Piano and Music Videos

Welcome to LivingPianos.com. I’m Robert Estrin. Today we’re going to explore a fascinating question about piano tone and design. Did we lose something when piano builders moved from straight-strung pianos to overstrung, or cross-strung, designs? You’re going to hear the difference for yourself by listening to the same Chopin excerpt played on two very different instruments: a meticulously restored 1870 Chickering concert grand and a 20th-century Baldwin with a modern scale design. By comparing these instruments directly, using the same music and the same recording setup, you can decide what you hear and what you prefer.

What Is Cross-Stringing?

First of all, what is cross-stringing anyway? Cross-stringing was an attempt by piano builders to fit longer strings into smaller instruments. The idea actually dates back to the 1820s, when a piano builder named Jean-Henri Pape experimented with crossing strings over one another inside a very small cabinet. By using two bridges, with strings running in different directions, he was able to achieve greater string length in a compact piano.

The Rise of Cross-Stringed Pianos

It wasn’t until the 1850s that cross-stringing really took hold. Steinway introduced a square grand piano with cross-stringing, and that innovation marked the beginning of the end for straight-strung pianos. By the end of the 1800s, nearly all pianos were being built with cross-stringing. This allowed not only for longer strings, but also for bridges to be placed more centrally on the soundboard, improving sound transmission.

The Hidden Trade-Off

In straight-strung pianos, many of the strings sit around the perimeter of the soundboard. Cross-stringing solves that issue, but it introduces a new challenge. There can be noticeable tonal differences where the strings transition from one bridge to another. This is one reason why some pianists, including Daniel Barenboim, have renewed interest in straight-strung instruments and are working with modern builders, such as Chris Maene in Belgium, to recreate historically accurate designs.

Hearing the Difference on a Modern Piano

To demonstrate this, let’s look at a Steinway Model S, which, like nearly all modern pianos, is cross-strung. On this piano, the strings switch from one bridge to another between B and B-flat. If you listen carefully, you can hear a change in tone between those two notes. The tonal continuity is interrupted right at the bridge transition.

How Manufacturers Try to Minimize the Problem

Piano makers have worked hard to reduce this inherent issue in cross-stringed designs. On the Steinway Model S, for example, the scale transitions from three plain steel strings to two copper-wound strings between E-flat and D. There is a subtle tonal change there as well, but it’s far less dramatic than the change that occurs when the strings move from one bridge to another.

Why This Matters for Romantic-Era Music

This is exactly why some pianists prefer historically accurate instruments for music written in the 1800s. The tonal continuity of straight-strung pianos can be especially well suited to composers like Chopin. To illustrate this, you’ll hear a short Chopin excerpt recorded at the same point in the music on both pianos, using the same microphones and identical recording conditions. Check out the video to hear the differences for yourself!

What Do You Hear?

I’m very interested in your opinion of what you’ve just heard. There’s no right or wrong answer here. What matters is what you prefer and what sonic differences stand out to you. Do you hear greater smoothness and continuity, or do you prefer the power and projection of the modern design?

The Pros and Cons of Cross-Stringing

To be clear, cross-stringing has real benefits. You get longer strings, more centrally located bridges, and greater efficiency in soundboard vibration. But you also lose some continuity and smoothness from the top of the keyboard to the bottom, and there is undeniably a change in tone.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave your comments here at LivingPianos.com. Let’s get the conversation going!

What is the Best Piano at the 2025 Chopin International Piano Competition?

A Bit of History

Let’s first take a look back at how the competition has evolved in terms of the pianos used. Before 1980, Steinway dominated the competition, along with some appearances from Bösendorfer. That was about the extent of the choices. Then in 1985, the landscape changed dramatically. Contestants were offered a selection of Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai, and Bösendorfer pianos. This marked a new era in the competition, giving pianists the freedom to choose the instrument that best suited their individual style.

By 2010, Fazioli made its debut as one of the official choices. And in the 2021 competition, there were even two different Steinways available, alongside Yamaha, Kawai, and Fazioli.

The 2025 Lineup

That brings us to this year’s competition. Although only about half of the contestants have chosen their pianos so far, we already have a good sense of how preferences are shaping up. This year, the available instruments include:

• Steinway
• Shigeru Kawai
• Fazioli
• Yamaha
• Bechstein

Contestants are given time to try each piano and select the one they feel most comfortable with. And that decision can have a huge impact on their performance.

How Did the Choices Break Down?

Here’s a look at how the selections stand so far:

• Steinway was the most popular choice, selected by about 25 pianists.
• Shigeru Kawai came in second, chosen by roughly 12 pianists.
• Fazioli was picked by 7 contestants.
• Yamaha was selected by 3 pianists.
• Bechstein was chosen by just 2 pianists.

