Pianist - Piano Buyer's Guide 2017

BUYER’S GUIDE 2017

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“The Shigeru Kawai’s velvet tone and super responsive action surpass any other concert piano I’ve ever played” Julian Saphir, Concert Pianist & Teacher

Experience artisan-crafted Shigeru Kawai grand pianos at: Jaques Samuel Pianos

142 Edgware Road, London, W2 2DZ. Tel: 020 7723 8818

The Piano Man

168-170 Easterly Road, Leeds, LS8 3AD. Tel: 0113 240 8030

Gordon Bell Pianos

45 Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1NQ. Tel: 01224 658 584

Pianos Plus

9H Centrepoint, Oak Road, Dublin 12, Ireland. Tel: 00 353 1 409 7373 /KawaiUK

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PIANO BUYER’S GUIDE 2017

Pianist

www.pianistmagazine.com PUBLISHER Warners Group Publications plc Director: Stephen Warner Publisher: Janet Davison EDITORIAL Editor: Erica Worth [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 7266 0760 Senior Designer: Nathan Ward Marketing: Lauren Beharrell [email protected] ADVERTISING Gareth Macfarlane [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)845 226 0477 SUBSCRIBE [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1778 392483 Fax: +44 (0)1778 421706 Subscribe via the Pianist website at www.pianistmagazine.com Registered Address :Warners Group Publications,West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH. © Warners Group Publications plc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission strictly prohibited. Every care is taken in compiling the magazine and no responsibility can be taken for any action arising from information given on the papers. All information, prices and telephone numbers are correct at the time of going to press. No responsibility can be taken for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or transparencies. Printed by Warners Group Publications plc.

Editor’s note

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elcome to our Piano Buyer’s Guide 2017. I hope you notice how substantial it is this year, with over 115 pianos on display – uprights, grands and digitals, for all tastes and all budgets. Readers often approach me for advice when it comes to buying a piano, and of course I try my hardest to help out. The first obvious question is ‘who is the piano for?’ Some will be buying for a child in the family, some will be buying a first instrument for themselves, and others might want to upgrade to something bigger or just something different. Then, of course, there’s the delicate subject of price. We can’t all afford a concert grand (and who’s to say that everyone wants one!), so the list of requirements for each potential buyer is endless, as are the number of pianos out there. In order to help out and make the piano-searching process a pleasant experience, I’ve spoken with all the top manufacturers and asked them to supply me with in-depth information on their most sought-after models – asking them all for a wide range of products too, that would cater to all types of piano players. Here is the result: an 80-page Guide laid it out into three distinct sections. We start off with uprights (pages 6-31), then grands (31-58) and lastly digitals (59 onwards). If you’re about to ask ‘what about hybrids?’, then give Gez Kahan’s informative article below a quick read. He writes about hybrids overleaf. Within each section we start off with the most reasonably priced models, moving on up to the ‘money is no object’ price point. I hope this Guide will prove to be the perfect reference for finding the piano of your dreams! ERICA WORTH, EDITOR

Disclaimer: As we go to print, the prices stated are Recommended Retail Price at time of publication. Specifications and prices are subject to change without notice.

What piano?

Grand? Upright? Digital? Hybrid? The choice can seem overwhelming. Gez Kahan offers up some simple advice to make the search for that dream piano a more relaxing one how many people) is it for and what do they want from a piano? That’s where this Guide (and indeed this introduction) can help, by giving you some pointers to what’s available, categorised by piano type and price. But before you dive in, take a couple of minutes to define your needs – it will help you narrow your choice and you’ll be spending your time assessing the instruments instead of answering questions. Not every option is a choice. When Pianist magazine asked its readers which brand of piano they’d like to own, an overwhelming majority plumped for one particular make. Asked which brand they actually owned, a similar majority gave the name of a different make. This is the real world, and in the real world not everyone can live in the swankiest

area, fly first class or, for that matter, afford the piano of their dreams. And you’ll encounter other ‘imposed choices’ – the size of your living area, for instance, or the proximity of unappreciative neighbours might also restrict your options. Grand pianos Of course, there are those fortunate folk for whom money is no object, but even for them choosing a piano is not without its dilemmas. What’s not in doubt is that – whichever brand you pick – the premium offering will be a fine instrument. Of course, they’ll all be different (and at this level, with hand-craftsmanship and individual voicing involved, that can even apply to individual pianos of the same make and model). Our

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© Benjamin Ealovega

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alking into a piano shop and saying you’d like to buy a piano is a bit like the first time you walk into a modern coffee shop and ask for a coffee. You never knew there were so many options: Take out or drink here? Regular, tall, large? White or black? Cream, milk (skinny or fat, warm or cold), sugar, caramel? Pretty soon you learn that if you want your coffee anytime soon, you sort out the major choices before you reach the counter. So it is with the piano, where the big options include: Preferred brand? Price range? Grand, upright/vertical, digital, hybrid? Size? Black, white, other, art-case? Who (and

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PIANO BUYER’S GUIDE 2017 advice? If you can afford not to look at the price, don’t. Try every one you can and let your ears and fingers decide which piano delivers the tone and response that is perfect for you. There are, nonetheless, a few other considerations. A 9-foot instrument, perfectly at home in the concert hall or in a spacious showroom, might be a tad overpowering in a smaller room. And what does that room look like – will concert black suit, or would a natural wood, a different colour, or art-case instrument harmonise better with your decor? And more and more top-end instruments also have a ‘technology included’ option (see Hybrid Pianos, further on). Most people, however, will be constrained by cost, although most of the points above still apply. One thing to be aware of is that a very small grand piano, while still offering the typical gravity-driven grand piano action, has shorter, thicker bass strings which can lead to harsh overtones (technically called ‘inharmonicity’). So if space or budget is too tight, a grand might not be the best solution.

relatively affordable) solution. While they still don’t quite match up to the experience of playing a ‘traditional’ piano, modern digitals are becoming ever more realistic not only in sound and action but even in the inclusion of sympathetic resonance, mechanical elements (such as damper release and key-off noises) and graduated pedalling. It’s now commonplace for professional pianists to own a digital instrument as a second piano for notebashing, late-night practice etc. The digital piano also brings its own benefits, not least that it won’t need tuning. Most offer a choice of alternative sounds (harpsichords, pipe organs, electric pianos and so on) and atmospherics (reproducing the acoustics of rooms, halls, cathedrals etc) plus connectivity to other digital devices and apps covering everything from sightreading to multitrack recording. And they come in all shapes and sizes from grand and upright lookalikes via trendy slimline models to lightweight portables that are perfect for bedrooms and bedsits.

Upright pianos Strings mounted vertically (actually slanted across a vertical soundboard) can be longer and therefore reduce inharmonicity – meaning that where space is an issue, uprights (also known as vertical pianos in the USA) often have a better tone than small grands. There are the inevitable trade-offs: the player faces the instrument (and usually a wall) rather than looking out across it; the action is slightly less responsive; the sound is a bit less enveloping; and, undeniably, the piano itself is less impressive (though that might well suit those who would rather the piano didn’t completely take over a shared living space). On the plus side, they generally give you more bang for your buck (piano per pound sterling). But please don’t think of an upright as no more than a cheap option. Most of the best-known manufacturers also produce high-end uprights, and in terms of touch and tonal response they stand comparison with any but the largest grands. And, as with grands, there might also be optional features as discussed in the Hybrid Pianos section.

Hybrid pianos Increasingly, the lines between the traditional grand or upright and its digital cousin are blurring, giving rise to a fourth category – the ‘hybrid’ piano. Even the word’s meaning is not clear-cut however. It’s more a catch-all term referring to anything from a digital piano fitted with a traditional piano’s action (and perhaps a resonating soundboard) to a

Digital pianos It’s a sad fact of life that not everyone appreciates piano music, especially when purveyed by a learner practising. This doesn’t just mean immediate family members – the TV-watchers next door can also get tetchy. Digital pianos, with controllable volume and headphone sockets, are an obvious (and

traditional piano with a ‘silent’ headphonewearer’s option (whereby the keys are stopped from striking the strings and instead activate sensors linked to an onboard digital sound module). There’s a range of brands – from pure digital makers such as Casio and Roland to traditional piano manufacturers such as Blüthner, Kawai, Schimmel and Yamaha – with instruments that fit one of these definitions. It doesn’t stop there, though. Yamaha’s TransAcoustic system uses soundboard transducers so that both the standard piano and digital backing (or layered digital sounds) use the natural amplification and resonance of the traditional piano soundboard and cabinet. Steinway’s Spirio models are playable as normal pianos but can also reproduce performances by Steinway artists, with keys moving and hammers hitting strings, as if an invisible player were performing. Yamaha’s Disklavier goes a step further and allows for recording as well as playback (plus it also incorporates ‘silent’ technology). [Note: An in-depth feature on Hybrid pianos appeared inside Pianist issue 92.] The choices (we warned you there were lots of them) are yours. Enjoy browsing through the Guide, earmarking possibles and visiting your local dealer to try them out. And when you’ve picked the piano that not only meets your criteria but begs you to take it home with you, you can relax. Treat yourself to a coffee. Then go home – and play! n

Be prepared… Gez Kahan’s top tips on buying a piano • Measure the area you’ve assigned for your new piano, and take a note of the dimensions (and a tape measure to be on the safe side) with you when you visit your dealer. • Only buy reputable brands – and particularly beware of cheap, shoddy instruments masquerading under obsolete or invented German names. If you’re not sure about a brand name, check its provenance before committing yourself. • Listen to your dealer’s advice about reliability, warranties etc, but when it comes to assessing whether you’re happy with the tone and touch, trust your own judgement • If trying out the piano for your own use, choose a piece or pieces to play that show off as many different facets as possible – dynamic response, different forms of articulation, low middle and high registers. If you don’t have the piece(s) by heart, take your music along • Don’t let a demonstrator choose your piano for you – if you’re uncomfortable performing in front of people, ask to be left alone to make your choice. • If buying an instrument for someone else, get the player along (or, in the case of a piano for a new learner, offer the teacher a fee to come and help you chose). • If in doubt about size, colour/finish etc, involve other members of your household in your decision – a dominating black grand foisted on an old-world-styled family living room might cause a clash with more than the soft furnishings. • You’ll have a budget, but don’t scrimp unnecessarily. Your new piano will be with you for many years, so treat it as an investment – it’ll pay you back in quality of life.

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Yamaha b1

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he Yamaha b Series was created with the student pianist in mind and last year this extremely popular range celebrated its 10th anniversary. A hundred years of accumulated knowledge has been condensed into Yamaha’s most affordable range ever. No compromises were made in materials or workmanship: this is a fully featured Yamaha piano, but at an affordable price. With its contemporary design, the b1 offers the beauty of a modern and compact piano while providing an impressive and inspiring tone. Its compact size also makes it a perfect fit for smaller rooms. The b Series range is also available with Yamaha’s SG2 Silent Piano KEY FEATURES system that allows uninterrupted practice through headphones anytime Dimensions: 109cm (h), without disturbing others. It’s fun, 148cm (w), 54cm (d) practical, and you can play to your Finishes: Polished heart’s content night or day. What’s ebony, polished ebony more, Yamaha Silent pianos can be with chrome fittings, connected both to PCs for use with polished mahogany, music software, and to iPads/iPhones polished walnut, to take advantage of apps such as open-pore dark walnut, ‘Piano Diary’. satin natural cherry, Learn more about the b Series range satin natural beech, from the free iBook. Just search for polished white ‘Yamaha Music Europe’ in the Apple Pedals: 3: soft, muffler, iBook store. damper https://itunes.apple.com/ Extra features: SG2 dk/book/yamaha-b-series-en/ Silent Piano version id920393728?mt=11 available Watch a video on Yamaha’s b Series Made in: Indonesia here: https://youtu.be/D43ZglLSb5Q PRICE: from £2,951

Pearl River EU110

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earl River Piano Group, based in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, is the largest piano manufacturer in the world. Established over 60 years, many world brands have featured pianos manufactured by Pearl River. Today the Pearl River brand is renowned as China’s leading pioneer for acoustic and digital piano quality, production technology and value for money. Pearl River is the only government-appointed ‘National Technology Centre of Enterprise’ in the music industry and was the first Chinese piano factory to secure ISO9001 certification for Quality Management Systems and ISO14001 for Environmental Management Systems. The pianos in the EU series have been designed by European master piano makers. They feature a resonant tapered solid spruce engineered soundboard, light and responsive Pearl River action with all wood parts, braced back, sand-cast iron frame, German strings, vertically laminated maple bridge, synthetic ebony sharps, deluxe twin castors and fittings. The Pearl River EU110 combines a low-profile compact design with a clear tone and ease of touch. A vertical side-profile and splithinged top lid allows the full tonal expression to emerge, giving the EU110 a power typical of larger pianos. The European-style streamline KEY FEATURES key-fall and deluxe brass doublecastors, hinges and pedals all convey Dimensions: 110cm (h), a contemporary style for this compact 148cm (w), 59cm (d) traditional instrument. Finishes: black, white This is a great-value, compact Pedals: 3 upright which is ideally suited to Made in: Guangzhou, both beginners and accomplished China players. PRICE: £2,999

