. . . However, recently I played several new Ritmuller baby grand pianos that are selling for around the same price (R8 and GH 160), and I was quite surprised. I know little about Ritmuller, except that they are Chinese made pianos, but I was actually impressed with the quality of the tone and action of the piano. Has anyone owned or played a Ritmuller that is older? Or is anyone familiar with how they hold up with time and playing? I know Yamahas have a reputation of being durable, even with heavy playing over time. I'm not sure if it even makes sense to compare these two pianos, but just wanted to get some input. Thanks!
" This arrangement permits the bass bridge to vibrate more freely, among other things giving the bass sound greater clarity. Although this phenomenon was amply demonstrated by all three pianos, it was especially noticeable on the 5' 3" model, which lacked the "muddy" bass often characteristic of small grands. The new Ritmüllers also have solid spruce soundboards and vertically laminated bridges, better-quality features that arguably enhance tonal color.I liked the sound quality and sustain of all the Ritmüller models. The medium-tension stringing scale avoids the excessive high harmonics and inharmonicity characteristic of the higher-tension scales sometimes found in modern pianos, producing instead a clear, bell-like, uncomplicatedly "European" sound. And these models' light, responsive action makes it easy to attain a great dynamic range from very soft to very loud and full."