How to Buy a Piano
Today there is a surprisingly large selection of instruments available to piano buyers. The U.S. piano market, and indeed, the piano markets of many other
nations across Europe and Asia, have been thrust into a completely new era of international commerce. The boundaries that used to keep foreign competition
out have been either lowered, or eliminated altogether. As a direct result, the competition for your piano dollar has become intense.
A considerable portion of pianos to consider consist of mediocre or lower-quality instruments built by manufacturers in formerly closed-market or
state-controlled countries. Some countries building pianos today are indeed resource-rich in terms of select hardwoods and skilled personnel necessary
to produce fine instruments. However, others are wanting in both quality lumber and labor. Other countries may occupy a middle ground: They may have the
skilled labor but not the materials, or vice versa.
Many makers of piano brands that have just recently appeared on the Western market have just started to compete in the world marketplace, and have yet to build,
or are still struggling to build, a truly competitive or quality product by world standards.
Colaianni absorbs many of the concerns associated with instrument purchase including moving, tuning and warranty.
________
Tips on Buying a Piano Source: Piano Technicians Guild, 4444 Forest Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66106 www.ptg.org
Q. What is the first step towards purchasing a piano for my family?
Purchasing a piano for your family can create a lifetime of enjoyment and intellectual stimulation. Before you spend money for either a new or used piano, a little
preparation is helpful so that you purchase a piano that is appropriate for your needs and will insure your family's musical success. The first step in choosing a
piano involves establishing your musical and furniture needs to fulfill your dreams. A piano will provide elegance, sophistication and beauty to your home, so you
want an instrument that will play properly and compliment your home's décor. Musically, you need to select a piano that has the key touch and musical tone that
you like. The best way to accomplish this is to visit your local retail piano dealer. Find a dealer that has a large selection of new and used pianos at various prices.
It is important that you sample or have the salesperson demonstrate a wide variety of pianos. When you play each piano, discover which piano keyboard has the
touch most responsive to your fingers. Listen to many pianos to discover which tone is most appealing. You will also have an opportunity to view different cabinet
and finish styles so you can select a piano that is attractive in your home. Once you discover what you want to purchase, and have an idea of the cost, you can
either purchase a new or used piano from the retail dealer or attempt to locate a used piano privately.
Q. What are the differences between buying a piano from a retail dealer or a private individual?
When purchasing a new or used piano from a retail dealer, you'll find:
To locate and purchase a piano privately, look in the newspaper classified ads. The Internet also has some opportunities for locating a piano.
When purchasing a used piano privately, you'll find:
Pianos are like anything else, you get what you pay for! If your goal is to have music provide a lifetime of enjoyment and intellectual stimulation for your children,
you need to seriously consider making a reasonable investment in their future. What most people do not realize is that young children actually require a piano with
keys that are very touch sensitive. With their small fingers, if the piano keyboard mechanism is not adjusted properly, the children will have great difficulty achieving
success. Purchasing a quality piano will substantially increase your child's success. When students play on a quality piano with touch sensitivity and good tone,
they are not just playing musical notes. They can “feel” the music and have the music penetrate deep into their hearts and minds.
Parents that successfully incorporate musical training into their children's educational curriculum generally purchase a high quality new or used piano. They
recognize the more resources and parental guidance they provide for their children's education, the more successful and well adjusted they will be as adults.
Also, intuitive parents understand that children do not always listen to their advice and instructions. But they understand that their children pay close attention to
their actions . When you purchase a quality new or used piano, they truly understand that musical training is an important part of their education. Purchasing a
quality piano demonstrates through actions the value you place on their education and wellbeing.
Q. How can I tell if a used piano is in good condition?
Often problems that don't seem that big are major problems and vice versa. Keys that don't play are usually not a big problem. Often something has broken or
come unglued which is easily fixed. There are a few older pianos with old plastic action parts that are problematic.
Look for notes that sound terribly out of tune when played by themselves. Most of the piano has three strings per note. The strings wrap around a steel tuning pin
which is set into a wooden pinblock. When the pinblock goes bad it can't hold the tuning pins tightly and a tuning pin will slip. This leaves one of the three strings
very flat to the others. This is not just an out of tune honky-tonk sound, but it will sound like you are playing two distinct notes. A bad pinblock may very well be the
end of that piano if it is not a good enough piano to warrant rebuilding. On a high quality piano such as a Steinway, Baldwin, or Mason & Hamlin it may be worth
doing a major rebuilding and replace the pinblock, but these pianos are considerably more expensive if purchased new and would therefore warrant the work.
