Hamburg Steinway availability in the US?

[hbofinger]

I had been in Vienna, Austria about eight years ago, and visited the Steinway Haus near the Opera. Back then they said they could ship to the US, about 3,000 Euros for a Hamburg B for the East Coast.

I visited the same dealership three days ago again, and now they are only allowed to export used. They are not allowed to sell a new piano to anyone outside Austria.

So I raised the question: What if I went to the factory in Hamburg, would I also be denied shipping a piano to the U.S.? The saleswoman did not know the answer.

I know Steinway dealers in the US will reluctantly sell you a Hamburg if you insist, but I'd rather go somewhere where I have a selection and can pick one. Does anyone know what the Hamburg factory and its rules? Worse case scenario I'd have a pianist friend in Germany do the purchase and have him ship it, but that's a mess. (I am not ready to buy yet, just informing myself)

[awesom_o]

Why don't send our new member Noambenhamou a private message? He lives in the States and just got a Hamburg D!

[noambenhamou]

Go to your local Steinway dealer and tell them you want a Hamburg and you want to select in the German factory. Period.

Shipping will be about 1000. Its not that expensive. Mine came on a Lufthansa flight direct from Frankfort to Portland Oregon. Super fast, no worry, no hassle.

Expect to pay msrp plus about a grand for shipping. Also expect an amazing superior instrument that is 90% concert ready as opposed to 50% concert ready at the NY factory.

A prepped NY Steinway is no joke of a piano. But the selection process is meaningless because the pianos are not even remotely close to being ready as far as voicing is concerned so you won't know what your new NY Steinway will really sound like for months and months after you play it. Maybe years, then you might figure you don't like that particular one.

Expect your Hamburg selection to have very well prepped pianos. 90% is close enough to pick. The piano will get even better after played in, but if you do not 100% love the piano at the selection room, don't pick!

Make sure on your invoice they guarantee you at least 5 pianos to choose from. Do not let them say 3. They will put the worst 3 out for you and the better 2 will stay hidden for a non private consumer or famous artist.

That in mind, even the worst 3 are going to blow your mind. But make sure you ask for 5. More than that may not be possible.

I think the Hamburg Steinways will actually retain much better value here in the americas. They are more rare and they are wanted.

Reply, or message me if I can be of any assistance!

[hbofinger]

This was very helpful. I will be in touch. Thanks!