Hi all,
Am new to this website so would appreciate any advice please on the pros and cons of the above models. I am returning to piano playing and am of a reasonable standard (gr8+ but some 20 years ago). I am looking to buy new/newish and know that choosing a piano is 'horses for courses' but would like to hear what people think that the Steinway can offer which the Yamaha cannot, and vice versa.
I am also aware of the rather large price differential (some of which is due to Yamaha discounting). Is it the case that the Yamahas are good/the best for that price or are there significant other reasons for the differential?
(I have tried a few of each and have my views on both but am still prevaricating!)
Feel free to be brutal.
Many thanks!
Steinway M/O vs Yamaha C2/C3
Moderators: Feg, Gill the Piano, Melodytune
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Gill the Piano
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I was told by an ex-Steinway bod that the Yamaha would take more punishment without needing overhauling if you're intending to give it the old 6 hours a day thrashing. However, if it's just for general playing, then a Steinway would be one of the dream pianos. In the end, though, you have to stop looking at labels and start LISTENING...and be honest with yourself; if you can't hear ten grand's worth of difference between the two, why pay it?! 
You want brutal? Brutal 'R' us.
Gill's comments are as always spot on.
Yamaha is great value even at list price, although as you've noted, you'll be silly to pay it.
Find a reputable main dealer and don't buy a grey import unless it's very cheap compared to a UK market piano of similar age. Go for a C3 in preference to smaller models, but a C5 is better than a C6. If you want a better piano still, go for a handbuilt 'S' model. Personally I'm not a fan of the the S4, but adore the S6 in the handbuilt range. It's nearly Steinway quality at a sensible price, but rare to find one in a showroom.
Of course, a Steinway & Sons is preferable, both for the experience and the residual values, but even S&S make a few duffers. Avoid all US-built pianos if possible, especially the unloved Model L if you want a sound investment. The Americans still don't know how to build pianos without European help. ( or cars for that matter!) Whilst some US built Steinways are OK, the majority are poor and they don't hold their value like a Hamburg one. (US Steinways are often recognisable by an angular appearance of the fall) Go for an O or a B and don't bother with the S, A or M. The Hamburg B is the best piano in the world bar none. It holds its value like it too.
If you're in the London / Home counties region, take a short trip and try the restored Steinways by the forthright but brutally honest Jeffrey Shackell in Oxfordshire. He's always got a few S&S in stock and also deals in Yamaha. He won't bother with other makes.
PG
Gill's comments are as always spot on.
Yamaha is great value even at list price, although as you've noted, you'll be silly to pay it.
Find a reputable main dealer and don't buy a grey import unless it's very cheap compared to a UK market piano of similar age. Go for a C3 in preference to smaller models, but a C5 is better than a C6. If you want a better piano still, go for a handbuilt 'S' model. Personally I'm not a fan of the the S4, but adore the S6 in the handbuilt range. It's nearly Steinway quality at a sensible price, but rare to find one in a showroom.
Of course, a Steinway & Sons is preferable, both for the experience and the residual values, but even S&S make a few duffers. Avoid all US-built pianos if possible, especially the unloved Model L if you want a sound investment. The Americans still don't know how to build pianos without European help. ( or cars for that matter!) Whilst some US built Steinways are OK, the majority are poor and they don't hold their value like a Hamburg one. (US Steinways are often recognisable by an angular appearance of the fall) Go for an O or a B and don't bother with the S, A or M. The Hamburg B is the best piano in the world bar none. It holds its value like it too.
If you're in the London / Home counties region, take a short trip and try the restored Steinways by the forthright but brutally honest Jeffrey Shackell in Oxfordshire. He's always got a few S&S in stock and also deals in Yamaha. He won't bother with other makes.
PG
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Gill the Piano
- Moderator
- Posts: 4032
- Joined: 25 Oct 2003, 19:39
- Location: Thames Valley
Hi,
It's interesting that in the early 80's Glenn Gould finally forsook his beloved American Steinway CD and, after trying German Steinways and other prestigious makes, chose a CF Yamaha for the remainder of his performing career . He said the action was the best in the world, and liked the intimacy, clarity and brightness of the Yamaha's tone. Of course you have to take into consideration that:
a) This was over twenty years ago, and Steinway have recovered from losing their way in the 70's,
b) Glenn Gould was a very eccentric person, and
c) I'm showing off as I have been given Bazzana's Gould biography for Christmas.
Rgds.
It's interesting that in the early 80's Glenn Gould finally forsook his beloved American Steinway CD and, after trying German Steinways and other prestigious makes, chose a CF Yamaha for the remainder of his performing career . He said the action was the best in the world, and liked the intimacy, clarity and brightness of the Yamaha's tone. Of course you have to take into consideration that:
a) This was over twenty years ago, and Steinway have recovered from losing their way in the 70's,
b) Glenn Gould was a very eccentric person, and
c) I'm showing off as I have been given Bazzana's Gould biography for Christmas.
Rgds.