Billie Ray Martin
2022-05-30 06:17:01 UTC
Hello, Calin.
You wrote,
Partly it's from playing them in the NYC showrooms, where they're new, and
maybe they need breaking in or more TLC in reg/voicing. I don't sense the
"metallic character" (maybe that's just the Steinway tone compared to the
European). But there is what I would call an unlovely, industrial sound to
them, not a pretty or singing sound, more the impression of working with a
piece of machinery. Sometimes I think I'm just being cynical, and some
Steinways are truly great (usually older ones in my experience, I'm obliged to
say). But regardless of tone quality, a well-regulated S&S action will allow
you to get your work done!
Of course, at least according to the edition of "The Piano Book" that I have,
Steinways do often need exquisite work by expert technicians to sound and feel
their best.
As comparison, sometimes you'll come across a beautiful Mason & Hamlin, as I
have, with a perfectly even, balanced tone across the keyboard, with the notes
from the middle to top sounding much like beautiful bells. Wow.
I don't play enough European pianos to know them well, so can't comment, and
the Bluthners I've played did not impress. Quite possibly because of the state
of repair.
Donning my flame-retardant suit as I close...off to Europe for a concert, so
can't respond for a few days.
Joe Kubera
You wrote,
But I am also
not particularly fond of Steinways either. Compared to a european piano
(Bechstein, Boesendorfer) they still have a "metallic character"
Sometimes I don't know what to think about Steinway, the new ones especially.not particularly fond of Steinways either. Compared to a european piano
(Bechstein, Boesendorfer) they still have a "metallic character"
Partly it's from playing them in the NYC showrooms, where they're new, and
maybe they need breaking in or more TLC in reg/voicing. I don't sense the
"metallic character" (maybe that's just the Steinway tone compared to the
European). But there is what I would call an unlovely, industrial sound to
them, not a pretty or singing sound, more the impression of working with a
piece of machinery. Sometimes I think I'm just being cynical, and some
Steinways are truly great (usually older ones in my experience, I'm obliged to
say). But regardless of tone quality, a well-regulated S&S action will allow
you to get your work done!
Of course, at least according to the edition of "The Piano Book" that I have,
Steinways do often need exquisite work by expert technicians to sound and feel
their best.
As comparison, sometimes you'll come across a beautiful Mason & Hamlin, as I
have, with a perfectly even, balanced tone across the keyboard, with the notes
from the middle to top sounding much like beautiful bells. Wow.
I don't play enough European pianos to know them well, so can't comment, and
the Bluthners I've played did not impress. Quite possibly because of the state
of repair.
Donning my flame-retardant suit as I close...off to Europe for a concert, so
can't respond for a few days.
Joe Kubera