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UPRIGHTS - £2,000-£5,000

Zimmermann Z120

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Irmler P118

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rmler P118 is a budget-priced piano produced in Asia for Blüthner. It is a small instrument with a surprising large sound. It is frequently used as a piano for domestic rental. It is an ideal piano for a complete beginner as it has a free-playing, KEY FEATURES firm action and incorporates a fine tonal range. It is often adapted to Dimensions: 118cm (h) accommodate a ‘Moontime’ silent Finishes: Black bright or piano-playing system. white bright This model is a very popular Pedals: 3: una corda, instrument that stands up well against practice, sustain other, more expensive pianos. Made in: Blüthner To maintain the low price, this piano is manufacturing facility only available in either black bright or in Asia white bright finishes. PRICE: £3,873

immermann Z120 is a piano that’s not only for beginners. The ‘baby’ of the Zimmermann family, the Z120 meets several key criteria that beginners look for in a piano. It is a sturdy, reliable instrument with a pleasant touch. Medium-sized, it offers more playing comfort and volume for the sound to unfold than a small piano. Designed with beginners in mind, it will easily fit in a child’s room or any living room. Its sleek design and meticulous processing demonstrate that it’s built to last, while its features guarantee great playing pleasure. This piano is just the ticket for beginners and children alike. The C. Bechstein research and developments facility in Germany draws upon the latest technology for developing new instruments. ‘Designed by C. Bechstein’ assures the heritage of the group’s top-of-the-line instruments. The cast-iron frame, stringing design and action assembly are all rooted in the European tradition. A strong, solid wooden back-frame with strong vertical bracing absorbs the string tension and ensures the instrument’s solidity, rich sonority and tuning stability. The Chinese partner-production manufacturing of the Zimmermann Z120 Standard upright piano is controlled in-house by Bechstein quality control experts, who only grant the Bechstein KEY FEATURES quality seal to instruments that are truly worthy. The quality-management Dimensions: 120cm (h), system guarantees that, although 150cm (w), 60cm (d) it’s particularly affordable, this piano Finishes: Black polyester for beginners boasts a quality that sets Pedals: 3 new benchmarks. Made in: China – Designed and controlled by designed and controlled C. Bechstein, the Z120 is an affordable by C. Bechstein yet high-quality beginners’ upright. PRICE: £4,160


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UPRIGHTS - £2,000-£5,000

WATCH ▲

Tap the play button to watch the presentation video for the K-Series uprights

Kawai K-200

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he K-200 is a 114cm traditional upright, with subtle contemporary design touches, and is one of Kawai’s best-selling pianos. It is a perfect upgrade from a digital piano, and great for inspiring young players without daunting them with its size. Many lapsed players return to the piano in their 30s as life begins to settle, and at retirement, and the K-200 makes good sense as a step back into owning an acoustic piano. It is also an option for smaller practice-rooms in schools, where the combination of affordability and durability makes good sense. The K-200 benefits from the upright version of Kawai’s Millennium III action, which combines traditional wood with light, strong ABS Carbon parts to provide a responsive and involving playing experience. The sound combines the depth of tone commonly associated with Kawai uprights, with a clarity that makes playing intricate textures a delight. On a practical level, there is a slow-fall mechanism to prevent trapped hands, and a well-sized music desk to accommodate your sheet music. A K-200 has recently been used by Yorkshire band Scars On 45 for recording their forthcoming third album. An ATX2 hybrid version is KEY FEATURES also available for £5,999 (RRP) in ebony polished or £6,444 (RRP) in white or Dimensions: 114cm (h), mahogany polish. This combines the 149cm (w), 57cm (d) full acoustic K-200 with digital Finishes: EP (ebony connectivity and an option to practise polished), WHP (white privately with headphones offered by polished), MHP Kawai’s Anytime X2 system. All variants (mahogany polished) are also available with silver fittings Pedals: 3: middle pedal instead of traditional brass. operates the celeste rail Watch the presentation video for the Made in: Indonesia K-Series uprights here: PRICE: £4,444 (EP), https://www.youtube.com/ £4,888 (WHP), £4,888 watch?v=4Rx6TryPeDw (MHP)

Kemble Cambridge 12

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emble’s famous Cambridge series has been a popular choice for pianists the world over for decades. The Cambridge 12 is the latest member of the Cambridge family, built in one of the world’s most advanced piano factories and incorporating many new technical advances in piano design. The scaling has been completely redesigned to further enhance sound-quality, particularly in the bass register, and the solid European spruce soundboard has been increased in size, giving the Cambridge 12 a surprisingly powerful voice for an instrument of this size. Every model goes through a meticulous final preparation by Kemble technicians in the UK, ensuring that the legendary Cambridge tone finds new friends every year. The Cambridge 12 is also available with Yamaha’s SH Silent system to allow for private practice using headphones, and access to a variety of other instrument sounds and features, including entertaining and engaging apps which make practice, recording and performance even more enjoyable. The modern, ‘legless’ design with curved side panels and cheeks will enhance both traditional and modern environments, while its substantial KEY FEATURES cabinet construction makes the Cambridge 12 a popular choice with Dimensions: 112cm (h), families and schools. 148cm (w), 55cm (d) • High-spec hammers that deliver an uncompromising tone • Renowned Yamaha action for sensitive dynamic and tonal control • Braced back for improved resonance • Unique modern cabinet design • Hand-finished in the UK

Finishes: Black polyester Pedals: 3: soft, celeste, damper Extra features: Also available with Yamaha’s SH Silent System Made in: Indonesia PRICE: £4,910

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Crafting the leading upright concert piano in the world is a tall order...

145.6 cm tall, to be precise.

The Golden Tone deserves nothing less than the largest upright piano in the world. A masterpiece of hand craftsmanship and pure resonance, the Blüthner Model S boasts a satisfying combination of powerful depth and delicate brilliance, ready to awaken musical inspiration.

Bluthner Piano Centre 6 Baker Street, Portman Square London, W1U 3AA Tel: +44 (0)20 7753 0533 www.bluthner.co.uk 9 | PIANIST Piano Buyer’s Guide 2017 Mod_S.indd 1 P09 Ads.indd 9

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Cavendish Classic

Yamaha b3

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or the serious beginner, the Yamaha b3 offers the perfect combination of affordability and performance. Based on the renowned design of the legendary U1, the b3 incorporates Yamaha’s traditional values as well as benefiting from the latest production techniques. The b3 impresses with its articulate characteristics produced from a larger frame and soundboard along with high-grade underfelted hammers and higher specification action. The solid-spruce soundboard at the heart of this instrument gives the b3 a warm and rich tone quality, while the five back-posts offer greater tuning stability and improved resonance. KEY FEATURES • • • • • • •

Based on the legendary U1 Solid-spruce soundboard Five back-posts High-grade underfelted hammers Higher specification action Traditional cabinet Castors for easy manoeuvrability

Learn more about the b Series range from the free iBook. Just search for ‘Yamaha Music Europe’ in the Apple iBook store. https://itunes.apple.com/dk/ book/yamaha-b-series-en/ id920393728?mt=11

Dimensions: 121cm (h), 152cm (w), 61cm (d) Finishes: Polished ebony, polished ebony with chrome fittings, polished mahogany, open-pore dark walnut, satin natural cherry Pedals: 3: soft, muffler, damper Extra features: SG2 Silent Piano version available Made in: Indonesia PRICE: from £4,766

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he Cavendish Classic is a British thoroughbred. Traditionally crafted in The Yorkshire Dales giving a warm, mellow, quintessentially English tone with classic good looks. The Classic is designed to be compact enough to fit any sized room but with no hint of compromise in build quality. Unlike other compact pianos which still have a look of the 1970s about them with a ‘boxy’ appearance, the Cavendish Classic retains the shape of a traditional piano; tapering front legs support the keybed and an upright top-board (not sloped) ensure not only is it pleasing on the eye but maximises the internal area for the sound to vibrate giving a fuller tone. Indeed, despite its modest dimensions, this piano possesses an astonishing richness of tone. The treble is crystal-clear without ever being harsh. The mid-range sings naturally and is classically English. The bass surprises by its warmth and fullness but, importantly, without drowning the treble. The dynamic range of this instrument is large and its reserve of power is very impressive. It is the ideal family piano to see any student through their grades and beyond with superb musical qualities at an affordable price. This is the antidote to the harsh tone which seems to characterise many KEY FEATURES modern pianos. Lovingly hand-crafted, this piano proudly continues the Dimensions: 112cm (h), tradition of British piano building. 150cm (w), 60cm (d) To summarise: The Cavendish Finishes: Ebony high Classic is compact in size yet classic in gloss design; it has a mellow English tone; Pedals: 3 it’s lovingly hand-crafted in Yorkshire, Made in: England and it’s an affordable family piano. PRICE: £4,995


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UPRIGHTS - £5,000-£10,000

Wilhelm-Schimmel W118T

Ritmüller ‘Premium’ UH118R

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itmüller UH118R is the entry-level instrument to the Ritmüller ‘Premium’ series of uprights and grands which extends to a full-size concert grand piano. Pianos in the ‘Premium’ series feature high-quality materials and are crafted to an industry-leading standard. The Ritmüller ‘Premium’ is rapidly gaining a reputation worldwide for quality, performance and value for money. It has received rave reviews in the US press, along with buyer-guide comparisons ranking Ritmüller alongside leading German and Japanese manufacturers. Designed by European master piano makers, the key specifications include a solid mountain-spruce soundboard, German Renner hammer-heads, ebony wood sharps, vertically laminated maple bridges with solid maple caps, and a precision action featuring select hornbeam and maple wood. All are housed within a world-class cabinet using top-quality materials and chrome fittings. Ritmüller pianos date from Germany in 1795 and today are made by the world’s largest piano-maker, Pearl River. Established for over 60 years, Pearl River is renowned worldwide as China’s leading pioneer for acoustic and digital piano quality, production technology and value for money, and is the only Government-appointed ‘National Technology Centre of Enterprise’ in the music industry. European piano masters, along with the research and development team of the Pearl River Piano Group, continue the tradition of Ritmüller KEY FEATURES excellence and innovation. Traditional craftsmanship and state-of-theDimensions: 118cm (h) art computerized manufacturing Finishes: Black with techniques ensure a blend of technical chrome fittings superiority and artistic excellence Pedals: 3 admired by players of all abilities. Made in: Guangzhou, The Ritmüller ‘Premium’ upright comes China from China’s leading manufacturer. PRICE: £5,499

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or around £500 more than the W114T, the W118T sits in the middle of the Wilhelm-Schimmel range of upright pianos. Made in Schimmel’s own factory in Kalisz, Poland, these instruments are constructed in the same traditional manner as their German counterparts in the Schimmel International and Classic ranges. In fact the acoustic design is similar to that of the £11,000 Schimmel C120T and, just like its more expensive cousin, the W118’s soundboard crowning alone takes six months to create. This time-consuming and costly method of soundboard manufacture is what helps to give Schimmel pianos their distinctive, rich, singing tone and clearly marks out these pianos from their mass-produced competitors KEY FEATURES at similar price points. As well as having a beautiful sound, Dimensions: 118cm (h), these instruments are elegant pieces of 148cm (w), 59cm (d) furniture. The long leg-design features Weight 230kg adjustable gliders at the foot which Finishes: Black, help to stabilise the piano even on an mahogany or white uneven floor and to improve tuning polyester (high gloss) stability as well as physical stability. Pedals: 3: middle is a The top lid both folds back and lifts at practice pedal the end (like a grand piano) to fit the Extra features: All acoustics of the piano to any room. Wilhelm-Schimmel As the most cost-effective piano uprights are available on the market to be made in the with silent ‘TwinTone’ traditional ‘German’ way, it’s not system; pianos come as surprising that the W118T has won standard with adjustable awards from both Diapason and gliders (castors are an Pianiste magazines in their thorough option) piano tests. These pianos encourage Made in: Poland (with you to play every day, emphasising the Full BVK EU certification) beauty of every note. PRICE: £6,450


