Steinway & Sons
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Steinway & Sons is widely regarded within the piano community as the industry benchmark, frequently praised for its superior sonority, projection, and the ability to produce a wide range of tonal 'colours.' While it remains a 'dream' brand for many, experienced users often debate its value proposition, noting that high prices may partially reflect marketing and that factory consistency can be hit-or-miss. There is a strong sentiment that well-rebuilt vintage Steinways often outperform new factory units.
Pros
- Superior sonority and projection compared to many competitors
- Exceptional tonal versatility, offering more 'colours' than brands like Yamaha or Kawai
- Solid wood soundboards that mature into a richer tone over time
- High prestige and status as a 'benchmark' instrument for professionals
- Excellent longevity, with vintage models being highly viable for professional rebuilding
Cons
- Significant price premium often attributed to brand marketing and hype
- Inconsistency in factory-new units, with some playing better than others
- Action and sound profiles can be polarizing, with some users preferring European or Japanese competitors
- Controversial aesthetic choices in modern limited editions or non-traditional finishes
Caveats
- A well-rebuilt older Steinway is frequently considered a better investment than an average new factory unit
- Historical manufacturing practices, such as hardening hammers for volume, can affect the sound of older models
- Regional differences exist between Hamburg and New York builds, which can influence pianist preference
Best for
- Concert-level performance and professional recording
- Pianists seeking a lifetime 'benchmark' instrument with high resale value
- Those who prioritize a resonant, 'wet' sound with complex vibrations
Avoid if
- You are looking for the best price-to-performance ratio without a brand-name markup
- You prefer the specific mechanical action or clinical precision of brands like Bechstein or Fazioli
- You are unable to play and test the specific individual unit before purchase
This summary is based on 27 mentions from r/piano. It uses balanced time weighting with about an 18-month half-life. The evidence is older (median age ~568 days), which is generally acceptable for a heritage brand but may not reflect the most recent factory quality control trends.
Sentiment
17 positive (63%) · 7 mixed (26%) · 3 negative (11%)
Trust + time weighted score: +48% · raw score 52%
What redditors said (10 of 27)
but I didn't like the similarly priced Steinway concert grand.
Sonority and projection goes to the Steinway though!
Hardening hammers was common practice among some piano makers a century ago, including Steinway, to make a harder sound with more volume.
If you want to be able to play aaaaand record you need a Yamaha, Kawaii, Baldwin or one of the premium brands like Steinway etc
Which brand of piano is best among concert grands - is it Steinway, German Steinway, Bechstein, Shigeru Kawaii, Fazioli, etc.
Parent context: That is true but it’s better than the new bullshit when done right Reply: oh definitely. i find factory steinway to be wildly inconsistent. a well rebuilt one is better than average factory unit. but a well rebuilt one is going to be much more than 25.
You’re in the price point where you can get a rebuilt Steinway or that caliber.
Every single piano on my campus was a Steinway. I didn’t know that going in. I almost cried - I’d never touched a Steinway, let alone get an hour alone with one.
I get to live my childhood dream - to own a Steinway. Am I really considering this?
It's a Steinway, but because I am in the UK, it was made in Hamburg. It was made in 1926, but in about 2010 it was sent back to Germany to be fully rebuilt by pianova.de which is often reckoned the best third party rebuilders. Many pianists like to have old rebuilt Steinways in terms of combining the character of the older piano but having the modern action.
Compare
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