Rebuilt Steinway B or new Kawai RX-7?

[cdales]

My ongoing hunt for an upgrade (budget from 30 to 35K max) to my trusty Yamaha G-2 has been kicked around the block on Piano World, so forgive duplication if you've already weighed in. Playing a Yamaha C-7 at a summer piano retreat kicked off the hunt, but a new C-7 is beyond me, and the local preowned Yamaha market in the Los Angeles area doesn't actually offer a lot of larger higher end Yamahas (tried an older S-400 and really disliked its stiffness and brash tone). Various Yamaha C-3s and a new C-5 at a local dealer were unimpressive--played as if straight out of the crate with no setup at all, and the dealer didn't seem to care whether I stayed or left Other recent contenders -- various new and preowned mid-size Kawais (RX-5, RX-6, a pre-owned SK-5, Yamahas, overpriced Petrofs, an Estonia L190, all considered and rejected. Last weekend, a new Kawai RX-7 was at first very appealing. Then, although I'd never really considered Steinway as an option within my means, I made the mistake(?) of playing a gorgeous rebuilt Steinway B with Renner action (vintage 1972, which I understand wasn't a great year for S&S) sitting right beside the RX-7. I can't really afford the Steinway, but am now nonetheless leaning that way -- its rich bass and complex midrange suddenly made the Kawai seem predictable, and way less attractive. There's a huge sliding scale range in the pricing of Kawais, but not so much wiggle room with even a preowned Steinway. Should I take a gamble on the rebuilt Steinway B (currently finding out more specifics about the rebuild) or save close to 10K and take the tried and true with its 10 year warranty?

[iansinclair]

Disclaimer: I own three Steinways; an 1898 A, a 1924 M, and a 1902 upright.  They don't quit.  The A has the original action, but was restrung; the M and the upright have never been touched except for tuning and a little regulating.  All three (particularly the A) are wonderful instruments, both with regard to tone and flexibility and a joy to play.  1972, it is true, was sort of in a down patch for Steinway, but they were still excellent instruments; the down was more in comparison with what had come before and what came after.

I'd go with the Steinway...  I've never played an instrument with the Renner action, but I understand that it is very responsive and MUCH easier to regulate than the original action on my A, which is an unholy bear to work on, or even the M.

[asuhayda]

In the words of Ferris Bueller: "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up!"

I'd go with the B.  Kawai Rx-7 is awesome too.. but you know Steinways are like bottles of wine. Every now and then, you get a gem no matter what year it was made.

I just played on a B and it was one of the most beautiful pianos I've ever played.  Of course, it was also $95k and sold to a CEO's wife.. but hey!

Good luck!

[hfmadopter]

What happened to you I think is the predictable part ! If I could afford that B it is the one I would get of those you mentioned. I got my lessons years ago on a Steinway and have played one for a recital, always impressive. A beat up Steinway is a beat up piano sort of like any other, but in nice shape as you describe thus far is another story. It's not going to be easy for those other brands to compete. Good Steinways just have that kind of nasal resonance of their own.

Check out the degree of rebuild, what took place may well take it out of the 72 era anyway. As has been mentioned , they are still good pianos. But in the end it's your call obviously.

 I'd love to own a really nice Steinway B myself( and it would even fit in my living room) but for now it has to be my old Henry F Miller 5'9" and if that's how it stays for the rest of my life I'm not complaining. I've had it for about 30 years already. The wife says we won't ever get rid of it, we might add  something like a Steinway to it but she ain't going anywhere, sort to speak.

Good luck deciding !
David

[quantum]

Disclaimer: I'm not a gung-ho Steinway worshiper that argues this and that of why they are the "best" piano in town.  

If that RX-7 has the Millenium III action, it aught to have superb response.  I have played M3 actions, and they are buttery smooth and uber responsive.  Some RX series pianos I found to have a rather stiff touch, but these may not have had the newer actions installed.  Then again touch weight is to taste, some like it stiff.  You may hear other piano makers bash "plastic parts," but really in an action where dimensional tolerances and mechanical fluidity are the focus, "plastic parts" are to an advantage.  They don't swell up with changes in humidity and have less potential to cause uneven response.  To answer the question, who would want plastic in their piano: I sure do.  

Steinway can be hit and miss.  But when you come across a good Steinway, it is really really good.  I don't care for the smaller model Steinway grands, but the model B speaks to me.  If I were to get a Steinway, the model B would be my choice piano.  


In your situation, I would lean more to the Steinway.  If it is a good instrument, and it speaks to you, go for it.  Saving $10k will not matter 40 years down the road, when you are still loving and playing your piano.  Choose the piano that speaks to you.