Wendl und Lung 218

[joseph]

Has anyone tried a Wendl 218? I am very interested to try one of these machines, so if there are any in Scotland I'm curious to try one!

I can't afford a new piano, and don't have the space for one unfortunately, but I'm guessing they'll be pretty good.

[chrisvenables]

Machines? We've got a 218, but we're not quite in Scotland.

Rather a light action, not as powerful as I was expecting, but a good, true bass. Different character to the 162 and 178. It could almost be another brand rather than another model. More 'recital' than 'concert' more Boso than Steinway. The trouble is I don't like Bosos much. Cousin Gordon of Gordon Bell may have one - he's a top man.

[PianoGuy]

Are W&L still imported by the eccentric Skeaping brothers?

[chrisvenables]

Dr Sebastian?

I import mine direct thanks, I think our well respected cousins in Scotland do too.

[joseph]

From your description that does sound a bit Bosendorfer. You know, from the pics on the web, the frame looks slightly Bosendorfer too.

What about the larger Brodmann pianos? How do they sound? I love my 187, are the larger grands as good at their price? (subjective question I know... I'm about to duck before my ears are bashed again )

[Psycho Pianoman]

I agree with what chris has said. Gordon and I have both seen and played the 218 on a W&L visit last year. W&L are great company. Also the 218 is a great price. Keep saving for the model 'B'.

[joseph]

. . . . Actually. . . . (takes cover). . .

I'm. . . er .. . . not a fan of the model B. I find it is a bit of a red herring. I have always found them to have a kind of metallic tubby quality in the bass, and rather uneven throughout. Quite a few other pianists agree with me, although it seems to be something that you're not allowed to say.

A model D on the other hand I'll save me some pennies for one of them. Or I'll settle for an A or a C, but not a B.

[chrisvenables]

From your description that does sound a bit Bosendorfer. You know, from the pics on the web, the frame looks slightly Bosendorfer too.

What about the larger Brodmann pianos? How do they sound? I love my 187, are the larger grands as good at their price? (subjective question I know... I'm about to duck before my ears are bashed again )

Wendls do seem to like the Bosendorfer colour scheme, but I think that's about all. We had a brilliant young pianist trying out the 218 yesterday - she loved it. We'd toned the piano down a little as it's going in a living room rather than on a stage. She made Chopin's nocturnes sound even more mysteriously haunting than ever, - they were a perfect match for each other. When she played no. 20 in C sharp min. we were stunned!

Re Brodmanns, yes great value. Re: the longer Brodmanns, they're quite new on the streets in the UK. We need a few months before giving, hopefully, a glowing appraisal.