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UPRIGHTS - £5,000-£10,000

Essex designed by Steinway & Sons EUP-123E

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he largest upright available in the Essex range offers greater versatility of sound than its counterparts, while offering a commanding presence and stately appearance. A nicely balanced upright with elegantly proportioned, classically styled straight legs, the EUP-123E has a timeless design which makes it a great choice for even the most eclectic of homes. A perfect entry-level piano for beginners, the Essex piano is designed by Steinway, manufactured globally, and incorporates Steinway & Sons’ latest design specifications and engineering standards, as well as the Steinway commitment to excellence developed over 160 years of quality craftsmanship. Every Essex instrument is inspected by a team of highly experienced Steinway & Sons trained technicians before it leaves the factory. Designed by Steinway & Sons in collaboration with renowned furniture designer William Faber, the Essex has been created as a tribute to the idea that beautiful piano styles and finishes can and should be possible in every price range. The Essex incorporates the latest design and engineering enhancements from Steinway’s dedicated research and development team. By utilising specially engineered materials, large-scale production techniques, and carefully selected manufacturing environments, the Essex is able to deliver a level of musical performance KEY FEATURES previously unattainable in its price range.  Dimensions: 123cm (h), Each Essex piano is backed by 151-152cm (w), 67cm (d) Steinway & Sons and serviced by Weight 255kg Steinway-trained technicians. The Finishes: Ebonised Steinway Promise: If you decide to polish, sapele mahogany trade-in your Essex piano for a new polish Steinway grand piano at any time Pedals: 3 (brass): within ten years, you will receive a middle pedal is muffler trade-in credit equal to your original Made in: China purchase price. PRICE: £6,780

Cavendish Contemporary

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leek, modern contoured lines and a hand-finished ebony, high-gloss finish on the exterior. On the interior, a piece of English piano-making history. At 121cm high (or 4 feet in old money) this sets the traditional dimensions of an upright piano. The key length, soundboard area and string length are all optimum to produce the power, dynamic range and subtleties of a superb all-round piano. ‘The traditional English makers knew what they were doing,’ says Adam Cox at Cavendish. ‘For many reasons this seems the “natural” dimensions for a piano and gives us the opportunity to create the mellow warm tone we require.’ Particular attention is paid to the exact weighting of keys. Like all the processes of Cavendish piano building this is done by hand in the Yorkshire Dales based factory. Unlike mass-produced pianos where an average key-weight is calculated and all pianos are built in the same way, at Cavendish each individual key of the Contemporary model is weighted for each individual piano, giving the best playing experience. ‘Every piano is different’ says Cox, ‘and this ideal is at the heart of every piano we build – each piano truly is unique.’ The Cavendish Contemporary is KEY FEATURES British built to the highest standards without compromise. Perhaps that’s Dimensions: 121cm (h), one reason why this model won the 153cm (w), 62cm (d) ‘Best Piano’ category in the prestigious Finishes: Ebony high Music Industry Association’s awards. gloss A mellow English piano with Pedals: 3 contemporary good looks and lovingly Made in: England hand-crafted in Yorkshire. PRICE: £6,995


08/11/2016 10:02

UPRIGHTS - £5,000-£10,000

W. Hoffmann Tradition T122

T Kemble Conservatoire

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he 124cm Conservatoire model immediately impresses with its authoritative tone and large dynamic range. The precision Yamaha action and extended key-length allows increased sensitivity and responsiveness of touch, while the fully braced back offers improved resonance and a clear, stable tone. The classic cabinet design completes this very desirable instrument, which represents a solid and dependable choice for developing pianists. Each Conservatoire goes through a final preparation stage in the UK to give the classic, rich Kemble tone.

KEY FEATURES

• High-spec hammers • Renowned Yamaha action • Extended key-length for additional sensitivity • Vacuum-processed cast-iron frame for greater structural strength • Deluxe ‘classic’ cabinet design • Hand-finished in the UK

Dimensions: 124cm (h), 156cm (w), 64cm (d) Finishes: Black Polyester Pedals: 3: soft, muffler, damper Made in: Indonesia PRICE: £7,110

he W. Hoffmann Tradition T122 model boasts many details typical of great piano-making. The action integrates a wealth of craftsmanship and delivers a stunning dynamic range that enables you to master pianissimo and fortissimo passages alike, while the voice stands out for its differentiated, colourful tone. All the production steps involved in making this piano, including the manual voicing of the C. Bechstein hammerheads, are performed in the Czech Republic by the C. Bechstein Europe piano-makers. The W. Hoffmann Tradition T122 piano is made of numerous valuable parts, including a back-frame of medium-hard pine, a soundboard with ribs of solid European spruce, a pin-block of beech multiplex, sound-transmitting bridges of European beech, and a sand-cast iron plate. Selected by leading schools and colleges, the W. Hoffmann T122 is rapidly becoming known as the European alternative to leading Japanese brands for those wanting a variety in tone and touch. From the Bohemian heartland of European piano production, the state-ofthe-art W. Hoffmann factory draws upon a rich heritage of cultural performance and master piano-making skills which have been passed down the generations, often within the same family. Modern-day workshop craftsmanship along with the latest CNC and wood-working KEY FEATURES machinery ensures the W. Hoffmann T122 stands apart from Asian massDimensions: 122cm (h), produced alternatives. 147cm (w), 61cm (d) The W. Hoffmann Tradition T122 is Finishes: Black, ideal for beginners and aspiring pianists white, mahogany, looking to invest in a piano that will last walnut polyester, and allow their musicality to engage with walnut satin their instrument. Pedals: 3 Hand-made in Europe, the T122 is Made in: Czech Republic a performance-quality upright at the by C. Bechstein Europe price of Japanese mass-production. PRICE: £8,390 (Black)


08/11/2016 10:03

UPRIGHTS - £5,000-£10,000

Petrof P 125 G1

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he models of this height-category are among Petrof customers’ favourite because of their optimal ratio between height and performance. They offer dynamic diversity and excellent sound. Every pianist will, in this height category, find a design that will appeal to them. The finish of the G1 combines classical and modern styles, complemented with decorative elements. The piano has a romantic, rounded sound, which is typical of Petrof pianos. Only the best European materials are used, which is proved by European Excellence (EEX) certification. Nearly 80% of the manufacturing processes are done by hands of experienced workers of this family-run factory. Instruments are built mainly from components produced directly in the Petrof factory. This brings the best possible quality control. The Petrof company is considered the main innovator in this industry, thanks to the work of all experts of the technology centre in co-operation with the research and development department established in 1954. This model is suitable for both domestic and educational work and play, for the training needs of professional players, but also for KEY FEATURES musical ensembles. Its sound will also please audiences in clubs. Thanks Dimensions: 125cm (h), to its reliability and flexibility of 146cm (w), 59cm (d) use, the model is a bestseller among Weight 236 kg Petrof upright pianos for customers Finishes: Black worldwide. polyester, high polish In summary: this model is hand(other finishes available) made in the Czech Republic; it Pedals: 3 standard has a European Excellence (EEX) pedals certification; Renner hammers; Made in: Hradec optional Renner action; Petrof original Králové, Czech Republic soundboard, bridges and strings. PRICE: £8,499

Grotrian-Steinweg Friedrich 111

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he Grotrian-Steinweg Friedrich 111 is the smallest upright with a traditional case in the company’s range. This piano is the starting point for the Grotrian-Steinweg sound. The Friedrich is a solid construction and has a clear, dignified and cultivated tone. With this fine, small piano you have at your disposal an instrument that can express substantial music for its size: Subtle tonal details can be created with ease and it is a surprise to find such a powerful bass from a small piano of 111cm. The ranges are well balanced, the piano delivers a voice with character, a cultured tone and a variety of colours no matter what kind of music you choose to play. The touch is responsive and very reliable even at pianissimo. This piano, with its traditionally designed case in black or white polyester, is the entry-level instrument to the Grotrian-Steinweg standard. It comes with Abel hammerheads, 4-brace Renner action KEY FEATURES and Kluge keyboard. All these materials are selected from trusted German Dimensions: 111cm (h), suppliers with decades of experience in 148cm (w), 52cm (d) the music industry. The piano is 100% Weight 210kg made in Braunschweig, Germany, and Finishes: Black or white can optionally be ordered with a silent polyester system. A small, elegant and musical Pedals: 3: sustain, piano of surprising qualities. practice (optional), soft • 100% hand-made in Germany • 4-brace Renner action; Kluge keyboard • Traditional-style case with castors • Framed back-frame

Extra Features: Silent system, chrome fittings (both optional) Made in: Braunschweig, Germany PRICE: £9,199


08/11/2016 10:04

UPRIGHTS - £5,000-£10,000

Kawai K-500 ATX2

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awai’s ATX2 instruments are true hybrids, combining a fully fledged acoustic piano with the Anytime X2 system. The K-500 (also available without the ATX2 system at £7,666 RRP) is 130cm tall and offers a larger soundboard area and longer strings than the smallest grands. The additional tonal depth and dynamic range this provides, allied to the responsive Millennium III action, makes the Japanese-made K-500 an excellent choice for professional teachers and players, or those moving onto the higher grades and diplomas who do not have the space for a larger grand. The K-500 ATX2 retains all these qualities, but adds real versatility. Locking the middle pedal into place engages a stop-rail, allowing the hammers most of their travel to retain the feel of playing an acoustic, but stopping them from hitting the strings. Optical sensors integrated within the piano action send precise and accurate information KEY FEATURES to the ATX2 system, allowing you to connect two pairs of headphones Dimensions: 130cm (h), for enjoyable and productive private 150cm (w), 62cm (d) practise with the sound of a Kawai EX Finishes: EP (ebony concert grand. The ability to record polished) your playing to USB and connect to a Pedals: 3: middle pedal computer using MIDI cables or USB engages silent mode; adds further flexibility, widening the celeste/practise rail is piano’s appeal as a tool for composition operated by a lever as well as performance. Most Kawai under the bass end of uprights are available with ATX2, and the keyboard such instruments are in use at the Royal Extra features: 2 College of Music, Yehudi Menuhin headphone outputs, School, Purcell School For Young WAV/MP3 recording Musicians, and onstage by Coldplay. to USB, USB (to host), An ATX2-f version with a soundboard MIDI, 27 sounds transducer/speaker is also available Made in: Japan (£9,555 RRP). PRICE: £9,222 (EP)


08/11/2016 10:10

UPRIGHTS - £5,000-£10,000

Haessler K118

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aessler pianos are hand-made alongside the world-famous Blüthner pianos in Leipzig in Germany. The K118 is part of a range of instruments designed and made by Blüthner to enhance and augment their own world-famous pianos. Haessler pianos offer the opportunity to purchase a handmade German piano that has a different sound and tonal quality. All Haessler pianos follow classic piano-design principles, but by having a one-piece lid the price is significantly lower. The K118 is not only available in black bright, but also in a range of other veneers from alder to beech, cherry, mahogany (satin or bright), walnut (satin or bright) and even walnut with burr walnut inlay on the top and bottom doors (one or three panels). Each piano is hand-crafted from start to finish in the Blüthner factory in Leipzig, where the attention to detail is simply exceptional. In fact, the two marques share many components and are built by the same KEY FEATURES technicians. With Abel hammers and a Renner action, the K118 is Dimensions: 118cm (h) responsive and with a warm yet clear Finishes: Available tone synonymous with the Blüthner in almost any brand, yet at a lower price-point than commercially available its Blüthner-branded counterparts. veneer. Also in black The soundboard is solid spruce. bright Also available as a ‘silent piano’, Pedals: 3: una corda, this option allows the player to practice (celeste), ‘switch off’ the acoustic element of sustain the piano and practise privately with Extra features: Can headphones. This allows you to select be easily adapted to from 80 different sounds, including incorporate a silent pianos, electric pianos and orchestral system by ‘Moontime’ sounds, record your performance and can be fitted with its and even use your acoustic piano as new Evolution Hybrid a MIDI controller. Supplied with a System good-quality set of headphones for Made in: Hand-made private practice, the ‘Moontime’ system to order in Leipzig, also has audio outputs to connect to Germany external audio devices. PRICE: from £9,653

Yamaha U3

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amaha U Series pianos have been a leading choice for educational institutions, professional musicians and discriminating home pianists for almost 50 years. Now, thanks to a comprehensive redesign, these world-standard instruments are better than ever, featuring the latest advances in materials and construction. Refinements in all elements of sound-production allow for KEY FEATURES greater power and projection, and the larger soundboard area with Yamaha’s Dimensions: 131cm (h), patented Floating Support System gives 153cm (w), 65cm (d) today’s U3 a richer, more resonant voice. Finishes: Polished You can feel the difference too, with an ebony, polished white, upgraded action for even more precise polished mahogany, control over articulation and dynamics. satin American walnut, A sostenuto pedal allowing grand piano- satin ebony like damper control completes Pedals: 3: soft, the professional specification. sostenuto, damper • Soft-close fallboard • Sostenuto pedal • Lever-operated muffler • Extra-wide music desk provides plenty of room for sheet music