Another serious problem is the presence of strange rattles or buzzes. The soundboard, which is the large wooden board you can see from the back of an upright
piano or from underneath a grand, has ribs glued on it to strengthen it. Sometimes when the soundboard gets cracks in it the ribs come unglued from it in
places. This can allow the soundboard to rattle against the loose rib as it vibrates. This can sound like a speaker distorting when it is played to loudly. Pianos
have a wooden bridge which is attached to the soundboard and has the strings running over it. The bridges have two pins for each string to hold the strings in
place. Because there are so many pins very close together, sometimes the bridges split and allow the pins to become loose. This allows the strings to rattle
against the loose pins. Bridges are often made in sections that can come unglued from each other also causing buzzes and rattles.
Look at the hammers for deep grooves cause by the strings. Layers of felt can be removed to restore the rounded shape to the hammer but eventually there in not
enough felt left above the wooden molding to get a good tone. The high treble has the least amount of felt and you can sometimes see that the felt is all the way
worn through and that the wood molding is actually striking the strings. Hammer replacement is fairly expensive and the piano needs to be good quality to
warrant this work. You can't just replace the felt on the hammers. The felt is put on the moldings in special presses under tons of pressure.
“Free or “cheap” pianos can actually be the most expensive if the condition of the instrument will require complete rebuilding in order to be a playable instrument.
Today there is a surprisingly large selection of instruments available to piano buyers. The U.S. piano market, and indeed, the piano markets of many other
nations across Europe and Asia, have been thrust into a completely new era of international commerce. The boundaries that used to keep foreign competition
out have been either lowered, or eliminated altogether. As a direct result, the competition for your piano dollar has become intense.
A considerable portion of pianos to consider consist of mediocre or lower-quality instruments built by manufacturers in formerly closed-market or
state-controlled countries. Some countries building pianos today are indeed resource-rich in terms of select hardwoods and skilled personnel necessary
to produce fine instruments. However, others are wanting in both quality lumber and labor. Other countries may occupy a middle ground: They may have the
skilled labor but not the materials, or vice versa.
Many makers of piano brands that have just recently appeared on the Western market have just started to compete in the world marketplace, and have yet to build,
or are still struggling to build, a truly competitive or quality product by world standards.
- Consider these essential points before you purchase of a new or used piano:
- Pianos often cost more than initially expected,
- An inexpensive inferior piano can prove more costly than a higher priced quality instrument in the long-run,
- Students particularly need a quality instrument to support their educational efforts,
- Working with a seasoned local piano dealer like Colaianni can help ensure a wise purchase,
- Renting a piano from Colaianni can be a viable low-cost alternative to purchasing.
Colaianni absorbs many of the concerns associated with instrument purchase including moving, tuning and warranty.
- Remember: The piano purchase, whether a pre-owned or new piano, should be a pleasant experience that enhances the excitement of piano
ownership. Piano buyers who seek the advice of reputable professionals will help to assure themselves that they have made the best purchase possible
of an instrument that will provide years of musical enjoyment.
________
Tips on Buying a Piano Source: Piano Technicians Guild, 4444 Forest Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66106 www.ptg.org
Q. What is the first step towards purchasing a piano for my family?
Purchasing a piano for your family can create a lifetime of enjoyment and intellectual stimulation. Before you spend money for either a new or used piano, a little
preparation is helpful so that you purchase a piano that is appropriate for your needs and will insure your family's musical success. The first step in choosing a
piano involves establishing your musical and furniture needs to fulfill your dreams. A piano will provide elegance, sophistication and beauty to your home, so you
want an instrument that will play properly and compliment your home's décor. Musically, you need to select a piano that has the key touch and musical tone that
you like. The best way to accomplish this is to visit your local retail piano dealer. Find a dealer that has a large selection of new and used pianos at various prices.
It is important that you sample or have the salesperson demonstrate a wide variety of pianos. When you play each piano, discover which piano keyboard has the
touch most responsive to your fingers. Listen to many pianos to discover which tone is most appealing. You will also have an opportunity to view different cabinet
and finish styles so you can select a piano that is attractive in your home. Once you discover what you want to purchase, and have an idea of the cost, you can
either purchase a new or used piano from the retail dealer or attempt to locate a used piano privately.
Q. What are the differences between buying a piano from a retail dealer or a private individual?
When purchasing a new or used piano from a retail dealer, you'll find:
- new pianos usually come with a manufacturers warranty, a complimentary tuning, moving, and more cabinetry and finish choices.
