Steinway Piano Buyer's Guide
- The piano has been a favorite of artists and music lovers since its introduction in the early 1700s. And it is the preferred instrument for introducing a student to music because of its appeal and versatility as either a solo or accompanying instrument.
A well-constructed piano adds beauty and elegance to your home and can provide a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Choosing the right piano can be a very pleasant and rewarding experience for an informed buyer. This guide will assist you in educating yourself on how to select the right piano - based on your specific needs.
Whether the instrument will be played by an accomplished musician or a child just starting lessons, or will simply become a beautiful addition to your home, your personal objectives will help narrow the field of choices and make your selection process easier. More Info - How a Piano Works
When a player's finger strikes a key, it sets the key action (a series of levers connected to a felt hammer) in motion. The hammer strikes one, or a combination of metal strings, which causes them to vibrate. The vibrations are transmitted from the strings to the soundboard through bass and treble bridges. The soundboard converts the vibrations into what is known as piano tone, and amplifies the notes so that they can be heard.
There are over 12,000 specific parts in the typical piano, all of which must function with ease and accuracy. - Selecting a Piano
Grand vs. Vertical
Along with your personal musical requirements, the size of the room where the piano will be placed is an important consideration when determining which size of piano is appropriate. Sound quality and volume is directly related to the size of the soundboard and length of its strings. Therefore, the larger the piano, the better it will sound. If you have the available space and budget, you will be happier with a grand piano. That being said, a high quality vertical is a better choice than a low quality grand.
The major difference between an vertical and a grand piano, other than looks and size, is the position of the soundboard. In a grand piano, the soundboard and strings are positioned horizontally; in a vertical piano, they are positioned vertically. For this reason, verticals are commonly called vertical pianos. Another difference is the key action—in a grand piano the action works with gravity and is more responsive than a vertical.
Steinway designed vertical pianos range from 43-52 inches high and take up about the same amount of floor space (5 feet in width, 2 feet in depth) regardless of height. A vertical is a good choice where space is limited. However, a piano that is too small will look like an afterthought and will not fill the room with sound.
The Steinway-designed family of pianos is comprised of 3 complete lines of grand and vertical pianos able to meet any space and performance criteria. Whether you're looking for a vertical piano for a smaller space, or a grand piano to fill a concert stage, there's a member of the Family of Steinway-designed pianos that's perfect for you. - Servicing Your Piano
Routine service is an important part of piano ownership, and you should consider it no more unusual than the maintenance program you would have for any other fine mechanical object you own. There are three basic steps in maintaining the sound of your piano: tuning, which brings the piano back to pitch; voicing, which affects the piano's tone, or quality of sound; and regulation, or the adjustment of the action mechanism which affects the touch of the piano.
Tuning and voicing are different aspects of adjusting the piano to its optimum standard of performance. Tuning is the adjustment of the piano's strings to the correct pitch. Voicing is the adjustment of the piano's tone or sound and is done by softening or hardening the hammers and adjusting various parts of the piano's keyboard mechanism. Regardless of its original voicing, every piano will acquire a somewhat brighter tone with time as the hammer felts become compacted the more they are struck against the strings. - Continue reading the full 21-page Buying Guide.
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The History of Sherman Clay
- As Sherman Clay enters the 21st century, it stands unique. Few companies have operated continuously for over 135 years.
Leander Sherman founded Sherman Clay in San Francisco, California in 1870.There were no automobiles in the city. It would be six years before electricity was available and nine years before the telephone appeared on the West Coast. Leander Sherman worked to bring the finest concert artists and opera stars to the city. Many of them performed at Sherman Clay's own concert hall.
In 1892, Sherman Clay was authorized as a Steinway dealer.It was around then that Leander Sherman began a lifelong friendship with Paderewski, famed composer and concert artist.
"My good friend, Leander Sherman," wrote Paderewski, "always makes San Francisco a most delightful place to visit."
Through earthquakes, world wars, the depression, Sherman Clay has continued to provide for the musical needs of its customers.
Over the years, the company has adapted to changes in musical taste and technology. More people have purchased pianos from Sherman Clay than any other retailer. Today, the company operates in California, Washington, Oregon, Texas, and Arizona.
Steinway & Sons Piano Styles - Seattle
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Sherman Clay Piano Dealers of Seattle - Steinway & Sons was founded by master craftsmen, trained in the best European tradition. They built their pianos one at a time, applying skills that were handed down from master to apprentice, generation after generation.
