Piano Styles and Dealers: Piano Styles

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Piano Styles

Grand Pianos

The Steinway & Sons name has been synonymous with the finest pianos since 1853. A high level of traditional craftsmanship, painstaking attention to detail, and premium grade materials used are attributes of every instrument hand crafted in New York and Hamburg.
Did you know that a Steinway grand piano consists of more than 12,000 single pieces and that handcrafting a Steinway requires up to one full year? More than 1,400 concert pianists worldwide prefer the Steinway and for the private music lover, too, the purchase of a Steinway is the fulfillment of a long lasting dream.

Baby Grand Pianos

If you're looking for the sound and feel of a Grand Piano, but do not have the square footage to accommodate one, a Baby Grand is the answer. Baby Grand Pianos, whether Acoustic, Disklavier or Calvinova, give you the musical range and tone in a more compact package.

Upright - 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.
The basic design principles that prove so successful in the making of grand pianos are applied equally rigorously to the verticals. Using the same quality of design, materials, and extensive hand-craftsmanship ensures that Steinway vertical pianos represent an attractive alternative where space constraints rule out a grand.

Fischer Pianos

Crown Jewels Piano Collection

Since 1853, Steinway pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, and investment value. Even in today’s impatient world, hand crafting each Steinway requires up to one full year. Not surprisingly, Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists. A Steinway is an instrument of rare quality indeed. And now, you have the opportunity to own a Steinway that is also a true decorative masterpiece.

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.

Essex Grand & Vertical Pianos

The introduction of the Essex instruments "designed by Steinway & Sons" in 2006 rounded out the Steinway family. The use of carefully chosen materials and state-of-the-art production processes saw the creation of grands and uprights featuring a high level of musical performance at an attractive price. In meeting this challenge, the specialists at Steinway developed outstanding entry-level instruments that incorporate all the latest design specifications and a variety of Steinway-patented features.

Boston Grand & Vertical Pianos

With the introduction of “Boston – designed by Steinway & Sons” in 1992, Steinway was in the position to increase the offer of grand and upright pianos. For the first time, the company introduced top-quality instruments in the mid- price segment that feature numerous patents, classical Steinway characteristics, and incorporate of course the Steinway expertise and experience.

No comments:

Post a Comment

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 actionâ€”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.
Register to download the PDF at Steinway.com

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.

Piano Styles and Dealers