Larger Bösendorfer Grands

[octave_revolutionary]

I really like the sound of a good Bösendorfer; I have been fascinated by this brand for decades now,  and still am to this day; but how is it, that in spite of all its richness of tone and the extra bass keys on the larger grand models, does a Bösendorfer fail to match a Steinway or a Kawai in terms of power? I can't think of a better way to put it that the basses of a Bosie sound kind of like like "burnt toast", as opposed to the fresh, hearty, 8-grain loaf of a Steinway. Is it more the type of wood that is used, or rather the old-style 4-piece rim, or the shape soundboard that contributes to this factor? and why haven't they done anything to improve on this, after over 180 years in existence as a firm??! Of course, every piano is different, but almost every large Bosie that I come across seems to be plagued by this dilemma. Any thoughts, facts, explanations?

[huaidongxi]

my only extended encounter with a large boesendorfer is from Schiff's Schubert recordings on decca made in vienna.  sounds just fine to me.

seems that you have already started to compare specifications.  the type of wood and shaping of the soundboard, the construction of the rim as you note probably all contribute.  are there also differences in the massive metal 'harp' between the instruments.  your best recourse might be finding a technician who's done work with the different brands in question, who is willing to share his knowledge.

[hfmadopter]

When set up as such ( the Horowitz Steinways come to mind) a Steinway D can have an explosive nature. It is true that you don't hear this from all big grands but then, where they set up as such and then played as such ? Who knows ?