(lever-operated muffler) Extra features: Also available with SH Silent Piano System Made in: Japan PRICE: from £9,742


08/11/2016 10:13

UPRIGHTS - £10,000-£15,000

Kayserburg Artists series KA132B

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ayserburg ‘Artists’ represents a pioneering effort by Pearl River, the world’s largest piano maker, to compete at the highest level worldwide with even the longest-established European piano makers. Following over 60 years of piano making, Pearl River has selected a small team of its most experienced craftsmen and technicians to work in a traditional European-style guild system, under the watchful eye and individual quality inspection of Swiss master piano maker Stephan Mohler. Kayserburg ‘Artists’ Series pianos are now being marketed across the world, and they have already attracted the attention of some of the world’s most demanding critics. In fact, Larry Fine’s Piano Buyer magazine deemed the KA132B a ‘staff favourite’ and ‘musical standout’ with a ‘lovely, singing tone’. The KA132B was compared in a blind test with European pianos costing up to three times as much. An astonishing 90% of the judging panel, composed of musicians and technicians, believed the Kayserburg to be the most expensive of the models being auditioned. German Renner hammers are hand-shaped to bring the finest tone from the German Röslau string wire, solid maple-capped bridge and Siberian, solid-spruce hand-selected soundboard. Around half the price of other Asian ‘hand-built’ pianos, the Kayserburg ‘Artists’ Series offers even more with a strong European KEY FEATURES specification and character. This is an instrument suitable both Dimensions: 132cm (h), for the finest pianist who is looking 154cm (w), 64cm (d) for a practice piano, as well as for a Finishes: Black with beginner,who aspires to own and enjoy chrome fittings a wonderful piano for years to come. Pedals: 3 It is hand-built in the European artists’ Made in: Guangzhou, workshop tradition by the world’s China largest piano manufacturer. PRICE: £10,000

Petrof P 131 M1

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ue to its tremendous, colourful sound, the P 131 M1 piano from Petrof is classified as a concert instrument. It sets no limits on pianistic art, creating sufficient scope for its self-fulfillment. The instrument has a romantic, rounded sound which is typical of Petrof pianos. Only the finest European materials are used, as is assured by a European Excellence (EEX) certification. Nearly 80% of the manufacturing processes are done by hands of experienced workers in the family-run Petrof factory. Instruments are built mainly from components which are produced directly in the factory. This enables the best possible quality control. The Petrof company is considered a significant innovator in this industry, thanks to the experts of the technology centre in co-operation with the research and development department established in 1954. The P 131 M1 upright piano is a part of the highest-quality, master-built upright piano series. These are upright pianos with impressive sound potential, favoured by demanding KEY FEATURES professional pianists. They are suited not only to apartments and music Dimensions: 131cm (h), schools, but also piano recitals within an 146cm (w), 60cm (d) orchestra or on different public stages. Weight 253kg For the M1 model, the customer will Finishes: Black obtain a modern lightweight body. polyester, high polish In summary: this model is hand(other finishes available) made in the Czech Republic; it has a Pedals: 3 standard European Excellence (EEX) certification; pedals Renner hammers; optional Renner Made in: Hradec action; Petrof original soundboard, Králové, Czech Republic bridges and strings. PRICE: £10,299


08/11/2016 10:13

UPRIGHTS - £10,000-£15,000

Boston designed by Steinway & Sons UP-132E

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he largest Boston upright piano, the UP-132E Performance Edition provides a rich and powerful sound that rivals many grand pianos. The Steinway-designed Boston piano – long unrivaled in its class and unmatched in value – has been significantly enhanced with the introduction of the new Performance Edition. The Boston Performance Edition features improvements in materials, specifications and performance never before seen in the mid-price range. In comparison to other pianos, the Boston has less string tension which allows for a larger, tapered soundboard, creating longer sustain and more singing quality in the tone. A wealth of other engineering enhancements, including optimal placement of ribs, braces and bridges, also contribute to the Boston’s superior tone and greater stability. Each Boston piano soundboard is crafted of Sitka spruce, long proven to be the most resonant material available. Boston soundboards are also precisely tapered, which allows them to vibrate more KEY FEATURES freely. In conjunction with a number of special technologies – unique patents Dimensions: 132cm (h), of Steinway & Sons – the result is a 154cm (w), 67cm (d) powerful, sustained tone. Weight: 302kg Fine veneers enhance the elegance Finishes: Ebonised of the Boston pianos, available in polish walnut and mahogany satin or polished Pedals: 3: soft (halffinishes, as an alternative to the classic blow), damper ebonized finish. Each one is designed (sustaining), muffler to delight the eye and enhance the Made in: Japan player’s experience. PRICE: £10,500

Cavendish Chatsworth

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he Chatsworth is the jewel in the crown of the Cavendish range. The instrument has the mellow warmth associated with the English tone, further underpinned by a reservoir of power. The use of Renner hammers toned to perfection striking English wound strings gives perhaps the ultimate upright playing experience. The case is cabinet-maker built in Yorkshire from solid walnut or mahogany. This is a one-off process and each piano has its own individual character. The process of hand-selecting and hand-crafting wood is not suited to the modern, large assembly-line-based piano factory. For this reason Cavendish are able to offer a unique product. The Cavendish Chatsworth is the only new piano available which is built entirely in the traditional way using traditional materials. The three sound panels on the top board remind us this piano is built using techniques from the golden age of piano making. Sound panels are constructed under tension (like a drum skin) and vibrate sympathetically when a note is played. It was in this way the makers of old could design a tone that was subtle and warm but still had KEY FEATURES volume and resonance. The result is a piano of heirloom Dimensions: 124cm (h), quality which can proudly take its 153cm (w), 62cm (d) place among the great British pianos Finishes: hand-finished of the past. solid walnut or The jewel in the crown of the mahogany Cavendish upright range, of heirloom Pedals: 3 quality, with a handbuilt cabinet and Made in: England lovingly hand-crafted in Yorkshire. Price: £10,500


08/11/2016 10:14

UPRIGHTS - £10,000-£15,000

WATCH ▲

Yamaha U1TA

Kawai K-800 AS

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Tap the play button to watch a TransAcoustic video

he K-800 AS is Kawai’s imposing upright piano flagship, developed and built in Japan to give the best possible playing and listening experience in an upright cabinet. This is a piano that can comfortably satisfy and challenge the most demanding pianists, but also inspire less experienced players to explore a vast range of expressive colour in their playing, and to develop into more searching, communicative musicians. The clarity of sound and tonal flexibility, enhanced by the Royal George hammer felts, work in synergy with the precision of the Millennium III action to expose the finer nuances of your playing, encouraging a constant cycle of listening and response. Behind the grand piano-style music desk (with the same hard finish as the GX-Series grands) there are sound holes in the front panel to provide more of the direct involvement of a grand piano. The inclusion of a sostenuto pedal is invaluable for those works in which you would make use of it on a grand piano (some Ravel and Liszt KEY FEATURES works spring to mind), and Kawai have incorporated a celeste rail for Dimensions: 134cm (h), quieter practice, operated by a discreet 153cm (w), 65cm (d) lever underneath the bass end of the Finishes: EP (ebony keyboard. polished) K-800 AS is used in the most Pedals: 3: middle pedal demanding situations. Four were is sostenuto as on a recently delivered to the Yehudi grand; celeste/practice Menuhin School. As with all Kawai rail is operated by a acoustic upright and grand pianos, lever under the bass end the K-800 AS comes with a 10 year of the keyboard warranty (five years parts and labour, Made in: Japan and a further five years parts). PRICE: £11,111

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ransAcoustic is a new breed of piano. Imagine… a beautiful, professional-quality acoustic piano. Now imagine that you can enjoy this piano at any volume level – with or without headphones. Imagine a piano that allows you to immerse yourself in the unique experience of playing together with an orchestra, or one that connects you with the outside world and lets you share your performances with your family and friends. You have just imagined TransAcoustic. Being a true acoustic piano, the U1 TransAcoustic offers all the nuanced sound, feel and playing experience the discerning pianist would expect from Yamaha’s renowned U series – with no digital interference or compromise. It’s difficult to imagine all the possibilities, so make sure you watch the demo video (the YouTube link is listed below) for a full run-through of the features.

KEY FEATURES

• Silent SH technology included – play any time on headphones • Ability to control volume of the piano in TransAcoustic mode • Blend acoustic piano and digital sounds without using external speakers • Play along to music from a USB or any music player via the AUX-IN jack • Connect to Yamaha apps for additional recording, social media and educational functionality Watch a TransAcoustic video here: https://youtu.be/u_SE9LneF8?list=UUhanW4JR hj9vcu04V9sY73w

Dimensions: 121cm (h), 153cm (w), 61cm (d) Finishes: Polished ebony, polished mahogany, polished white, satin American walnut, satin ebony Pedals: 3: soft, silent, damper Extra features: Also available as acoustic only, SH Silent Piano and Disklavier Enspire Made in: Japan PRICE: £11,484


15/11/2016 10:51

UPRIGHTS - £10,000-£15,000

Bechstein B124

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Yamaha SE122

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n a unique collaboration between East and West, Yamaha’s SE Series has been developed in Europe to combine the meticulous precision for which Yamaha is renowned with the inspiration and warmth of Europe’s rich musical heritage. Drawing on the combined experience of European artists, technicians and artisans, the SE Series is designed to be the definitive upright piano in this highly discerning market. At the heart of its sound, the SE122 uses European materials of the highest quality available: specially selected bass strings, hammers and soundboard, all sourced locally to make the SE a truly striking piano. The rich, dark, resonant tone of the SE is reminiscent of the great European piano-making tradition. What takes Yamaha’s SE Series pianos to a higher level is the craftsmanship lavished by the same team that prepares the flagship CFX concert grand. No task has been too KEY FEATURES great and no detail has been overlooked in making these exquisite instruments: Dimensions: 122cm (h), the ultimate embodiment of the piano 152cm (w), 65cm (d) makers’ art. Finishes: Polished ebony • European bass strings • Specialist hammers provide a classically European sound • Solid European spruce soundboard • Deluxe cabinetry for a refined, classic appearance

Pedals: 3: soft, muffler, damper Extra features: Also available with SH Silent System Made in: Japan PRICE: £13,506

echstein B124 Imposant is an instrument for demanding piano players, developed and made by the German C. Bechstein engineers and piano-making specialists. Regardless of their level and calibre, all pianists will enjoy the superb sound and smooth action on this model. The Bechstein B124 Imposant model was developed to meet the requirements of demanding pianists. This premium upright is made of precious materials that meticulous specialists process carefully at the state-of-the-art Bechstein production site, a facility unparalleled the world over for its combination of traditional craftsmanship and high technology. A high-performance piano, the Bechstein B124 Imposant piano stands out for its pure and elegant design. The legs have a contemporary look and all the case-elements are in harmonious proportion. Such an instrument, that can convey the softest pianissimo and the most thundering fortissimo alike, is not out of place on concert stages. The Bechstein B124 Imposant is a high-class instrument that will surprise you with its precision action assembly and impressive sound volume. Selected by leading conservatoires for student practice rooms and KEY FEATURES performances, the Bechstein B124 Imposant offers everything you could Dimensions: 124cm (h), desire in a strong, rewarding and 151cm (w), 62cm (d) beautiful-sounding instrument. Finishes: Black and The Bechstein B124 Imposant white polyester presents players at all stages of musical Pedals: 3 enjoyment with a German masterpiece Made in: Germany that is within reach of anybody by C. Bechstein looking to invest in a piano for life. PRICE: £13,990 (Black)


08/11/2016 10:15

UPRIGHTS - £10,000-£15,000

Schimmel Konzert Series K122 Elegance

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othing could be more pleasing for the piano designers at Schimmel than to have the goals they strived for so clearly recognised by pianists. ‘The piano that completely satisfies’; ‘This piano immediately generates a seldom experienced degree of confidence due to its excellent action’; ‘The most favourable aspect is undoubtedly the very fine structure of the tonal balance which comes into its own through the outstanding, controllable, dynamic level. These qualities transform the piano into an equally refined and precise but also round-toned and singing instrument. It is rare for so many qualities to be concentrated in one piano’; ‘This excellence extends to the bass registers which are well-defined and enable the performance of a great diversity of musical styles to equally great effect.’ These are the verdicts of the judges of Diapason and Le Monde de la Musique magazines conducting ‘blind’ piano tests. KEY FEATURES The K122E Schimmel incorporates many design features from the Dimensions: 122cm (h), company’s concert grands. The scale 156cm (w), 62cm (d) design is taken from the 280 Concert Finishes: Black or white Grand and, uniquely for upright pianos, polyester (high gloss) it has full triplex stringing to enhance Pedals: 3: middle is a both sostenuto in the treble and overall practice pedal richness of sound. An extraordinary Extra features: All dynamic range is produced by a Schimmel uprights are combination of Schimmel action and a available with silent soundboard that incorporates ‘dynamic ‘TwinTone’ system that bars’. The clarity of sound, without the uses optical sensors; harshness that this is often associated adjustable gliders with, is a triumph of soundboard design. (castors are an option) No wonder the K122E Elegance Made in: Germany (with is one of Schimmel’s best selling full BVK DE certification) models worldwide. PRICE: £14,000

Why Bentley or Ritmuller?