- used pianos are generally reconditioned, and they usually come with a dealer warranty, moving and complimentary tuning.
- many dealers have a trade up policy that will give you the full purchased price of your piano when you desire a higher quality piano.
- you can expect to pay a little more for the manufacturers warranty, and the advantage of selecting a piano from a wide variety of instruments.
To locate and purchase a piano privately, look in the newspaper classified ads. The Internet also has some opportunities for locating a piano.
When purchasing a used piano privately, you'll find:
- they are generally less expensive than retail, assuming the seller has a realistic understanding of the value and condition of their piano.
- your search requires extra travel to several homes to locate a suitable piano.
- there is no warranty.
- the moving cost is usually the responsibility of buyer.
- less selection in furniture cabinetry and finish.
- that extra service is often required to restore the piano's touch and tone .
Pianos are like anything else, you get what you pay for! If your goal is to have music provide a lifetime of enjoyment and intellectual stimulation for your children,
you need to seriously consider making a reasonable investment in their future. What most people do not realize is that young children actually require a piano with
keys that are very touch sensitive. With their small fingers, if the piano keyboard mechanism is not adjusted properly, the children will have great difficulty achieving
success. Purchasing a quality piano will substantially increase your child's success. When students play on a quality piano with touch sensitivity and good tone,
they are not just playing musical notes. They can “feel” the music and have the music penetrate deep into their hearts and minds.
Parents that successfully incorporate musical training into their children's educational curriculum generally purchase a high quality new or used piano. They
recognize the more resources and parental guidance they provide for their children's education, the more successful and well adjusted they will be as adults.
Also, intuitive parents understand that children do not always listen to their advice and instructions. But they understand that their children pay close attention to
their actions . When you purchase a quality new or used piano, they truly understand that musical training is an important part of their education. Purchasing a
quality piano demonstrates through actions the value you place on their education and wellbeing.
Q. How can I tell if a used piano is in good condition?
Often problems that don't seem that big are major problems and vice versa. Keys that don't play are usually not a big problem. Often something has broken or
come unglued which is easily fixed. There are a few older pianos with old plastic action parts that are problematic.
Look for notes that sound terribly out of tune when played by themselves. Most of the piano has three strings per note. The strings wrap around a steel tuning pin
which is set into a wooden pinblock. When the pinblock goes bad it can't hold the tuning pins tightly and a tuning pin will slip. This leaves one of the three strings
very flat to the others. This is not just an out of tune honky-tonk sound, but it will sound like you are playing two distinct notes. A bad pinblock may very well be the
end of that piano if it is not a good enough piano to warrant rebuilding. On a high quality piano such as a Steinway, Baldwin, or Mason & Hamlin it may be worth
doing a major rebuilding and replace the pinblock, but these pianos are considerably more expensive if purchased new and would therefore warrant the work.
Another serious problem is the presence of strange rattles or buzzes. The soundboard, which is the large wooden board you can see from the back of an upright
piano or from underneath a grand, has ribs glued on it to strengthen it. Sometimes when the soundboard gets cracks in it the ribs come unglued from it in
places. This can allow the soundboard to rattle against the loose rib as it vibrates. This can sound like a speaker distorting when it is played to loudly. Pianos
have a wooden bridge which is attached to the soundboard and has the strings running over it. The bridges have two pins for each string to hold the strings in
place. Because there are so many pins very close together, sometimes the bridges split and allow the pins to become loose. This allows the strings to rattle
against the loose pins. Bridges are often made in sections that can come unglued from each other also causing buzzes and rattles.
Look at the hammers for deep grooves cause by the strings. Layers of felt can be removed to restore the rounded shape to the hammer but eventually there in not
enough felt left above the wooden molding to get a good tone. The high treble has the least amount of felt and you can sometimes see that the felt is all the way
worn through and that the wood molding is actually striking the strings. Hammer replacement is fairly expensive and the piano needs to be good quality to
warrant this work. You can't just replace the felt on the hammers. The felt is put on the moldings in special presses under tons of pressure.
“Free or “cheap” pianos can actually be the most expensive if the condition of the instrument will require complete rebuilding in order to be a playable instrument.
"The Steinway piano - with its beauty
and power - is the perfect medium for expressing
the performer's art, drama and poetry." Van Cliburn
and power - is the perfect medium for expressing
the performer's art, drama and poetry." Van Cliburn
Common Myths about Pianos
Myth #1. A piano should always be kept on an inside wall. This probably dates back to a time when homes didn't have central heating and
air-conditioning systems. Pianos are much more sensitive to humidity than temperature. It is not advisable to place pianos on top of heating vents where the
soundboard would be exposed to hot, dry air. Direct sunlight will fade wood finishes.