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Sherman Clay Piano Dealers of Seattle - Steinway & Sons was founded by master craftsmen, trained in the best European tradition. They built their pianos one at a time, applying skills that were handed down from master to apprentice, generation after generation.
http://www.shermanclay-Seattle.com/
Grand Pianos
The production of a Steinway grand piano takes about 12 months. If you add two years of drying and seasoning of the wood, three years have been invested and the instrument can leave the factories in New York and Hamburg to bring joy to its new owner. Throughout the manufacturing process, every grand and upright piano is meticulously hand-crafted. The challenge is to make each instrument perfect in its own special way – a perfect Steinway.
- Model O Living Room Grand Piano
This 5-foot-10¾-inch piano has been a source of joy and inspiration since the very early 1900s—and it continues to be so today. It has a sound that is particularly warm and rich—far beyond what one would expect for a piano that is under 6 feet in length. Its action offers the sensitivity and control that has made Steinway famous; and no matter what you ask of this piano, it has an answer ready. More Info - Model A Parlor Grand Piano
At 6 feet 2 inches, this amazing piano sounds like a much larger model. The powerful yet warm sound is the result of an amazing scale design that allows the solid spruce soundboard to freely and efficiently vibrate—thus producing a sound that simply cannot be experienced in any piano except a Steinway. Its slightly longer keys give the player a sense of heightened sensitivity and control. The size of this piano is large enough to satisfy those who demand a full, rich bass—yet small enough to beautifully fit into almost any home. More Info - Model B Music Room Grand Piano
This magnificent 7-foot grand piano is often referred to as "the perfect piano." When it comes to balance, beauty, and power, this incredible piano has no equal. It is the choice of the top recording studios and the piano that a great number of Steinway Artists have in their homes. It’s a wonderfully balanced and versatile piano that does extremely well in intimate settings, as well as in mid-sized venues. It is the musical instrument that those who love the piano can’t wait to play. No matter where you want to go, this is the piano that will get you there. More Info
Baby Grand Pianos
- Model S Baby Grand Piano
At 5 feet 1 inch in length, this "Baby" grand piano was introduced in the 1930s. Don’t let its size fool you! Steinway & Sons’ patented "Diaphragmatic Soundboard"—now found in every Steinway piano produced today—was first developed because of this model. To insure that a powerful and rich tone could be produced by a piano of this size, Steinway redesigned its soundboard, resulting in a tone that greatly outperformed others. And it still does. Every inch a Steinway, this piano is a proud addition to any home. More Info
Vertical Pianos
Every budding pianist’s career begins on an vertical piano. In order to develop their gift to the full, talented players need the best possible conditions from the start. Steinway vertical pianos are in a class of their own here, characterized by exceptional touch, precision manufacturing, and the unique Steinway System, with nearly half the patents acquired by Steinway relating to the vertical piano.
- K-52 Vertical Piano
This fifty-two-inch high masterpiece is simply the most impressive vertical piano in the world. The patented diaphragmatic soundboard has the same “speaking area” as that of a six-foot grand piano. The wonderfully responsive Accelerated Action allows the player to ask anything of the piano, with full confidence that it will respond—and that it will do so beautifully. The cabinet is impressive—with intricate inlay to be found on the front upper panels of the natural wood finish models. More Info - 45-10 Vertical Piano
Steinway’s model P is also offered in a cabinet style very specifically designed for the home. This piano offers everything found in the Sketch 1098 from the musical performance perspective, but in a beautiful style that fits the décor of just about any home environment. It is an incredibly durable instrument—housed in a beautiful package that helps turn a house into a home. More Info
Crown Jewels Piano Collection
Each Steinway Crown Jewel is an original handmade work of art, unique in all the world. Individually distinguished with a special limited edition medallion marking its rarity. A Steinway that makes itself heard even before you touch the keys.
- Kewazinga Bubinga
A very large West African timber, with many of the characteristics of rosewood. Distinguished by its red color streaked with dark purple, and its conspicuous pores, Kewazinga Bubinga is highly valued for architectural and design woodwork, and fine cabinetry. Your exclusive Steinway & Sons Dealer will be pleased to give you a complete presentation of all the magnificent wood veneers included in the Steinway Crown Jewel Collection. More Info - East Indian Rosewood
Used in the most prized furniture, East Indian Rosewood is a decorative and distinctive wood. Dark purple to ebony in color, it is often streaked with red or yellow. The pattern features small to medium pores in wavy lines, with occasional crotches and swirls. Found only in southern India and Sri Lanka. Your exclusive Steinway & Sons Dealer will be pleased to give you a complete presentation of all the magnificent wood veneers used in the Steinway Crown Jewel Collection. More Info
Steinway & Sons Limited Editions Pianos
Throughout the 153-year history of Steinway & Sons, there has been a tradition of honoring special occasions by inviting leading designers to create exceptional instruments. Over the years, these limited editions have delighted many lucky owners. And indeed, these precious instruments are very special and unique masterpieces featuring the individual style of each designer.
