Steinway Model V vs Bluthner Style 10

[classical72]

I'm in the lucky position to have a 1936 Model V Steinway upright.  I have been offered a recently refurbished Bluthner Style 10 Grand Piano (7'10" Aliquot strung 1906).
Should I change?  What should I consider?

I'm aware that the Style 10 is large for a domestic environment but I'm hoping to have a performance space soon.   

As in other posts I like the mellow sound of the Bluthner which is more likely to be suited to the chamber music environment.

My concern is that 1906 is quite early compared to the Steinway so it may not give as much service or perhaps require more attention.
Thanks in advance for all your opinions.

[hfmadopter]

Both are over 50 years old, the age difference is not signicant between them. By 50 or 60 years you have to start to think about the pin block and if it will hold a pin locking in tuning or not. Much depends on it's life history in either pianos case. A technician could best assess that for you and tell the condition of them best and how much of a restoration process took place on the Ruthner.. I'm not familiar with the Ruthner action but generally speaking by the early 1900s or late 1800s even, most pianos would have action that is made well.

The Ruthner is obviously a bit unique with it's fourth string arrangement. It's size may or may not be a hinderence but generally bigger is better ( IMO) when it comes to a grand ! In a household situation it's a  matter of space, if you can stand that, well then just play with the top down. You just want to be sure you aren't buying an ornamental piece but a good functioning piano with lot's of life left in it. Again back to that professional certified technicians opinion. I suggest not bringig it home without that because there are so called restorations and then very good restorations that take place on pianos.. If it turns out to be a go then you should have a fine instrument, if a tad unique.
David

[classical72]

Thanks David, very helpful.  The restoration was 20 years ago (described by a third party as a serious seeing to) and it has been regularly tuned since then.  Until a couple of years ago it was played quite a lot (for a household) so I'm expecting some regulation and perhaps something for the hammer felts.
I've yet to see it in the flesh but I suspect it has the Bluthner patent action - anyone have experience (good or bad) of this?

[pianolive]

The Blüthner Patent Action is very different from the modern action, both in the design and touch.
If the action is correctly adjusted, you will, as a pianist, notice that the touch is very light, no "after touch", short hammer travel distance and the key depth is only max 9,5 mm.
Some of these pianos were made to be tuned not higher than 435 Hz at A4.
At the beginning of 1900 Blüthner used both the old and new actions.