Wilh. Steinberg Pianos

[erman]

Hey all,

I would like to know what everyone thinks about Wilh. Steinberg pianos?

[chestone]

Finally, someone is interested in the Wilh. Steinberg models.  I have been the very pleased owner of a Wilh. Steinberg IQ77 grand for about 6 months now, a great improvement over my Yamaha M2ER upright.  I'm an adult re-starter without a lot of piano assessment knowledge, so I'm sure others will weigh in with more a propos comments.

Other options I considered over a 6 month shopping period: Yamaha C2 (almost but not quite; too bright, and too light a touch), Mason & Hamlin A (almost but not quite; too heavy a touch), several Kawai models (I like Kawai uprights more than their grands), Steinway M (each one in my area was differently uneven and I was concerned about dealer promises to "make it right"; really liked one in another city but concerned about trucking it halfway across the US), and Estonia L168 (just didn't work for me, not sure why).   My ideal was a Steingraeber A-170, which was totally beyond my price range.

Advantages of Wilh. Steinberg grand: excellent (not light) touch, great for learning to have more control over tone, has noticeably improved my playing and makes it easier to play any other piano effectively in a recital situation; great Renner action; and you'll be the only one in the neighborhood to have one.

Concerns: The case is not nearly as well-made as the action.  My tuner has had to add shims to the legs and lyre for stability (where they attach to the piano).  The lid is way too heavy.  It takes two of me or one weight lifter to put it up full stick.  Maybe that's just my piano, not sure if anyone else has had this experience with the case.  Mine had not been voiced by the original owner, but with some work from the tuner (especially upper treble), now sounds great across the entire keyboard.

By the way, if anyone here is familiar with this make of piano, do you know where the serial number is located?  I've emailed Steinberg in Germany to inquire, but have not received a response.  (I bought mine second-hand in a private sale.)

I'd be interested to hear what you decide.

-ces