Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we have a fascinating comparison for you. We’ll be comparing a vintage Steinway concert grand to a 2000’s model to highlight the differences between them. Our demonstration will feature two excerpts from Chopin Nocturnes to showcase each instrument’s unique qualities.
Modern Steinway Concert Grand
First, we’ll listen to a 2004 Steinway concert grand, which remains in its original, barely used condition. We’ll hear an excerpt from Chopin’s F-sharp Nocturne. Pay attention to the tonal characteristics and how they resonate with you. Watch the video to hear these two wonderful instruments!
Vintage Steinway Concert Grand
Next, we’ll turn to a 1916 Steinway concert grand, which has been meticulously rebuilt and restored with its original soundboard. We’ll hear an excerpt from Chopin’s B-flat minor Nocturne on this vintage instrument. Listen closely to the tonal differences and see which piano appeals to you more.
The Distinctive Nature of Steinway Pianos
It’s worth noting that every Steinway concert grand is unique. Each piano is hand-built, and there are variations in the woods used—since no two trees are identical—contribute to the distinct sound of each instrument. The individual craftsmanship results in noticeable differences between pianos. There is also a general charactaristic of sound to older compared to newer Steinways. What do you think about these pianos? Do you hear any distinct differences between vintage and modern Steinways? Let us know 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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5 thoughts on “Vintage VS Modern Steinway Concert Grands”
The 1916 piano was beautifully bright. I loved it.
Sincerely yours,
Sam Hagopian
Hands down, I like the older 2016 Steinway better, The 2016 Steinway had a sort of “twanging” sound in the mid-range which I didn’t like. The 2004 Steinway was much more mellow, although the piece you played did not feature the mid-range notes but rather melody notes an octave above that, so I couldn’t make the comparison directly. All in all, I prefer the mellower sound of the 2004 Steinway.
I like the old Steinway better. Maybe a bit more mellow. But at the end, I still like my Schimmel even better !
Honestly, Robert, I don’t know how you keep coming up with so many relevant topics for discusstion and elaboration. Two observations: 1) the Vintage Steinway exhibits more ambience, and the voice is more gentle and plangent, as opposed to the more strident and assertive current Steinway. However, 2) the rooms were different. The current Steinway was surrounded by more and (apparently) thicker curtains. The wall directly behind the vintage Steinway was solid plaster, which is quite reflective, and curtains on the other sides looked less substantial.
I come up with video topics to a great extent from my students as well as people like you who comment on my videos! Actually, room acoustics don’t play much of a part in these recordings since the microphones were inside the piano by the tail facing the keyboard end. So they picked up very little room sound.