• Bentley and Ritmuller pianos are made by Pearl River

• The world’s largest, state-of-the-art factory • More than 60 years of craftsmanship • Pearl River control every step of manufacturing

• Aﬀordably-priced with features of European pianos

• Internationally certified for quality and environmental standards

• Recommended world-wide by teachers, performers and technicians

01202 696963 [email protected]

www.bentleymusic.co.uk

Intermusic Ltd is the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for The Guangzhou Pearl River Piano Group Co Ltd

21 | PIANIST Piano Buyer’s Guide 2017

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p21 uprights-FINAL.indd 21

www.ritmuller.co.uk

22/09/2016 12:07 08/11/2016 10:17

UPRIGHTS - £10,000-£15,000

Grotrian-Steinweg Carat 118

August Förster 116E

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iddlesex University Music Department were at a loss. Their studios were equipped with pianos by various manufacturers but it was clear that few were meeting the hefty demands of the students. They bought an August Förster 116E piano and wrote this: ‘We recently bought a new August Förster from Peregrines to install in one of our main one-to-one teaching studios. It’s a very popular piano with both students and staff. The action in particular is excellent but the whole piano is of very high standard and is holding up very well to the heavy use it receives at the university. Peregrines were very helpful and I’d definitely recommend them to private buyers or institutions.’ The university did not only say that; they came back two months later and ordered another three 116E models. August Förster uses strong iron frames and adds special back-posts for perfect tuning stability. KEY FEATURES Renner actions and premium Renner hammers come as standard. One can Dimensions: 116cm (h), expect to cherish an instrument of this 153cm (w), 58cm (d) quality for many years. Weight 225kg The company produces pianos in Finishes: Black satin, low quantities (some 300 instruments black polyester, a year) but high quality. The upright mahogany/walnut/cherry pianos come in three heights, the satin, mahogany/walnut 116cm being the smallest. With a polyester handsome, traditional design, this Pedals: 3: sustaining, is also a splendid instrument for una corda and mute domestic use. One doesn’t need to Made in: Löbau, Saxony, shout about this piano, as anyone Germany playing it knows that it is special! PRICE: £14,220

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iano makers have always dreamed of building an instrument that captures the magical tone of polyphonic singing. After years of research and development, that dream has been brought to life in the shape of the Carat 118. Only the finest, most carefully selected materials are used in this piano. All materials and components are provided by German manufacturers who are carefully selected by Grotrian-Steinweg. Nothing is left to chance. The Carat 118 is a perfectly balanced and charming piano with a singing tone. With every piece of music you can explore new colours. The piano’s shape and line is an inspiration, awakening the desire to play. Secondly, the touch of the keyboard will provide an excellent lightness in touch. The action responds precisely and gives the pianist a complete sense of control. Even the softest pianissimi are easily playable. The sound provided by the Carat 118 offers a sublime pianistic experience. The trebles are clear but not aggressive. The mid range is KEY FEATURES balanced and warmly voiced. The bass is round, full and powerful with rich Dimensions: 118cm (h), colouring. The Carat 118 received a 148cm (w), 54cm (d) new design in 2016 in order to further Weight 220kg improve its strengths. It is truly loved for Finishes: Black polyester its musicality. finish. Other finishes • NEW design in 2016, optimised to bring maximal colours and dynamics at given height • 100% hand-made in Germany • Four-brace Renner action; Kluge keyboard • Traditional-style case with castors • Patented star-shaped back-frame

available to order Pedals: 3: sustain, practice (optional), soft Extra features: silent system (optional); chrome fitting (optional) Made in: Braunschweig, Germany PRICE: £14,299


08/11/2016 10:18

UPRIGHTS - £10,000-£15,000

Blüthner D

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n the tradition of the Bauhaus principle ‘less is more’, Blüthner has produced a revolutionary piano with a simple design that would suit any room, aesthetic or design. The details are apparent in the functional structure of the fallboard where the front fall-flap provides an instantaneous sense of elegant luxury while simultaneously functioning as an integrated music stand. Exclusive stainless steel elements in the name-badge, pedals, feet and hinges give the piano a purist aesthetic. The Model D has a solid spruce soundboard and, like all Blüthner upright pianos, it has a unique back construction. While most notable manufacturers use spruce for back-posts, KEY FEATURES Bluthner laminate these with German red beech so that the core of each post in Dimensions: 116cm (h) the back of the piano is substantial and Finishes: Black bright, extremely stable. black satin and white The piano has the best action bright (Renner) and fine hammers by Abel. Pedals: 3: una corda, The modernist look of this practice (celeste), instrument, combined with the very sustain highest manufacturing quality, produce Extra features: Can an instrument that will remain timeless. be fitted with a silent This piano is also the instrument on ‘Moontime’ system which the revolutionary Blüthner and is the model on Evolution model is based, combining which the New Blüthner the highest-quality acoustic piano Evolution system is techniques with absolutely top-of-thebased range German electronics. The Blüthner Made in: Leipzig, Model D is an instrument designed for Germany the 21st century. PRICE: £14,509

C. Bechstein upright and grand pianos fulfil musical dreams. From the practice room to the concert hall, Bechstein instruments are the first choice. Please call or email for details of your nearest authorised dealer: 01202 696963 [email protected]

www.bechstein.co.uk

Intermusic Ltd is the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik AG


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22/09/2016 12:25 08/11/2016 10:21

UPRIGHTS - £15,000-£25,000

Yamaha DYUS1

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amaha’s Disklavier self-playing pianos enter a new generation with the Enspire Series. The most advanced Disklavier ever, the recently launched Enspire features a new, streamlined design, eliminating the control box of previous models. Easy and intuitive operation is assured by a new app which enables the Enspire to be controlled seamlessly by iOS and Android devices, as well as by PCs and Macs. The app provides direct access to over 500 built-in songs and over 6,000 performances that can be downloaded directly to the instrument from the Yamaha MusicSoft online store. Exclusive, high-quality streaming performances and video services are also available, in which the piano performance is received ‘live’ or on demand, while you enjoy the video (synchronised perfectly with the piano) on your television. Recent performances have included shows from the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Newport Music Festival and an Elton John concert. For the performer, the DYUS1 builds on and further refines the legendary U Series design, with higher-quality hammers which use the same felt to be found in the CFX concert grand piano, together with the KEY FEATURES same high-grade strings used in our top-of-the-range SU7 upright. These Dimensions: 121cm (h), factors combine to give this piano a 152 (w), 61cm (d) smooth, rich voice that will delight and Finishes: Polished inspire you, whether you are playing ebony, polished or simply enjoying a professional mahogany, polished performance. white, satin American • Disklavier Enspire self-playing system • USB audio recording and playback • SH silent function • Same quality of string found on the flagship SU7 upright piano • Same hammer felt as the flagship CFX concert grand • Soft-close fallboard

walnut, satin ebony Pedals: 3: soft, muffler, damper Extra features: Also available as Acoustic only, SH Silent Piano and TransAcoustic Made in: Japan PRICE: from £15,848

August Förster 125G

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lady from Argentina arrived on the Eurostar at St Pancras station in London. Her first sight was a blue August Förster 125G upright piano: part of an initiative to bring pianos to the people. The piano, which dates back to the 1930s, inspired this lady to write to the factory, ask for a history and to write a fantasy story on this obviously long-appreciated and muchloved piano. The new instrument is most popular nowadays in black polyester and this is a piano that will inspire not only creative writers. The height makes it an instrument for the professional or the serious player, and the stylish casework is that of an imposing instrument. The technical details are important. The firm of August Förster has been producing pianos in the same factory for over 150 years (it is among the oldest piano factories in the world). The piano is built for KEY FEATURES intensive usage and stays in tune. The plate is pure iron ore made traditionally Dimensions: 125cm (h), with sand casting and slow cooling 153cm (w), 60cm (d) and the back posts are extra-strong, Weight 240kg with beech spruce beams. The solid, Finishes: Black satin, mountain-spruce soundboard is tapered black polyester, and contoured. mahogany/walnut/cherry This is an instrument made by experts satin, mahogany/walnut with considerable knowledge and polyester experience, and every August Förster Pedals: 3: sustaining, piano carries the BVK (German Piano una corda and mute Maker Association) accreditation. Made in: Löbau, Saxony, A story could be written about every Germany one of these significant pianos. PRICE: £16,060


08/11/2016 10:23

UPRIGHTS - £15,000-£25,000

Schimmel Konzert Series K132T

C. Bechstein Classic 118

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he C. Bechstein Classic 118 is a piano that will be welcomed by all who seek an instrument with a clear and classical style. This model has elegant proportions and timeless, clean lines. Its superb sound and responsive touch result in effortless and inspirational reward for both professional and beginner alike. The generous sonority of this medium-height piano is well-suited, according to international product comparison tests, to Romantic and post-Romantic music. C. Bechstein upright pianos integrate much of the C. Bechstein grand piano construction principles, which accounts for their superb quality. This esteemed school of piano-making has long been a market-leader for premium-quality upright instruments. The German C. Bechstein factory takes great care and time over each of these instrumental masterpieces. Much precious attention to detail is involved in such a long-lived piano. C. Bechstein pianos belong among KEY FEATURES the finest and most highly regarded uprights in the world. Dimensions: 118cm (h), The C. Bechstein Classic 118 has 151cm (w), 59cm (d) all the character of taller C. Bechstein Weight 238 kg uprights yet is ideally suited to many Finishes: Black, white, living rooms. For those considering a walnut, mahogany piano for life, the Classic 118 is worth polyester. Walnut & the extra investment compared with mahogany satin many modern alternatives. Pedals: 3 For silent play the C. Bechstein Extra features: C. VARIO system can be supplied, factory Bechstein VARIO system fitted, in the Classic 118 so that you can be supplied can practise any time, day or night, Made in: Germany without being overheard. PRICE: £16,370 (Black)

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he pinnacle of the Schimmel upright piano range, this model shares many features with its grand piano relatives in the Konzert series – from the real ebony and mineral keys to the shape of the soundboard. ‘Biggest is Best’ is often the mantra for upright pianos, and indeed the bass is usually stronger in taller instruments, yet the treble can often become weaker and shorter in length of tone, producing an unbalanced instrument. This is something the piano designers at Schimmel have gone to great lengths to avoid. One reason for the shorter tone-length in large uprights is that the high frequencies of the treble quickly get damped out of the larger, heavier soundboards in tall pianos. This, however, doesn’t happen in grand pianos where the soundboard is smaller in the treble section. Thus KEY FEATURES the K132 has a grand piano-shaped soundboard within. The pianos in the Dimensions: 132cm (h), Schimmel Konzert Series are the only 154cm (w), 62cm (d) uprights in the world to have a front and Weight 266kg back duplex system (known as triplex) Finishes: Black or where the two unstruck sections of the mahogany polyester treble strings are allowed to vibrate in (high gloss) sympathy in order to maximise the tone Pedals: 3: middle is a length and produce increased harmonic practice pedal richness. Extra features: All As the Diapason magazine judges said: Schimmel uprights are ‘This piano is theatrical. Its dynamic available with silent range reveals its opulent character ‘TwinTone’ system, and facilitates the production of pianos come as standard fortissimo and pianissimo with a natural with adjustable gliders effortlessness. The multifaceted tone of (castors are an option) this instrument can unfold to produce a Made in: Germany (with luxuriant orchestral sound, but can also Full BVK DE certification) produce such intimate piano dynamics.’ PRICE: £17,750


