Yamaha C7 or Steinway Model M

[Alde]

Which instrument is better for a solo piano recital;  A Yamaha C7 Disklavier or a Steinway Model M (circa 1934) with new action?
I will be playing Chopin Op.10 etudes and some Liszt Transcriptions.

[Michele Felice]

There is no way to tell for certain based only on the model designations of the pianos. You will have to play each and decide which action you prefer and which tonal qualities. Age, wear, individual piano peculiarities and, of course, personal taste, make such predictions problematic.

In theory, however, the pianos are simply not comparable. The best Steinway M can only be a very good small piano. A Yamaha C7 is two feet longer and one in good condition can be one of the best instruments commonly available.

[Axtremus]

Agree with Michele Felice.

Disklavier or not is a non-issue in the C7.
New action or not is a non-issue with the Steinway M.
1936 or brand new is also a non-issue for the Steinway M in this comparison.

A Steinway B is what I'd usually compare to a C7, assuming the pianos are in good condition.

Since you're considering it for a solo recital, how big is the hall?
(The length, the width, the height of the ceiling, and seating capacity.)
Usually, big hall --> big piano. Even in a small hall, I think I'd still prefer a bigger piano but play with the lid lowered.

[iumonito]

Unless the Yamaha is in total disrepair, I can't imagine using the Steinway.

I disagree about the non-issues in another post, though.  It makes a big difference to have a new action in the Steinway, especially if it is not an Steinway action (i.e., Renner).  Hammer quality can vary very greatly, let alone voicing.  Also, unless it has been rebuilt, I seriously doubt that the 1936 piano is in playable condition.

Big repertoire; I would assume you make this decision yourself, although I did once see a total knucklehead try to play a tiny Steinway L when there was a Bechstein C available in in perfect repair.  Do what you think is right.

[Alde]

Unless the Yamaha is in total disrepair, I can't imagine using the Steinway.

I disagree about the non-issues in another post, though.  It makes a big difference to have a new action in the Steinway, especially if it is not an Steinway action (i.e., Renner).  Hammer quality can vary very greatly, let alone voicing.  Also, unless it has been rebuilt, I seriously doubt that the 1936 piano is in playable condition.

Big repertoire; I would assume you make this decision yourself, although I did once see a total knucklehead try to play a tiny Steinway L when there was a Bechstein C available in in perfect repair.  Do what you think is right.

Thanks for your opinion.  Actually the hammers are new not the action.  And unfortunately I have booked the venue with the Steinway.
The debate was that the venue with the Yamaha had dry acoustics (church venue), where as the venue with Steinway had more concert hall like acoustics - lively.  Although the Steinway is shorter and the bass not as strong, I was told that the sound in the hall makes up for this.

[Axtremus]

Alde,

I wish you success with your concert.

Do come back and let us know how it goes after your performance.

[iumonito]

Ah, Difference in hall.

Well, break a leg in the concert.  If you can, you may want to consider booking the other place as well and play the concert twice.  Second time should go better anyway.

[Alde]

Alde,

I wish you success with your concert.

Do come back and let us know how it goes after your performance.

I should have booked the venue with the Yamaha C7 .  Although the hall with the Steinway Model M had better acoustics, I have learnt that the quality of the piano is more important when choosing a concert venue.  The Steinway Model M belongs in a living room, not on a concert stage.  This piano to be honest has no "balls" (testicles).  If this were a Model D, that would be another story.