Myth #2. Pianos must be tuned if they are moved. If done professionally, the actual “moving” of a piano does not cause the instrument to loose
its tuning. There are only three reasons a good piano will go out of tune:
Myth #3. Only some pianos are handmade. In essence, all pianos are handmade. There is no other way to build them. Individuals work on
different parts of the piano during the manufacturing process. Further, most factories use modern tools and machines. The skills required to cast plates, cure or
finish wood, fashion hammers, assemble actions or countless other processes are distinctively different. No one person could be good at all of them. The relevant
issues are the amount of labor and skill of the technicians. Steinway & Sons has always used a rigorous apprentice journeyman system and a single Steinway
piano requires over 3,000 hours of labor to construct. Note: Steinway officially says their pianos are "85% handmade".
Myth #4. The bigger the company, the better the piano. Quality and quantity are very different things. The larger piano manufacturers make a
variety of quality levels which allows them to use more of their raw materials. Conversely and as an interesting example, only a small portion of a Sitka spruce log
is suitable for use in the soundboard of a Steinway. Using any other portion will result in a lower-quality product which would be unacceptable to Steinway
standards of excellence.
of a Steinway, very few are ever sold. While major concert halls continue to purchase Steinway & Sons, other brands might be provided to them on a no-cost basis
by their manufacturers in exchange for "bragging rights."
It is easy for the manufacturers to blur the distinction between their best pianos, which are good enough to be used occasionally in concert halls, and their
inexpensive models. When comparing pianos made by big companies, it is critical that you find out how high up the ladder a particular model rests. (You will have
to ask a lot of questions as the people who sell these brands don't like to talk about market segmentation.)
The piano industry has found only two exceptions to this rule: the Boston & Essex pianos designed by Steinway & Sons. While Boston and Essex pianos are
manufactured by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), Steinway controls the material handling process and owns the designs. For example, all Boston and
Essex grand pianos feature Steinway & Sons' "Model 'A' wide tail design, which offers larger soundboard area and longer strings in a more compact case. Not
available under any other brand name, these designs are distributed exclusively in Arkansas by Colaianni.
Myth #5. There is no reason to start with a fine piano .. any kind of piano (or a keyboard) is good enough for a beginner.
The greatest music teaching institutions in America are equipped with Steinway pianos exclusively, as well as scores of the smaller but very thorough schools.
The first impression is worth a great deal. Consistent use of a perfect instrument is as important to the beginner as it is to the finished player. Accuracy of touch,
resonance, and perfect repetition are essential for the training of fingers, hands, arms and mind. Knowledge of these vital factors in the cultivation of piano music
cannot be acquired from the use of an inferior instrument.
Myth #6. Steinways are not as good as they used to be.
The Steinway piano of the present is at the apex of its greatness. In power, purity, and beauty of tone it far excels all the models of other years. An important
development of tone volume or tone power has been achieved within recent years. The action of the instrument is proportionately quicker and more responsive.
The repeating quality is nearly electric in effect. Never before was the mechanical work so fine. The materials used are gathered from the four corners of the earth
whatever they may cost in endeavor or money. Every part of every Steinway is made in the Steinway factories where zealous care of family traditions and universal
reputation assures a continuous improvement of their product rather than deterioration. Yesterday’s artists demanded yesterday’s Steinways. Today’s artist
demand today’s Steinways.
Myth #7. Steinway ownership is extravagance.
Steinway is the lowest-priced piano ever made if musical quality, long service and high resale value are to be taken as the basis of estimation. Consider musical
quality first. All sources of competent information throughout the world are united in the conclusion that there is no other piano to compare with it. Neither in
service is there any other piano to compare with it. Delicately adjusted as a scientific instrument, yet it is so strong and durable that it has established the tradition
that to buy a Steinway is to buy a piano once and for all. Always in demand, used Steinways are also eagerly sought.
Myth #8. When you buy a Steinway you are paying for the name.
Nothing is charged and nothing is paid for the reputation of the Steinway piano. Reputation is the measure of value, or quality, put upon an article by discerning
people. It is the seal of approbation attached by those who have used it and found it equal to their requirements. The maker will always jealously guard this
reputation by his most careful work and confirm it with ready service. To buy a piano without an established reputation is to waste money. To buy a well-known
piano is better. To buy a piano that is recommended by musical people the world over is evidently wise and economical. In such a purchase, whatever the price,
those who buy the best - - a Steinway - - pay but a nominal sum for the value that they receive in return.