08/11/2016 10:24

UPRIGHTS - £15,000-£25,000

Grotrian-Steinweg Classic 124

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he Classic 124 is among the finest upright pianos. The tone is absolutely clear and refined, with a truly sculptural quality. The 124 is one of the most in-demand models produced by Grotrian-Steinweg, because an upright piano of this size already delivers excellent acoustics and a comparably large action. And yet this instrument is exceptionally versatile. You can play it with passion and virtuosity, secure in the knowledge that the sound of the Classic 124 will impress not just you but everyone listening as well. The touch gives the finest response. You can control this piano at every moment, creating something new at every second with dynamism and a real character in tone. This is where real creativity starts and expressing yourself through music begins. The Classic 124 piano is also made to last for decades. Many institutions have used the Grotrian-Steinweg KEY FEATURES Classic 124 for decades. You may imagine, therefore, how long the Dimensions: 124cm (h), piano will last in private use: this is 148cm (w), 57cm (d) a dream upright piano for a lifetime. Weight 255kg Throughout the piano world, the Finishes: Black polyester Classic 124 model is well known finish. Other finishes for its strengths and stands as a available to order benchmark for upright pianos in the Pedals: 3: sustain, industry, 100% made in Braunschweig, practice (optional), soft Germany. Extra features: Silent • 100% hand-made in Germany • 4-brace Renner action; Kluge keyboard; Abel hammers • Traditional-style case with castors • Patented star-shaped back-frame

system, chrome fittings, ebony sharps, sostenuto (all optional extras) Made in: Braunschweig, Germany PRICE: £19,499

Blüthner A

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he Blüthner Model A is a completely hand-built upright piano of classic design and proportions. This piano features a classic ‘half-lid’ on the top, a solid spruce soundboard, red-beech cored posts to the back of the piano maintaining stability and longevity, and a responsive action regulated and voiced and toned however you might want it. The gently curved cabinet parts enhance a beautifully sized and designed instrument of classic proportions. It is often sold in black bright finish, but is also available to special order in many veneers such as alder, mahogany, walnut, cherry, makassar, yew, bubinga and burr walnut. No other manufacturer (to the best of Blüthner’s knowledge) offers such a wide range of specialist finishes whether KEY FEATURES satin, waxed or Bright. Whatever your decorative requirements, Blüthner will Dimensions: 124cm (h) offer an instrument in a finish to suit Finishes: Black bright your needs. and many others This piano with its rich sonorous and Pedals: 3: una corda, powerful tone rightly stands out as one practice (celeste) and of the best uprights in the Blüthner sustain upright piano ranges. The Blüthner Extra features: Classic Model A upright has become a timeless upright piano that is classic. At 124cm in height, the piano completely adaptable sits comfortably in any room offering to the addition of a a superb balance and sweetness that ‘Moontime’ silent can be harnessed exactly as the pianist system desires. A brilliant and responsive Made in: Leipzig, soundboard boasts a wide range of Germany tonal and dynamic colours. PRICE: From £20,446


08/11/2016 10:24

UPRIGHTS - £15,000-£25,000

Yamaha SU7

Bösendorfer 120 CL

he flagship of Yamaha’s upright models, the SU7 represents the pinnacle of upright piano performance. Handcrafted using only the finest materials, this is a piano that delivers huge presence and rich, resonant tone with a rare degree of balance and precision. The SU7 features a unique keyboard, sporting the longest keysticks in Yamaha’s upright series. This not only provides optimum sensitive dynamic control but allows for the maximum possible variation in tonal shading and colour. The hammers used are to the same specification as the renowned CFX concert grand, and high-quality agraffes help to offer superior sound and clarity. The back grid features a six-post design, giving additional depth and focus to the tone, as well as contributing to overall stability. The lever-operated muffler allows for quieter practice, whilst the standard sostenuto pedal lets the player rehearse grand piano damping technique. KEY FEATURES A simple, classic cabinet in polished ebony, with concealed fall-hinges Dimensions: 131cm (h), and exquisite polished mahogany 154cm (w), 67cm (d) interior finishing, completes the SU7’s Finishes: Polished impressive specification. ebony

egarded as one of the most beautiful of upright pianos, the Bösendorfer 120 CL is constructed under the same principles as its larger brother, the 130 CL. The 120 CL shares the same console design and high-quality construction while being the most affordable and compact Bösendorfer piano. Hand made by expert craftsmen using grand piano grade materials, this piano is made to the highest standards and will appeal to highly demanding pianists. With five back posts made from Austrian spruce, this piano retains optimum stability and sound resonance, and the Austrian spruce soundboard delivers a beautiful singing tone. The 120 CL exhibits a dynamically open sonic character and yet retains the typical and unmistakable ‘Bösendorfer sound’ that is distinguished by its richness of colours and its warmth. A long key length gives a superb responsiveness of touch in the most demanding of pieces. For those requiring silent practice facilities, the 120 CL is also available with Yamaha’s SH Silent system fitted, to allow for private KEY FEATURES practice using headphones. The 120 CL ‘Silent’ can also be used with a Dimensions: 120cm (h), range of practice and performance 65cm (w), 152cm (d) apps to further expand your musical Finishes: Various finishes potential. available on request

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• CFX specification hammers and felts • Extra-long keyboard for precise control • Six back posts for extra stability and superlative tone • Three-position, two-piece top lid • Standard sostenuto pedal

Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, damper (Lever operated muffler) Extra features: Also available with SH Silent Piano System Made in: Japan PRICE: £20,720

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• Hand-made by expert craftsmen • Solid Austrian spruce keyboard • Bösendorfer hand made bass strings • Cast iron frame • Available with Yamaha’s SH Silent system

Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, damper Extra features: Also available with Yamaha Silent SH System Made in: Vienna, Austria PRICE: £24,957


08/11/2016 10:30

UPRIGHTS - £15,000-£25,000/£25,000 AND ABOVE

Grotrian-Steinweg Concertino 132

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August Förster 134K

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ne cannot resist calling this the BFG (Big Friendly Giant!). Even to those who have seen pianos in all shapes and sizes this is an instrument that is of large proportions, and of course it is not for use in a small apartment. The 134K is, however, a special instrument and is not just big for effect. This piano plays like a grand piano with an action that responds with precision and tremendous effect. The tonal qualities are as from another planet – just like the John Williams score in Spielberg’s film! There is nothing run-of-the-mill about this piano and anyone wanting something distinctive need look no further. KEY FEATURES Playing an upright piano means that one has the music score lower and Dimensions: 134cm (h), closer than if one were seated at a grand 152cm (w), 63cm (d) piano. Not here. The music desk is Weight 285kg ingeniously designed to be adjustable Finishes: Black polyester both in angle and distance from the Pedals: 3: sustaining, player; it is also much higher that one una corda and would normally expect. sostenuto So if you are looking to go out and Extra features: Large catch some dreams, this might be adjustable music desk difficult to catch but it certainly won’t Made in: Löbau, Saxony, float away! One’s musical imagination Germany would never be thwarted. PRICE: £24,970

t takes centuries of tradition and constant refinement in the craft of piano-making to produce an instrument with such magnificent acoustic qualities. The German firm of Grotrian-Steinweg is one of the oldest piano manufacturers in the world, and this piano is 100% produced in Germany by its dedicated staff who have worked for the company throughout their careers. This creates a wealth of experience. The Concertino is a true concert upright. Designed with substantial dimensions in every respect, the case consists of high-quality woods, the top panel carries an elegant inlaid oval, the star-shaped back-frame is made of two strong layers, the bass is full and rich, and the tone in the treble lingers with a large dynamic range. KEY FEATURES The touch and repetition have been reworked recently to give an even more Dimensions: 132cm (h), full and sensitive response. This piano 157cm (w), 66cm (d) stands alongside the very best but its Weight 295kg price is lower than many competitors. Finishes: Black polyester If you don’t have the space for a grand finish. Other finishes but you demand the sound of one, available to order you should seriously consider the 132 Pedals: 3: sustain, Concertino. practice (optional), soft To summarise: • 100% hand-made in Germany • 4-brace Renner action; Kluge Keyboard; Abel hammers • Traditional-style case with castors • Patented star-shaped back-frame

Extra features: Silent system, chrome fittings, ebony sharps, sostenuto pedal (all optional) Made in: Braunschweig, Germany PRICE: £25,899


08/11/2016 10:30

UPRIGHTS - £25,000 AND ABOVE

GROTRIAN-STEINWEG GmbH & Co. KG Pianofortefabrikanten Grotrian-Steinweg-Str. 2 D-38112 Braunschweig Deutschland Tel.: +49 531/210 10 0 Fax: +49 531/210 10 40 [email protected] www.grotrian.de

Steingraeber 130

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he Model 130 is Steingraeber’s most popular upright piano, awarded the ‘world’s best’ prize for uprights in Paris. The Model 130 is often chosen in preference by music conservatoires over mass-produced grand pianos due to the faster repetition, the rich, full and flexible sound. Acoustically and mechanically, this instrument offers the quality of a 160cm grand piano. The Model 130 is an exceptional hand-built German piano which has the additional option of the patented SFM (Steingraeber-FerroMagnet) action which perfectly replicates the feel of a grand piano. It is available with three choices of action, each providing a different touch to suit the player: • Classic Steingraeber version (130 K and all other models) • 130 T PS (Professional Studio) with accelerated repetition and sostenuto pedal • 130 T SFM (Steingraeber-Ferro-Magnet-action) with a repetition point at 1-2mm (8-9mm key-depth, like a grand pianos) The tone is well rounded and particularly powerful in the bass, normally characteristic of a considerably larger piano. The action is designed to satisfy the most demanding pianists and the touch of the piano will KEY FEATURES respond to the subtlest nuance, for all styles of play. Dimensions: 130cm (h), Although less widely known than the 63cm (d), 149cm (w) biggest names in the piano world, the Finishes: Choice of all Steingraeber 130 holds its own against veneers and colours the finest instruments in the world. available The Steingraeber name is a well-kept Pedals: 3: including secret which should be brought to the sostenuto as option attention of more discerning pianists, Made in: Bayreuth, and anyone who wants to experience Germany the best and most refined pianos made. PRICE: POA


08/11/2016 10:32


Blüthner S

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rom its sheer physical size, to the way it is constructed with red beech-cored back posts, and its remarkable soundboard size, the Blüthner Model S is an impressive upright piano. The instrument is best suited to a location where a large grand piano sound is required without taking a grand piano floor-space: it is the crowning achievement of the Blüthner upright piano collection. The Blüthner Model S offers the player an enveloping beauty of tone in all registers and a fullness of sound that is only comparable to the experience of playing one of the company’s grand pianos. Where the dimensions of a standard, full-sized upright piano have long been set across the musical world, the Blüthner craftsmen have KEY FEATURES increased the height, depth and width of the instrument in this beautifully Dimensions: 145cm (h) proportioned design. Founded on Finishes: many, but the basis of a century and a half of mainly black bright piano-making experience, the Blüthner Pedals: 3: una corda, Model S has an extraordinary musical practice (celeste), capacity and, furthermore, may be sustain considered an ideal centrepiece for any Extra features: Can have music room, professional studio or a sostenuto pedal fitted classroom. and is easily adapted The model S is Blüthner’s throwback to accommodate to a time when upright pianos the Blüthner silent were much larger, but with all the ‘Moontime’ system developments in technology, materials Made in: Leipzig, and scale design, this fully hand-made Germany piano outshines the competition. PRICE: £32,276

Bösendorfer 130 CL

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any believe the Bösendorfer 130 CL sounds like a grand piano. The argument has even been made that the Bösendorfer 130 CL is the finest upright piano. Bösendorfer has transferred its craftsmanship and sound philosophy from grand pianos into this premium upright piano. A popular choice with discerning pianists, the 130 CL’s action is set up by hand with great precision to ensure the best possible playability and responsiveness of touch. The 130 CL is endowed with a rich, powerful tone that is at once commanding, resonant and articulate, while retaining the dark, warm sound that is instantly recognisable as Bösendorfer. Hand crafted by Bösendorfer’s artisans using grand piano grade materials, the classic console design is available not only in polished ebony but also in a huge range KEY FEATURES of premium wood finishes. • Grand piano grade material • Austrian spruce soundboard • Five Austrian spruce backposts • Solid Austrian spruce keybed • Bösendorfer hand-made bass strings • Long keys for greater response • Elegant cabinet

Dimensions: 132cm (h), 64cm (w), 153cm (d) Finishes: Various finishes available on request Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, damper Made in: Vienna, Austria PRICE: £32,530


