Trying to identify different tones

[csie7]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and looking to purchase a vertical piano. I've looked at Young Chang, Kawaii, one Yamaha, Schimmels (which I fell in love with), Bechstein (also a wonderful instrument), Petrof, Charles Walter and Forster.

I'm trying to try and classify what I like sounds / tones I like. I believe I like the Schimmel so much because of the clarity of each note and overall brightness. Same with the Bechstein - it had an incredible vibrancy and powerful tone throughout the bass and treble. I found the Yamaha to be somewhat mellow to my ear. the tones blended together too much, and it lacked depth in the bass. Same with the Petrof and Charles Walter.

Does anyone have any input regarding these pianos and what they think of them? I'd appreciate any reference to particular tonal qualities and whether you agree or disagree with my perception. I'm planning on going back and taking another listen after I receive some responses.

Thanks in advance,
C

[frederic]

i have never heard of young chang. where are they from? I think Kawaiis have a more mellow sound than the Yamaha. The yamaha usually have a brighter sound. (There is a post with a link to a site with an article comparing kawaii and yamaha)
I'm not too sure about the Schimmel? What are they like? well obviously you think its good.
Bechstein's have a very good tone but im not so good with them either. I came across a 9ft Bechstein once when i was also hunting for a piano and i thought they are very good. All i know about them is that it was Hitlers favourite make, admitting that this has nothing to do with this post.

[tosca1]

Dear csie7,
You are approaching the choice of your vertical piano in a very sensible way by comparing a good range of instruments.  Among the pianos you have mentioned I do not know the Charles Walter.

The Schimmel is certainly a fine quality German piano and the company still seems in good heart judging from the quality of the new Schimmel pianos I have tried recently.  

Bechstein pianos are pianos of the highest quality and renowned for their glorious singing tone.  The company of course suffered devastation as did Blüthner during the Second World War and has had to re-establish itself.  Some of the greatest musicians have selected Bechstein pianos and it is possible to find a model 9 or 10
which may be old but will give a beauty of tone hard to find in any modern piano.

Personally, I find the Young Chang piano, a Korean built piano, too bright in tone.

Yamaha pianos are sturdy, reliable pianos and very durable.  If you find one that appeals to you it is possible to enhance the tone quality that you like through voicing which must be done by a professional tuner/technician.

Always test for tone at the extremes of the piano and usually a good bass will mean a good tone overall. Try the upper treble treble as that can be disappointing even when there is an adequate bass.

I am less familiar with Petrof pianos but on the negative side I tried a new vertical Petrof recently and it had a very stodgy action.

Petrof are certainly good value and it is foolish to make generalisations after trying just one piano.

August Forster is also a German piano of quality manufacture but not in the Bechstein, Blüthner or Steinway class.

Ultimately it must be your personal choice and usually first impressions are the strongest whether it be a piano or anything else.  
Bear in mind that if you are buying an instrument more than 30-40 years old, have it checked thoroughly as strings could be at the end of their acoustic life  and hammers may need replacement.  

However always let the voice of the piano speak to you and then you decide.  

Best wishes,
Robert.

[dinosaurtales]

I did not play any verticals in my piano search, but I heard many good things about the Charles Walter - high quality for the price.  

For what it's worth.

Get the piano you love!  If it's new, its history starts with you!

[krigger]

i own a kawaii, and as a 12 year player i love it. i play jazz and classical and it suits both well. if you are more into classical steinway uprights and kawaii sounds really good, but if you are a jazz player yamahas are usually the weapon of choice for many jazz players. good luck.