Myth #1. A piano should always be kept on an inside wall. This probably dates back to a time when homes didn't have central heating and
air-conditioning systems. Pianos are much more sensitive to humidity than temperature. It is not advisable to place pianos on top of heating vents where the
soundboard would be exposed to hot, dry air. Direct sunlight will fade wood finishes.
Myth #2. Pianos must be tuned if they are moved. If done professionally, the actual “moving” of a piano does not cause the instrument to loose
its tuning. There are only three reasons a good piano will go out of tune:
- Strings stretch. Strings stretch throughout the life of the piano. The older the strings, the less flexible they become. And, when piano wire is new it has
- slight irregularities in its diameter. Over time, as it stretches, the diameter becomes more uniform. Therefore, a new piano requires more tuning than
a well-maintained older instrument. Experts recommend three to four tunings during the piano’s first year and twice a year thereafter.
- Soundboards move. Even the finest spruce soundboards have cellular matter between the grains. These areas take on humidity in the summer, causing
the board to swell. Because the board is crowned, additional tension is forced on the strings causing them to go "sharp," or up in pitch. Additionally, the
increased tension may cause the tuning pins to slip or the string to sit on a new spot at the bridge pins. In the winter, when the humidity is reduced, the
board shrinks, resulting in an out-of-tune piano. If you live in a tropical area that is always humid, or a desert that is always dry, your piano will actually be
more stable with regard to its tuning! The tighter the grain of the soundboard, the less susceptible it will be to changes in humidity.
- Tuning pins slip. If the wood holding the tuning pins (called the 'pinblock' or 'wrestplank') has dried out (mostly seen in older instruments) or is made of un-
seasoned materials of questionable design found in some new, “entry-level” pianos, the tuning pins will not be able to hold the proper tension on the string
and the pitch will go flat shortly or immediately after tuning. Moving a piano with loose pins may cause it to go out of tune, but the problem wasn't caused by
moving. It was caused by a weak or inferior pinblock. Note: Defective pianos can have tuning problems related to other causes
Myth #3. Only some pianos are handmade. In essence, all pianos are handmade. There is no other way to build them. Individuals work on
different parts of the piano during the manufacturing process. Further, most factories use modern tools and machines. The skills required to cast plates, cure or
finish wood, fashion hammers, assemble actions or countless other processes are distinctively different. No one person could be good at all of them. The relevant
issues are the amount of labor and skill of the technicians. Steinway & Sons has always used a rigorous apprentice journeyman system and a single Steinway
piano requires over 3,000 hours of labor to construct. Note: Steinway officially says their pianos are "85% handmade".
Myth #4. The bigger the company, the better the piano. Quality and quantity are very different things. The larger piano manufacturers make a
variety of quality levels which allows them to use more of their raw materials. Conversely and as an interesting example, only a small portion of a Sitka spruce log
is suitable for use in the soundboard of a Steinway. Using any other portion will result in a lower-quality product which would be unacceptable to Steinway
standards of excellence.
of a Steinway, very few are ever sold. While major concert halls continue to purchase Steinway & Sons, other brands might be provided to them on a no-cost basis
by their manufacturers in exchange for "bragging rights."
It is easy for the manufacturers to blur the distinction between their best pianos, which are good enough to be used occasionally in concert halls, and their
inexpensive models. When comparing pianos made by big companies, it is critical that you find out how high up the ladder a particular model rests. (You will have
to ask a lot of questions as the people who sell these brands don't like to talk about market segmentation.)
The piano industry has found only two exceptions to this rule: the Boston & Essex pianos designed by Steinway & Sons. While Boston and Essex pianos are
manufactured by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), Steinway controls the material handling process and owns the designs. For example, all Boston and
Essex grand pianos feature Steinway & Sons' "Model 'A' wide tail design, which offers larger soundboard area and longer strings in a more compact case. Not
available under any other brand name, these designs are distributed exclusively in Arkansas by Colaianni.
Myth #5. There is no reason to start with a fine piano .. any kind of piano (or a keyboard) is good enough for a beginner.
The greatest music teaching institutions in America are equipped with Steinway pianos exclusively, as well as scores of the smaller but very thorough schools.