08/11/2016 10:32


C. Bechstein Concert 8

Steinway & Sons K

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ntroduced in 1903, the Steinway Model K features a larger soundboard than many grands, for a more resonant voice. It is the choice for professional players seeking an upright instrument, and well-suited to all sizes of homes and apartments. Since 1853, Steinway & Sons pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty and investment value. Handcrafting each Steinway requires up to one full year, and the resultant creation is an instrument of rare quality and global renown. Not surprisingly, Steinway remains the preferred instrument of concert artists, as well as countless pianists, composers, and performers around the world. Modern Steinway & Sons pianos are still distinguished by founder Henry E. Steinway’s guiding principle: ‘Build the best piano possible... Make no compromise in quality.’ Where some have substituted mass-produced, synthetic components to speed piano production or reduce KEY FEATURES costs, Steinway applies technologies and new materials only when they provide Dimensions: 132cm (h), proven enhancements in the piano. 154cm (w), 67cm (d) Compromise quality, and you risk the Weight 273kg sound, the touch, and ultimately, the Finishes: Ebonised satin, integrity of the instrument. ebonised high gloss, Today, Steinway remains at the helm mahogany high gloss, of piano innovation. Over the past walnut high gloss decade, the company’s improvements Pedals: 3: soft, in craftsmanship and technology have sustaining, full resulted in greater precision, greater sostenuto. Heavy, solid uniformity of touch and greater sound brass quality, ensuring that today’s Steinway Made in: Germany is the finest Steinway yet. PRICE: £34,325

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he C. Bechstein Concert 8 is an unsurpassed professional piano, in keeping with all the C. Bechstein instruments favoured for more than 160 years for their unique sound, touch and durability, hand-made in Germany to a concert level of perfection. The C. Bechstein Concert 8 professional piano surpasses many runof-the-mill grands. Its acoustic assembly, sound volume and coloured voice, as well as its precise and highly responsive action, may surprise even the most demanding musicians who are used to the touch and sound volume of grand pianos. The acoustic assembly of the C. Bechstein Concert 8 upright is similar to that of the grands in the Masterpiece class. Among the features found in both the Concert 8 model and the C. Bechstein grands are the sophisticated dynamics, the colourful and even more subtly graduated timbre, and the optimized sound development. Moreover, the sound profile of the C.Bechstein Concert 8 upright has been improved and is now even more cantabile and enduring. Such outstanding characteristics explain why several revered musical artists, including Simon & Garfunkel, Sir Simon Rattle and the Beatles, made this exceptional professional piano their favoured working instrument. The C. Bechstein Concert 8 lays claim to the ‘king of KEY FEATURES uprights’. The Concert 8 piano is available in Dimensions: 131cm (h), the highest-quality, high-polish black 154cm (w), 62cm (d) polyester finish as well as a selection of Finishes: Black, white, beautiful wood veneers, including burl walnut, mahogany as walnut, pyramid mahogany, bubinga well as many special and burl vavona. veneers The C. Bechstein Concert 8 is Pedals: 3 (optional described by many as the world’s finest sostenuto) upright piano, hand crafted for concert Made in: Germany performance. PRICE: £34,990 (Black)


08/11/2016 10:33

GRANDS

£6,000-£10,000

Bentley 148 Baby Grand

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ollowing a British heritage dating back to 1906, Bentley pianos today are made by Pearl River Piano Group, the largest piano maker in the world, environmentally and technically accredited, combining state-of-the-art machinery with the dedicated skills of hand craftsmanship. Bentley pianos feature an easy-to-play action enhancing the player’s control and touch response. Specially selected hammer felts, strings imported from Germany and sand-cast iron frames ensure a clean transfer of energy to the resonant, tapered, solid high-altitude spruce core-engineered soundboard, all of which enhance tone and are not typically found in similarly priced pianos. From the soft-close fallboard and tapered legs to the adjustable music desk and twin-position support for the bevel-edged top lid, this is a beautifully designed baby grand piano. The longer key depth enables you to control and feel the music projecting from both sides of the soundboard. This European-styled grand piano is ideal for those with restricted space or access but who have a taste for the tone and touch of a grand piano. The Bentley 148cm/4ft 10in baby KEY FEATURES grand piano is available in a choice of black or white high-polish finishes. Dimensions: 148cm (l), This beautiful piece of furniture is 149cm (h) also available with an internet-driven Finishes: Black, white self-player system. You can enjoy the Pedals: 3 majestic splendour of the king of Made in: Guangzhou, instruments at a price lower than China many uprights. PRICE: £6,999 (black)

Irmler F148

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he 148 Irmler grand is designed and specifically manufactured for installation in places where the shape and sound (and playing touch) of a grand piano are required with limited floor-space. This sophisticated, compact grand is exceedingly popular not only where there is limited space but where a robust instrument is required alongside other makes of style and simplicity. Pianists will be surprised by the deep and full tone offered by an instrument only 148cm in length.

KEY FEATURES Dimensions: 148cm (l) Finishes: Black or white bright Pedals: 3: una corda, sostenuto, sustain Extra features: A ‘Moontime’ silent system or player system can be fitted at extra cost Made in: Made for Blüthner in Asia PRICE: £7,995

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10/11/2016 15:10

Schimmel –the moSt

highly awarded

german Piano

In France, instrument tests have a long tradition. Professional musicians have tested upright and grand pianos for the magazines Le Monde de la Musique, Diapason, Classica and Pianiste.

Konzert 175 Tradition

Konzert 125 Noblesse

Classic

Classic

Classic

213 Tradition

189 Tradition

169 Tradition

Classic

120 Elegance Manhattan

Classic 169 Tradition

Classic

International

120 Elegance Manhattan

182 Tradition

Wilhelm

Wilhelm

Wilhelm

Vogel

May Berlin

118 Tradition

118 Tradition

114 Tradition

115 Tradition

121 Tradition

May Berlin

May Berlin

121 Tradition

121 Tradition

Your keys to happiness

Since 1988 Schimmel has recieved the most awards among all piano manufactures. Come and test your keys to happiness.

SchimmEl K o nzert www.schimmel-pianos.de

33 | PIANIST Piano Buyer’s Guide 2017 P33 Ads.indd 33

08/11/2016 11:20

GRANDS - £6,000-£10,000

Kawai GL-10

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Kemble KC151

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s the most affordable and compact Kemble grand piano model ever, the KC151 has been elegantly styled and finished to the highest standards. At only 151cm in length, this instrument is the perfect choice where space is limited. However, despite its compact proportions, this Kemble grand offers a full and resonant tone that is comparable to many larger instruments. Like all Kemble pianos, the KC151 undergoes a stringent final preparation process in the UK. With its broad dynamic range and rich tone the KC151 is a perfect example of this much-loved and KEY FEATURES well-respected piano brand. • Advanced scale design • Balanced action, specially designed for the KC151 • Soft-close fall • Solid European spruce soundboard • Hand finished in the UK

Dimensions: 151cm (l), 146cm (w), 99cm (h) Finishes: Black polyester Pedals: 3: soft, muffler, damper Made in: Indonesia PRICE: £8,520

L-10 is the latest incarnation of Kawai’s popular small grand piano model, having replaced the highly successful GM-10 in 2015. The latest model brings the Millennium III ABS Carbon grand piano action to the most affordable price point ever. This affords the GL-10 a range of expressive control that makes it a potential candidate for a wider range of players, including more advanced players who, for technical work, need the level of responsiveness the extended key length brings. The laws of physics dictate that baby grands have their limitations, but you’ll find the GL10 can produce a fuller, stronger sound than you would expect, making it a real pleasure for situations where you want a grand but have only limited space. Practicalities haven’t been compromised either, with a music desk which is as fully adjustable as that on any Kawai grand: important for comfortable playing, and something you can’t take for granted on every grand of this size and price. If you can accommodate something slightly longer, the 166cm GL-30 (made in Japan) magnifies all the qualities of the GL-10, adding a greater sense KEY FEATURES of dynamic and tonal ease that comes with the increased string length and Dimensions: 153cm (l), soundboard area. The GL-Series is 150cm (w), 102cm (h) completed by a 188cm GL-50 model. Finishes: EP (ebony For those wishing to add a self-playing polished), WP (white system, the steel-reinforced keybed, polished) precise action, and overall structural Pedals: 3 integrity make the GL-Series pianos Made in: Indonesia ideal for professionally fitted afterPRICE: £8,444 (EP), market systems such as PianoDisc iQ. £9,222 (WP)


08/11/2016 10:35

GRANDS - £10,000-£20,000

Zimmermann Z160

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Yamaha GB1

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ith its compact dimensions and surprisingly affordable price tag, the GB1 is an excellent choice for those who want to develop their piano skills on a real Yamaha grand piano within a smaller room and budget. Offering an unexpected power and projection for a piano of this size, the KEY FEATURES GB1 features a highly regarded key action, manufactured in-house, to Dimensions: 151cm (l), provide smooth, consistent response 146cm (w), 99cm (h) and reliable service. Yamaha’s noFinishes: Polished compromise approach to materials ebony, polished and levels of craftsmanship is evident mahogany, polished in the classically elegant cabinet with American walnut, soft fall lid, available in gleaming polished white polished ebony, white or a range of Pedals: 3: soft, beautiful wood finishes. sostenuto, damper • Soft fall lid for added safety • Upgraded frame for better consistency of tone • Compact size to suit most homes • Exceptional value for money

Extra features: also available as SG2 Silent Piano and Disklavier Enspire Made in: Indonesia PRICE: from £10,127

immermann pianos, designed by C. Bechstein and manufactured in China, present a range of instruments for those wanting to enter the world of pianos without compromising on quality and at surprisingly affordable prices. The Zimmermann Z160 grand piano is just the ticket for small apartments and limited budgets. This affordable baby grand adds a touch of elegance to any room and offers you an extraordinary touch and sound. A reliable piano, the Z160 boasts all the features of an instrument that has been carefully honed: a high-quality action, a harmonious sound and a pleasant volume. Moreover, this baby grand fits into any small music room and bears the ‘Designed by Bechstein’ seal that inspires confidence. Bechstein specialists check all the Zimmermann pianos at the production site and only grant the Bechstein quality seal to instruments that are truly worthy. This rigorous procedure guarantees that the Zimmermann Z160 is a particularly affordable yet fine-quality KEY FEATURES instrument. Moreover this baby grand boasts a sound that will be music to Dimensions: 160cm (l), your ears, at an affordable price. 150cm (w) The Z160 is available in classic, Finishes: Black high-polish black polyester with brass Pedals: 3 fittings and golden colour frame. Made in: China, Designed and controlled by designed and controlled C. Bechstein, it is an affordable by C. Bechstein work of art. PRICE: £10,290


08/11/2016 10:36

GRANDS - £10,000-£20,000

Ritmüller by Pearl River 188 Professional

Essex by Steinway & Sons EGP-155C

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he smallest grand piano from Essex, the EGP-155C is not small when it comes to volume, thanks to Steinway-designed features to maximize the potential of this instrument. The perfect entry-level piano for beginners, the Essex piano is designed by Steinway, manufactured globally, and incorporates Steinway & Sons’ latest design specifications and engineering standards, as well as the Steinway commitment to excellence developed over 160 years of quality craftsmanship. Every Essex instrument is inspected by a team of highly experienced Steinway & Sons trained technicians before it leaves the factory. Designed by Steinway & Sons in collaboration with renowned furniture designer William Faber, the Essex has been created as a tribute to the idea that beautiful piano styles and finishes can and should be possible in every price range. The Essex incorporates the latest design and engineering enhancements from Steinway’s dedicated research and development team. By utilising specially engineered materials, large-scale production techniques, and carefully selected manufacturing environments, the Essex is able to deliver a level of musical performance KEY FEATURES previously unattainable in its price range.  Dimensions: 155cm (l), Each Essex piano is backed by 151cm (w), 100cm (h) Steinway & Sons and serviced by Weight: 289kg Steinway-trained technicians. The Finishes: Ebonised Steinway Promise: If you decide to polish, walnut polish, trade-in your Essex piano for a new sapele mahogany polish Steinway grand piano at any time Pedals: 3: brass, full within ten years, you will receive a sostenuto trade-in credit equal to your original Made in: China purchase price. PRICE: £12,980

