Bechstein Upright Model 12A

[masjah]

We have a Bechstein upright Model 12A, veneered in yew, first delivered in 1985. Please could anyone tell us about the Model 12A (as distinct from the generic Model 12, or an alternative variant which I understand to be Model 12N). Many thanks.

[Colin Nicholson]

Model numbers don't really tell anyone about a specific piano, nor one personally owned. More information is required here from you:-

Where did you buy it?
How much did you pay for it?
Does it have a polyester finish?
What is the serial number?
Photo of the piano & mechanism?

Many pianos add letters to their model numbers, or change the numbers by one digit - and usually it is to do with a slight modification of the casework, but like the difference between a GT and GLX car - one may have leather interior, another maybe vinyl. Various Kawai & Yamaha models also make slight changes to the casework - bevelled front rail/ modern square tapered legs, and I think one of the differences the U1 Yamaha is different to the U3, is that one has a fallboard lock & key - and the other one doesn't. However they are basically the same piano.

The model 12A is quite a nice piano to play, however reasonably cheap to buy in terms of Bechstein - I think around £3K at auction value. Not heard of the 12N model, but then again, will probably be a slight modification made somewhere

[masjah]

Colin, thanks for the response. I think you've implicitly answered my basic question, specifically that the letter suffices to the model numbers probably just represent, so to speak, small variations on the basic design. We're very pleased with our model 12A; the information we have about it, gleaned from its serial number (model number, wood finish, date of delivery and to whom) came from the very helpful Bechstein Archive Service.