), “C” (7’5″) and “O” (5′ 10 1/2″), models formerly produced in New York but now discontinued.)

In selecting a piano that is best for you consider three things: your budget, available space in your house, and maintenance costs such as periodic tunings.

Read more at https://www.steinway-piano.com