It’s worth noting that Bechstein is still relatively new to the competition. In fact, they weren’t even present in the 2021 edition. So it’s not entirely surprising that only a couple of pianists chose Bechstein this year.

What Can You Learn From This?

If you’re passionate about the piano, I highly encourage you to watch the performances yourself. One of the best parts of this competition is that many of the pianists play the same repertoire. That gives you a rare opportunity to hear how different pianos respond to the same music, as well as how each pianist brings their own interpretation.

And beyond the technical aspects, it offers a glimpse into how piano manufacturing has diversified and how performers today have more choices than ever before to express their musical vision.

Welcome to LivingPianos.com. I’m Robert Estrin. Understanding how to approach the music of Mozart and Chopin is essential for any pianist aiming to play with stylistic integrity. These two great composers come from different musical eras, and while both wrote beautiful music, the way expression functions in their work is dramatically different.

Mozart: Clarity, Structure, and Classical Balance

Mozart’s music is the epitome of Classical form and architecture. It’s carefully constructed, with a clear purpose behind every note. The second movement of his well-known Turkish Sonata K331—a gentle minuet in 3/4 time—is a perfect example of this clarity. The sections are distinct and balanced, and the overall feel is elegant, with a transparent texture.

The Classical period focused on proportion and order. The pianos of Mozart’s time also had a lighter, more percussive tone, a narrower range (about five octaves), and very limited sustain. There were no pedals as we know them today. A lever operated with the knee could achieve some sustained effects, but the overall sound remained clear and crisp. This means that using a lot of pedal or excessive rubato in Mozart would be out of place, stylistically and sonically.

Chopin: Expression, Rubato, and Romantic Color

Chopin, writing during the Romantic era, had a vastly different instrument to work with. The piano in his time wasn’t the fully developed instrument we know and love today, but it was much closer. It had nearly the full 88-key range and more advanced mechanics, allowing for greater dynamic control and expression. Importantly, it had pedals, and Chopin made full use of them.

When playing Chopin, rubato becomes a major expressive tool. This give and take with the tempo doesn’t alter the overall timing, but it allows the performer to play around the beat, giving the music a natural, singing quality. This expressive freedom is essential to Chopin’s style, especially in his waltzes, mazurkas, nocturnes, and other dance-inspired works. Unlike Mozart, where the music’s structure is at the forefront, Chopin’s music prioritizes emotional expression. There’s room for a wide variety of interpretations, and no two performances of the same piece will sound alike.

Different Tools, Different Language

The evolution of the piano plays a big role in how we interpret these composers today. Mozart’s music, born in a time of limited pedal and dynamic options, thrives on clarity and rhythmic precision. Chopin’s music, on the other hand, blossoms with the expressive capabilities of the more modern instrument.

For example, in Chopin’s Waltz in A-flat major, we hear the flexibility of tempo and color. This contrasts sharply with the structure and lightness of Mozart’s minuet. It wouldn’t make sense to apply the same interpretive tools to both pieces. Even though they’re both in 3/4 time, the style and character are completely different.

What Happens When You Switch Styles?

As a kind of experiment, imagine playing Mozart in a Romantic style—full of pedal, rubato, and heavy expression. What happens? The music loses its clean architecture and turns overly sentimental. It feels out of character. Now, try the reverse: play Chopin as if it were Mozart. Keep everything strictly in time, use minimal pedal, and avoid expressive bending of the tempo. Suddenly, the piece feels cold and rigid. You lose the flowing, lyrical line that defines Chopin’s voice. These kinds of comparisons make the distinction crystal clear: the music simply works better when approached with the correct stylistic framework.

Know the Style, Know the Composer

To play Mozart with authenticity, think form, clarity, and precision. Keep pedal use minimal, and let the music speak with its natural elegance. To play Chopin well, embrace the expressive possibilities of the modern piano. Use rubato tastefully, pedal liberally (but sensitively), and aim for a singing tone that brings out the emotional depth of the music.

Understanding the period style not only honors the composer’s intentions, but also helps the music come alive in the most natural and effective way. If you ever doubt that, just try flipping the styles and listen for yourself.

You can listen to the accompanying video and hear what these composers sound when played in each other’s styles. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the distinct styles of Mozart and Chopin. Which approach resonates with you more when you play or listen to their music? Feel free to share your impressions in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube. It’s always fascinating to explore how these differences come across to different people.

I’m Robert Estrin, and today we have an intriguing question: Why can’t you buy a piano online? You might think it’s odd coming from me, given that Living Pianos was the world’s first online piano store, started in 2006. However, for the most part, you really can’t buy a piano online. Let me explain.

