The Steinway Piano Comparison Scottsdale: Can You Hear the Difference?

When it comes to the world of grand pianos, few names carry the prestige of Steinway & Sons. For professional pianists and serious musicians, owning a Steinway represents the pinnacle of piano craftsmanship, with price tags that often exceed six figures. However, recognizing that not everyone can afford their flagship instruments, Steinway offers two more accessible piano lines: Boston and Essex.

In this article, we'll explore each of these pianos from the Steinway family - a Steinway Model B, a Boston GP156-PE II, and an Essex EGP-155C - and examine what makes each instrument unique in terms of sound, construction, and value.

The Steinway Family of Pianos

Before diving into our comparison, let's first understand the Steinway family of pianos. Let's understand the relationship between these three piano brands:

• Steinway & Sons pianos are handcrafted in New York and Hamburg using premium materials, with each instrument taking nearly a year to build.
• Boston pianos were designed by Steinway & Sons but are manufactured in Japan by Kawai to Steinway's specifications, offering many Steinway-inspired design elements at a more moderate price point.
• Essex pianos, also designed by Steinway & Sons, are manufactured in Asia with more economical materials and production methods, making them the most affordable entry point into the Steinway family.

Can You Match the Recording to the Piano?

To help you understand the differences between these pianos, I recorded the same musical passage from Rachmaninov's Prelude in D major on each piano. I've included these recordings below so you can hear the differences for yourself. Listen to all three, and see if you can guess which piano is which before revealing the answers! Click the square box to enter full screen on each video.

The Pianos and Their Price Tags

Recording 1: Boston GP156-PE II

The Boston GP156-PE II is a 5'1" (156 cm) baby grand piano that incorporates many design principles from Steinway but at a more accessible price point. It features a wide-tail design that provides more soundboard area than typical pianos of its size.

Price Range: $10,100 - $38,000

Sound Characteristics: In Recording 1, the Boston displays an impressive tonal palette that approaches Steinway quality, though with slightly less nuance in overtones. The piano provides excellent projection and a clear, balanced sound throughout its range.

Construction Highlights:

• Designed by Steinway & Sons, built by Kawai in Japan
• Solid spruce soundboard with extended width
• Hard maple inner and outer rim
• Longer keys than comparable pianos for better touch control
• Higher-grade materials than typical mid-range pianos

Recording 2: Steinway Model B

The Steinway Model B, often called "the perfect piano," is a 6'11" (211 cm) grand piano that represents Steinway's commitment to uncompromising quality. Every component, from the Sitka spruce soundboard to the maple rim and hand-notched bridge, contributes to its distinctive sound.

Price: Undisclosed

Sound Characteristics: The Steinway Model B produces a rich, complex tone with remarkable sustain and dynamic range. In Recording 2, you can hear the distinctive warmth and clarity that make Steinway pianos the choice for many pianists. The bass notes have gravitas without muddiness, while the treble projects with bell-like clarity.

Construction Highlights:

• Handcrafted in New York or Hamburg
• Solid Sitka spruce soundboard
• Hard rock maple rim
• Over 12,000 parts assembled by master craftspeople
• Each piano takes 11-12 months to build

Recording 3: Essex EGP-155C

The Essex EGP-155C is a 5'1" (155 cm) baby grand piano that serves as the entry point to the Steinway family. While built to a price point, it still incorporates some Steinway design elements.

Price: $7,200 - $20,100

Sound Characteristics: In Recording 3, the Essex demonstrates good tonal quality for its price range, though with less sustain and tonal nuance than its more expensive siblings. The sound is pleasant but doesn't have the same depth and resonance as the Boston or Steinway.

Construction Highlights:

• Designed by Steinway & Sons, manufactured in Asia by Pearl River
• All-wood action parts (no plastic) with aluminum action rails
• Solid spruce soundboard with linear taper
• Maple inner rim
• Vertically laminated bridges with solid maple cap

What Accounts for the Price Differences?

Several factors contribute to the significant price differences between these three pianos:

1. Materials: The Steinway uses premium materials throughout, the Boston uses high-quality materials, and the Essex uses good but more economical materials.
2. Labor: The Steinway is handcrafted by highly skilled artisans in the U.S. or Germany, the Boston is built in Japan with a mix of machine precision and hand assembly, and the Essex is manufactured in Asia with more automated processes.
3. Design: While all three incorporate Steinway design principles, the Steinway Model B benefits from the company's full commitment to acoustic excellence without cost constraints, while the Boston and Essex make compromises to meet their price points.
4. Sound Engineering: The Steinway's soundboard is larger size (6'11" vs 5'1" for the others) provides more soundboard area and longer strings, contributing to its superior sound.
5. Brand Value: The Steinway name itself carries significant prestige and investment value.

Conclusion: Which Piano is Right for You?

The recordings revealed distinct differences between these three instruments, highlighting what you get at each price point:

• Steinway Model B: For professional musicians, serious piano students, and those seeking an heirloom instrument with investment value, the Steinway offers unmatched quality and musical potential.
• Boston GP156-PE II: For accomplished pianists who desire many Steinway characteristics but at a more accessible price point, the Boston offers exceptional value.
• Essex EGP-155C: For beginning to intermediate students, recreational pianists, and those with budget constraints who still want a connection to the Steinway legacy, the Essex provides a solid foundation.

Each piano in the Steinway family has its place, demonstrating that while a six-figure Steinway may be the pinnacle of piano craftsmanship, the Boston and Essex offer thoughtful alternatives that bring some of that Steinway magic to pianists at different stages of their musical journey and with different budget considerations.

For more information, contact Henry Welsby at Steinway Scottsdale.