Before You Buy a Steinway

Steinway was the first manufacturer to establish a concert grand bank, with a collection of Steinway concert grands chosen at the factory for their superior capabilities. These pianos are scattered about in major markets and used for touring concert pianists. It is no wonder, so many great pianist are signed up as Steinway artists… They are guaranteed a good piano will be at the venue waiting on them. That is very smart marketing, and it helped establish Steinway’s good reputation in the arts community.

The question is; “Is Steinway the only clear choice for a high performance piano?” I say the answer is a resounding NO! Steinway is the most famous name in pianos. It is currently the most politically correct choice for those wishing to impress their friends, running with the pack etc. Undoubtedly, Steinway has done the finest job of selling sizzle that has ever been done in the history of the piano business, hands down, case closed. Steinway is the finest thing ever produced in an obsolete factory, in a vastly expensive place to operate (New York). Why, they have legions of six figure salaried executives to prove it.

Before you buy a Steinway, you should at least explore other options. In my honest opinion, that search should include the finest American hand-made piano, Mason & Hamlin. By the way, I am saving up for a Model AA. Mason & Hamlin instruments are made in far fewer numbers, less than 300 per year, and the superior quality reflects this limited production. The attention to detail is simply amazing. Their pianos are well known for having a powerful long sustain with a growling bass and crystal clear treble. In contrast, Steinway builds between 2,500 and 3,000 instruments per year.

Mason & Hamlin pianos are also a tremendous value. Note, I did not say they are inexpensive. All top notch pianos are costly. However, the Mason & Hamlin pianos consist of materials that are vastly superior and much more expensive to build than other brands like Steinway, yet sell for thousands less. Why? Because even though Mason & Hamlin is highly respected, they don’t overcharge their dealers for a lofty name.

Want proof? Good. Just compare the materials and construction quality to a Steinway. It’s easy to see! Both pianos use very good quality ingredients, but there are some major differences.

1st Comparison, The Mason & Hamlin 5’ 8” Model A and the Steinway 5’ 10 ½” Model O.

Let’s start by comparing the structural integrity.

The rim of the Mason & Hamlin is constructed entirely of hard rock maple laminates. Hard rock maple and beech woods are used interchangeably in world’s finest pianos because of its great rigidity and strength. Steinway rims are constructed using laminates of maple and mahogany, which is a much softer wood.

The Mason & Hamlin Model A rim is 3.125” thick, over a ½” thicker than the Model O Steinway! The thicker rim provides better tuning stability, more sustain and power to the soundboard, and supports the soundboard crown much better prolonging the usable life of the piano.

This article was contributed by Dave Smith, resident piano expert.  To contact Dave, you can email him at Dave@HoustonPianoCompany.com