The first impression is worth a great deal. Consistent use of a perfect instrument is as important to the beginner as it is to the finished player. Accuracy of touch,
resonance, and perfect repetition are essential for the training of fingers, hands, arms and mind. Knowledge of these vital factors in the cultivation of piano music
cannot be acquired from the use of an inferior instrument.
Myth #6. Steinways are not as good as they used to be.
The Steinway piano of the present is at the apex of its greatness. In power, purity, and beauty of tone it far excels all the models of other years. An important
development of tone volume or tone power has been achieved within recent years. The action of the instrument is proportionately quicker and more responsive.
The repeating quality is nearly electric in effect. Never before was the mechanical work so fine. The materials used are gathered from the four corners of the earth
whatever they may cost in endeavor or money. Every part of every Steinway is made in the Steinway factories where zealous care of family traditions and universal
reputation assures a continuous improvement of their product rather than deterioration. Yesterday’s artists demanded yesterday’s Steinways. Today’s artist
demand today’s Steinways.
Myth #7. Steinway ownership is extravagance.
Steinway is the lowest-priced piano ever made if musical quality, long service and high resale value are to be taken as the basis of estimation. Consider musical
quality first. All sources of competent information throughout the world are united in the conclusion that there is no other piano to compare with it. Neither in
service is there any other piano to compare with it. Delicately adjusted as a scientific instrument, yet it is so strong and durable that it has established the tradition
that to buy a Steinway is to buy a piano once and for all. Always in demand, used Steinways are also eagerly sought.
Myth #8. When you buy a Steinway you are paying for the name.
Nothing is charged and nothing is paid for the reputation of the Steinway piano. Reputation is the measure of value, or quality, put upon an article by discerning
people. It is the seal of approbation attached by those who have used it and found it equal to their requirements. The maker will always jealously guard this
reputation by his most careful work and confirm it with ready service. To buy a piano without an established reputation is to waste money. To buy a well-known
piano is better. To buy a piano that is recommended by musical people the world over is evidently wise and economical. In such a purchase, whatever the price,
those who buy the best - - a Steinway - - pay but a nominal sum for the value that they receive in return.
“The Instrument of the Immortals”
Since 1853, Steinway Pianos have set an
uncompromising standard for sound, touch,
beauty, and investment value. Handcrafting
each Steinway requires up to one full year –
creating an instrument of rare quality and
global renown.
Made in New York, Steinways are known
for their incomparable scale design, meticulous manufacture and painstaking
hand craftsmanship. The Steinway piano is and will remain the finest piano
the world has ever known.
Not surprisingly, of the 1400 concert pianists in the world, an amazing 97%
prefer to perform on and own a Steinway & Sons Piano. Artist endorsement is
significant because Steinway does not pay artists’ fees and never has.
Furthermore, an artist must have purchased his or her own personal
Steinway to be chartered as a “Steinway Artist.”
Needless to say, very carefully selected materials are used in the construction
process of every Steinway & Sons piano. Master craftsmen apply skills that
were handed down from master to apprentice. The Steinway standard is to
build each instrument to be the finest ever created and, then, to make the next
one even better.
Colaianni is totally convinced that the finest pianos in the world today are
crafted by Steinway & Sons in Queens, New York.
Since 1853, Steinway Pianos have set an
uncompromising standard for sound, touch,
beauty, and investment value. Handcrafting
each Steinway requires up to one full year –
creating an instrument of rare quality and
global renown.
Made in New York, Steinways are known
for their incomparable scale design, meticulous manufacture and painstaking
hand craftsmanship. The Steinway piano is and will remain the finest piano
the world has ever known.
Not surprisingly, of the 1400 concert pianists in the world, an amazing 97%
prefer to perform on and own a Steinway & Sons Piano. Artist endorsement is
significant because Steinway does not pay artists’ fees and never has.
Furthermore, an artist must have purchased his or her own personal
Steinway to be chartered as a “Steinway Artist.”
Needless to say, very carefully selected materials are used in the construction
process of every Steinway & Sons piano. Master craftsmen apply skills that
were handed down from master to apprentice. The Steinway standard is to
build each instrument to be the finest ever created and, then, to make the next
one even better.
Colaianni is totally convinced that the finest pianos in the world today are
crafted by Steinway & Sons in Queens, New York.
| Since 1853, Steinway pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value ... more |
| The Steinway designed Boston Piano is unrivaled in its class, unmatched in value and combines the highest musical standards with state-of-the-art technology .. more |
| The Steinway-designed Essex Piano incorporates the latest design specifications and engineering standards from Steinway & Sons ... more |