- THE S.L.ED designed by Karl Lagerfeld
When Steinway invited Karl Lagerfeld in 2003 to design the 150th anniversary grand piano, his response was just a simple “Why not?” His choice of design features clear lines which balance the specially wide tail of the grand that is typical of the Steinway Model A. Karl Lagerfeld’s basic idea was to create a sled-shaped grand piano – the unusual rectangular legs in particular support this image. The idea also gave the grand piano its name: THE S.L.ED by Karl Lagerfeld. More Info - 150th Anniversary Limited Edition Historic Grand Piano
Such an important event like the 150th anniversary need more than just one special edition. That’s why Steinway & Sons unveiled a second anniversary grand piano besides the one created by Karl Lagerfeld. This grand piano is a recreation of the instrument used by the famous Polish pianist Ignace Jan Paderewski on his dazzling concert tour of America in 1892-93. More Info
Boston Grand Pianos
Boston grand pianos are impressive and beautiful musical instruments due to their unique and proprietary design. Designed by Steinway & Sons, these pianos reflect the tone, touch, and durability that are consistent with their heritage. Their tone is greatly enhanced due to the soundboard design, which incorporates a series of innovative and important features.
- GP-156 Boston Grand Piano
At just under 5 feet 2 inches, this beautiful piano produces a tone that will surprise and delight you. The keyboard is wonderfully responsive, and the tone is rich far beyond what one would reasonably expect for a piano of this size. The Steinway design really shines in this lovely piano. More Info - GP-163 Boston Grand Piano
At just over 5 feet 4 inches, this piano is small enough to fit in any room, yet it produces a tone that is rich and full enough to satisfy the most discriminating listener. Its responsive all-wood action makes it a pleasure to play, and its colorfully pleasing tone makes it a joy to listen to this piano. More Info
Boston Vertical Pianos
Boston upright pianos are marvelous musical instruments that are the inspiration and the unique, proprietary design of Steinway & Sons. Each model features an all-wood action, with Steinway-designed geometry that results in incredible sensitivity and responsiveness.
- UP-118E Vertical Piano
This 46-and-½-inch upright piano features all the benefits of its Steinway design, yet fits easily into any home or educational environment. Built to last, its touch and tone are such that it will provide joy and inspiration to its owners for a lifetime. More Info - UP-118S Vertical Piano
Specifically designed for schools, this 46-and-½-inch upright piano is built to be played every day, all day, for many years. It was designed and built for this purpose, and the sound and touch are such that literally thousands of these pianos have found their way into many prestigious music education facilities. And thousands more have found their way into homes, where they provide families with musical joy and satisfaction. More Info
Essex Grand Pianos
Designed in their entirety by Steinway & Sons, these surprisingly affordable grand pianos offer owners a fully satisfying musical experience and a beautiful addition to their homes. The sound these pianos produce is full and rich due in part to the innovative shape and design of the solid-spruce soundboard; and the low-tension scale results in a lengthy sustain in addition to its warm, rich, colorful, and fully pleasing tone.
- EGP-155C CLASSIC Grand Piano
At 5 feet 1 inches in length, this delightful grand piano produces a tone that will surprise and delight those fortunate enough to experience it. Its wide range of styles and finishes along with its surprisingly affordable price make it a perfect choice for a first grand piano. This classic design with tiered architecture between the rim and leg tops is available in Ebony Polish, Ebony Satin, White Polish and the following hand-selected veneers: Walnut Polish, Sapele Mahogany Polish, Cherry Polish, and Kewazinga Bubinga Polish. More Info - EGP-155R RENAISSANCE Grand Piano
For the Renaissance home. This design epitomizes the elegance of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Perfectly delicate and balanced in every detail. A perfectly proportioned work of art. More Info
Essex Vertical Pianos
Completely designed by Steinway & Sons, Essex vertical pianos are offered in a stunning array of sizes, styles, and finishes. Though they have many different looks, what they all have in common is extremely important. First, they all produce a tone that is reminiscent of their Steinway design—a tone that is superior to what is typically expected from a vertical piano—due in part to the innovative design of the solid-spruce soundboard that is found in every model.
- EUP-108 C CONTINENTAL Vertical Piano
This sleek, 42½-inch polished Ebony piano comes in a contemporary continental design that is simply beautiful. Its small footprint allows it to be placed in any room, but its Steinway design assures that the music it produces will impress any audience. Available in Ebony Polish. More Info - EUP-111 E CLASSIC STUDIO Vertical Piano
At just under 44 inches, this impressive piano gives a musical performance that would only be expected from a larger piano. A favorite of private piano teachers, this wonderfully affordable piano will bring the joy of making music to any family. Available in Ebony and White Polish. More Info