Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we’re diving into an exciting comparison of two renowned 9-foot concert grand pianos: the Steinway and the Baldwin. We have some exceptional instruments here for you to explore, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts in the comments section! If you want to hear a comparison between vintage and modern Steinway concert grands, click here!
Steinway Model D: A Timeless Classic
Let’s begin with a stunning 1916 Steinway Model D. This piano has been masterfully restored to concert condition and is a beautiful example of Steinway’s legendary craftsmanship. To give you a sense of its rich, resonant sound, I’ll play an excerpt from Chopin’s Ballade in G minor. Watch the video to hear the performances!
Baldwin SD-10: Modern Elegance
Next, we’ll move to the back showroom where we have two remarkable Baldwin concert grands. First, let’s hear the 1996 Baldwin SD-10, which is all original and has been barely played. We’ve prepared this piano thoroughly to showcase its distinctive sound. Listen to the same Chopin excerpt on this instrument to appreciate its unique tonal qualities.
For our final comparison, we have a 1941 Baldwin SD-6 that has also been expertly rebuilt. This piano provides yet another fascinating sound profile. I’ll play the same musical excerpt to highlight its individual character.
Share Your Thoughts!
Each piano offers its own unique voice and tonal differences. I’m interested in hearing which one resonates with you the most. Please leave your impressions and preferences in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
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6 thoughts on ““Steinway vs Baldwin: Which Concert Grand Sounds Best?””
It is always a pleasure to hear you play anything, Robert–even that SD10.
As others have noted, the SD6 is the great compromise — but really, who wants to compromise on their music? It is frustrating that the Philistine Steinway investors have created bloated prices and Steinway backlash, the roar of which so often drowns out the rich darkness of these incredible feats of physics.
The SD6 is a nice piano and an absolute marvel when place in context of its young cousin, but it is no match for the Steinway D.
What worries me is that the trend is toward piano=banging technicians with more velocity than sense will eventually leave us in the ugly world of the school of velocity with its speed, volume, and harsh tinny sound.
Technique is nothing without talent and good taste (my two-cents) but I suspect you had a pretty good idea that I would respond this way.
I’m all Baldwin SD-6.
The 1996 Baldwin was my favorite by far. That bass!
Robert – What hammers are on the Baldwin SD10 and SD6 I’m assuming the Steinway 9ft has Steinway hammers on but maybe not. I have a SD6 that has Renner hammers on it. By the way we are selling it at about a whole sale price of $9500 It plays ok but could use some work – which I could do but at this point we are not going to. Its original finish, relatively new Renner action. One of these days I’ll get up to Cleveland to visit. Don
The SD-10 has the original Renner action including Renner hammers which show almost no signs of wear. The SD-6 has Abel hammers. Look forward to your visit!
Robert — I preferred the Steinway. I thought the Steinway would not have the booming base range like the Baldwins, but I was surprised! All three are wonderful pianos, but by a slim margin, I prefer the Steinway after listening your video twice. — Charlie in Albuquerque.