Practical Challenges

First, there are practical challenges. How do you ship a piano if you buy one online? If you live in Florida and buy a piano from California, how do you get it there? Who will tune it? These practicalities are significant, but there’s more to it.

Protected Territories in the Piano Industry

The piano industry still operates on an old business model of protected territories. This means you can’t shop for pianos the same way you shop for other items online. For most products, you can easily compare prices and buy from the cheapest source. But with pianos, the agreement between manufacturers, distributors, and dealers limits sales to specific geographical areas.

Unique Aspects of Pianos

Every piano is unique, which adds another layer of complexity. The agreements between manufacturers and dealers mean that dealers can only sell within their designated areas. If you visit a store, they can sell to you, but they can’t quote prices over the phone for out-of-area customers.

Exceptions and Loopholes

There are exceptions. Some large dealers skirt the rules and sell out of their designated areas. If caught, they may have to pay a commission to the local dealer. However, as long as the dealer is significant enough, manufacturers often look the other way.

The Living Pianos Model

Living Pianos has based its business model on selling used pianos. Nobody can restrict the sale of used pianos across the country. High-end brands like Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, and Bechstein are often worth the cost of shipping, making this model feasible. We provide high-quality videos and photos so you know what you’re getting. Experienced pianists are always welcome to visit and try the pianos.

Digital Pianos

Digital pianos are another exception. They can be shipped easily, but some digital pianos fall under the same protected territories as acoustic pianos. There are two categories: MI (Musical Instruments) sold in places like Guitar Center and Sweetwater, and home units with protected territories.

Your Thoughts?

What do you think about protected territories in the piano industry? Is it good to protect dealers who invest in inventory, or should you be able to shop anywhere for the best price? Let’s get a discussion going at LivingPianos.com. We primarily sell used pianos and abide by all rules for new pianos, ensuring the survival of the piano business.

Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we have an important topic: How to avoid destroying your piano. While we’ve discussed many things you should do for your piano, today we’ll focus on what to avoid. Some of these tips are common sense, but others might surprise you.

Avoid Hot Air Vents

Placing your grand piano over a hot air vent or near one can cause significant damage in just a few months. The dry air can warp and crack the soundboard, making the piano a total loss unless you opt for expensive repairs. Always ensure that your piano is not in the path of a hot air vent.

Stable Temperature and Humidity

Maintaining a stable environment is crucial for your piano. Extreme temperature swings can affect tuning stability, while high humidity can cause rust and corrosion. Conversely, very low humidity can dry out the pin block and felt parts, leading to a noisy action and other issues. Aim for 45-50% humidity, and use a hygrometer to monitor the levels. Consider using a room humidifier or a piano lifesaver system to keep conditions stable.

Protect from Sunlight

Sunlight can bleach your piano’s finish in a matter of months. It can also affect tuning stability if it shines directly on the soundboard. Even if you use window treatments to block UV light, it can still damage your piano. So protect your piano from direct sunlight to keep the finish looking new.

Regular Tuning

Pianos that haven’t been tuned for years will require multiple tunings to stabilize. Similar to changing the oil in your car, regular maintenance is essential. Neglecting this can lead to pitch issues and unstable tuning.

Avoid Furniture Polish

Using furniture polish on your piano can cause wax build-up that requires professional removal. For satin finishes, use a soft microfiber or cotton cloth. For high gloss finishes, a microfiber cloth with a bit of Windex works well.

Reshape Piano Hammers

Piano hammers can become grooved and hardened over time, leading to a harsh tone. They need to be reshaped periodically, but this should be done by an experienced technician to avoid damage.

Don’t Tune with Pliers

Using pliers to tune your piano can strip the tuning pins, causing severe damage. Invest in a proper tuning wrench or hammer, available on Amazon, and avoid makeshift tools.

Avoid Wood Stoves

Wood stoves can severely dry out a room, damaging your piano’s finish and internal components. If you must have a wood stove in the same room, use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.

Beach Environments

Living near the beach can expose your piano to high humidity, leading to rust and corrosion. Use a string cover to protect the strings from excessive humidity if you can’t keep windows closed.

Use Correct Parts

Replacing piano parts with incorrect ones, like using Steinway hammers on a non-Steinway piano, can severely affect the instrument’s performance. Always consult an experienced piano technician for the right parts.

Ivory Key Maintenance

Closing the fallboard over ivory keys can cause them to yellow. Keep the fallboard open to maintain the bright, white appearance of the keys. Dusting the keys regularly is sufficient to keep them clean.

Conclusion

These tips will help you maintain your piano in optimal condition. If you enjoyed these tips, consider subscribing to LivingPianos.com for more articles and resources.