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he Ritmüller Professional 188cm/6ft 2in is a truly professional grand piano due to its solid design, long-standing reputation and affordable price. It is a performance instrument tailored to domestic home environments, smaller performance venues and demanding educational requirements. Boasting the tone of a concert grand piano but in comparatively compact proportions, the Professional is a popular choice for those seeking a larger grand piano with increased projection of tone, yet at an affordable price. The Ritmüller sound range is even and consistent with a bright treble, a full tenor and a rich bass. Together with an even and sensitive touch, Ritmüller pianos offer the potential of a perfect performance to pianists ranging from the beginner to the professional musician. Ritmüller uses the latest materials and precision manufacturing techniques to ensure the entire piano is made to the highest standards of quality and performance. The German firm of Ritmüller pianos dates from 1795 and today its products are made by the world’s largest piano maker, Pearl River. Established for over 60 years, Pearl River is renowned worldwide as China’s leading pioneer for acoustic and digital piano quality, production technology and value for money and is the only Government-appointed ‘National Technology Centre of Enterprise’ in the music industry. European piano masters, along with the research and development team of Pearl River Piano Group, continue the tradition of Ritmüller excellence and innovation. Traditional craftsmanship and state-of-theKEY FEATURES art computerized manufacturing techniques ensure a combination Dimensions: 188cm (l), of technical superiority and artistic 148cm (w) excellence which may be admired by Finishes: Black players of all abilities. Pedals: 3 A perfect mid-sized grand option Made in: from Pearl River, the world’s largest Guangzhou, China piano manufacturer. PRICE: £12,999


08/11/2016 10:36

GRANDS - £10,000-£20,000

W. Hoffmann V158

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Cavendish Baby Grand

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s with all Cavendish pianos, the key word is ‘tradition’. The Cavendish Baby Grand uses all wooden parts (no carbon fibre or new wonder-materials here!) to produce the tone that has graced English parlours and drawing-rooms for over a century. With hand-wound English copper strings, and an action lovingly built in Yorkshire, Cavendish grand pianos are a return to traditional British piano craftsmanship. ‘Each action (hammer and damper mechanism) requires over 100 hours of build-time to get the very best out of the materials,’ says Cavendish technician, Paul Mill. ‘There is no machine that can build an action better than doing the job by hand. It’s a long process but the results speak for themselves – there’s a KEY FEATURES difference between a piano that sounds “good” and one that truly sings!’ Dimensions: 152cm (l), With a stunning ebony case, subtle, 148 (w), 101cm (h) mellow tone and sensitive touch a Finishes: Ebony high Cavendish Baby Grand is the perfect gloss instrument to grace any home. Pedals: 3 A traditional English baby grand, Made in: England lovingly hand-built in Yorkshire. PRICE: £15,000

he W. Hoffmann Vision series V158 baby grand piano boasts a pleasant touch and a distinctively European, harmonious sound profile. This affordable baby grand piano from a highly successful range is manufactured in the Czech Republic by C. Bechstein Europe. The W. Hoffmann brand more than holds its own among its Asian competitors because C. Bechstein Europe draws upon its longstanding experience to produce quality instruments. The W. Hoffmann Vision V158 is a sturdy, powerful and affordable baby grand that owes its singing European voice not only to the excellent facilities run by C. Bechstein Europe, but also to the expertise of the highly qualified Czech production staff, who turn every instrument into a unique musical gem. Based in the Czech city of Hradec Kralove, C. Bechstein Europe has made an enormous investment in the latest production tools and materials: Computer Numerical Control machinery, iron frame finishing and high gloss polyester facilities. This investment leaves all-important time for skilled piano makers to refine the instruments before shipping around the world. For many generations in Hradec Kralove, KEY FEATURES piano-making skills have been handed down within families, where the art Dimensions: 158cm (l), of piano production is so much more 151cm (w) than a manufacturing process. Skill, Finishes: Black, white, dedication and precision all result in walnut, mahogany wonderful pianos from the Bohemian polyester heartlands of Europe. Pedals: 3 This is the most affordable, Made in: Czech Republic European-made grand piano from the by C. Bechstein Europe firm of C. Bechstein Europe. PRICE: £15,650 (Black)


08/11/2016 10:37

GRANDS - £10,000-£20,000

Boston by Steinway & Sons GP-156 PE

T Irmler F160E

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his exceedingly popular grand piano is available in a variety of wood finishes. The cases of these pianos (most especially the wood finishes) benefit from being made in Europe. The piano is installed in the Irmler manufacturing facility in the Far East before being set-up, regulated, toned and tuned in the Blüthner Leipzig factory. The piano’s full and sonorous tone has made it a popular choice for theatres, concert venues, places of worship and music schools alike.

Dimensions: 160cm (l) Finishes: Black (also white and many veneered finishes) Pedals: 3: una corda, sostenuto, sustain Extra features: Can easily be adapted to include a ‘Moontime’ silencing system Made in: Case manufactured in Europe, piano installed in Asia then finished in Leipzig PRICE: from £16,963

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he smallest Boston grand by size at 5ft 1½in (156cm), there is nothing small about the sound of the Boston GP-156 Performance Edition, which benefits from a wide tail design. The Steinway-designed Boston piano – long unrivalled in its class and unmatched in value – has been significantly enhanced with the introduction of the new Performance Edition. The Boston Performance Edition features improvements in materials, specifications and performance which have never before been experienced in the mid-price range of grand pianos. In comparison to other pianos, the Boston has less string tension which allows for a larger, tapered soundboard, creating longer sustain and more singing quality in the tone. Further engineering enhancements, which include optimal placement of ribs, braces and bridges, also contribute to the Boston’s superior tone and greater stability. The Boston grand offers a larger soundboard in comparison to other pianos of the same length, due to its innovative ‘wide tail’ design. Each Boston piano soundboard is crafted of Sitka spruce, long proven to be the most resonant material available. Boston soundboards are also precisely tapered, which allows them to vibrate more freely. In conjunction KEY FEATURES with a number of special technologies – unique patents of Steinway & Sons – Dimensions: 156cm (l), the result is a powerful, sustained tone. 151cm (w), 101cm (h) Fine veneers enhance the elegance of Weight: 311kg the Boston pianos, which are available Finishes: Ebonised in walnut and mahogany satin or polish polished finishes, as an alternative to Pedals: 3: brass, the classic ebonized finish. All of them full sostenuto are designed to delight the eye and Made in: Japan enhance the player’s experience. PRICE: £17,600


08/11/2016 10:37

Digital was never more natural Now available in a selection of upright and grand piano models, TransAcoustic will change your perception of what a piano can do. Incorporating specially developed transducers, TransAcoustic lets you play digital samples of other instruments, including our CFX concert grand, through the soundboard, with total control over their volume. Thanks to the piano’s natural resonance, samples come alive like never before and digital sounds can be blended with the acoustic sound too. Visit uk.yamaha.com to discover more.

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21/09/2016 08/11/2016 09:21 11:21

GRANDS - £10,000-£20,000

Wilhelm-Schimmel W180T

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his ‘new’ model is actually the venerable Schimmel 182T that has been manufactured in one form or another since the mid 1990s. The change in name denotes the move of production to the new, second Schimmel factory in Poland. This change brings with it a very welcome reduction in price without any loss in quality. The singing tone of the treble and rich round-toned bass is instantly familiar to all Schimmel piano lovers. It is a piano that brings out the beauty of every single note rewarding improving pianists with its musicality. At 5ft 11in (182cm), the piano suits most rooms and is big enough to impress with its full deep sound. Excerpted below is the review of this instrument which was published in Le monde de la musique, an award-winning French music magazine which conducts blind tests of pianos: ‘Quite obviously developed for discriminating musicians and offered at a very reasonable price. The excellent action, originally developed for the larger models, enables a true liaison with the sound. The very beautiful development of KEY FEATURES the timbres in Liszt’s Mazeppa, as well as in Chopin’s Ballade No 4, requires Dimensions: 182cm (l), an expanded sonority with clarity, in 145cm (w), 103cm (h) which every step in the build-up of Finishes: Black, white, the sound is observed. France Cidat mahogany and Caroline Sageman unanimously Pedals: 3 recognise the ability of the instrument Extra features: to precisely express their playing Schimmel Twin Tone intentions and the possibility of (silent) system; wide emphasising the natural sound. With variety of casework this piano, Schimmel unequivocally styles offers a grand capable of rendering the Made in: Poland piano repertoire from its best side.’ PRICE: £18,900

Yamaha C1X

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very inch of the compact C1X exudes Yamaha’s passion for the ideal piano with its superb balance and rich tone. The CX Series was designed and built on the knowledge, techniques and experience gained during the 19 years of development that Yamaha put into creating its flagship CFX concert grand. The CX Series extends this work further, offering a clear sound with a perfect attack, sparkling tone and transparent harmonies, all encased in an elegant, flowing form. The result is a series of instruments that is refined in tone yet bold in design. Meticulous regulation and voicing performed by Yamaha’s highly skilled specialists gives these grand pianos a beautifully rich resonance. The end result is a bright, clear, KEY FEATURES ‘singing’ tone, rich harmonics, and a depth of expressiveness to satisfy even Dimensions: 161cm (l), the most demanding performer. 149cm (w), 101cm (h) • ‘Crown’ solid European spruce soundboard • Laminated treble bridge • Overhanging bass bridge • European spruce ribs • German-manufactured strings • Hammers based on the CFX design • Three back posts Learn more about the CX series range from the free iBook. Just search for ‘Yamaha Music Europe’ in the Apple iBook store.

Finishes: Polished ebony, polished mahogany, polished white, satin ebony, satin American walnut Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, damper Extra Features: Also available with SH Silent Piano System, TransAcoustic and Disklavier Enspire Made in: Japan PRICE: from £19,106


08/11/2016 10:38

GRANDS - £10,000-£20,000 / £20,000-£35,000

Kawai GX-2

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he GX-2 is a 180cm grand piano, one of six GX-Series models made at Kawai’s award-winning Ryuyo facility in Japan. It is crafted to reward experienced players including professionals, but also to inspire those at an earlier stage in their development. The GX-2 offers an increased level of clarity over previous models, while further enhancing the flexibility of tone, dynamic range, and long speaking-length for which Kawai grands are known. This combination proves very rewarding, particularly in shaping melodic lines and in exploring voice-leading, the voicing of chords and the handling and resolution of harmonic structure. Kawai cites a demanding selection process for the materials used in the soundboard, bridges, ribs, and inner rim as central to achieving this, as well as the particular attention paid to the overall rigidity of the instrument. Playing the GX-2 feels more like enjoying a full-size concert grand, the longer keys having an increased pivot length to offer greater control over the instrument’s musical capabilities. The consistent touch weight is particularly helpful for those works in challenging key signatures or with copious accidentals, where playing further KEY FEATURES towards the back of the keys reduces the need for unnecessary changes Dimensions: 152cm (w), of hand position. The Millennium 180cm (l), 102cm (h) III action, utilising an ABS-Carbon Finishes: EP (ebony compound also used in the aeronautics polished); WP (white industry, offers increased stability polished) and BWP and durability, and maximises the (brown walnut polished) responsiveness of all GX-Series also available by special instruments. order The GX-2’s combination of touch Pedals: 3 and tone makes it ideal for concert Made in: Japan preparation, but also for performances PRICE: £19,222 (EP); in smaller venues, including music£21,666 (WhP); education settings. £23,555 (BWP)

Ritmüller Premium GH212R semi-concert

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itmüller’s Premium GH212R concert series grand piano is created by European and American master piano-design consultants. This wonderful piano has everything to impress the professional teacher or performer: European craftsmanship and design, a tapered, solid-spruce soundboard, Renner concert grade hammers, multi-laminated beech pin block, functioning duplex scale and much more. This new version of a long-popular model demonstrates the marriage of precision-assembly technology and hand craftsmanship to be expected by discriminating piano enthusiasts. The Ritmüller sound range is even and consistent with a bright treble, a full tenor and a rich bass. Together with an even and sensitive touch, Ritmüller Premium concert pianos offer a rewarding alternative to the established concert-stage brands at a fraction of their price, ideally suited to schools and institutions which have a modest budget. Ritmüller uses the latest materials and precision-manufacturing techniques to ensure the entire piano is made to the highest standards of quality and performance. The German firm of Ritmüller pianos dates from 1795 and today its products are made by the world’s largest piano maker, Pearl River. Established for over 60 years, Pearl River is renowned worldwide as China’s leading pioneer for acoustic and digital piano quality, production technology and value for money and is the only GovernmentKEY FEATURES appointed ‘National Technology Centre of Enterprise’ in the music Dimensions: 212 cm (l), industry. Traditional craftsmanship 151cm (w) and state-of-the-art computerized Finishes: Black manufacturing techniques ensure a Pedals: 3 combination of technical superiority Made in: Guangzhou, and artistic excellence which may be China admired by players of all abilities. PRICE: £21,999


08/11/2016 10:39

GRANDS - £20,000-£35,000

Boston by Steinway & Sons GP-178 PE

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t 5ft 10in (178cm), the GP-178 Performance Edition is the perfect grand for any teaching studio or music room. The Steinway-designed Boston piano – long unrivalled in its class and unmatched in value – has been significantly enhanced with the introduction of the new Performance Edition. The Boston Performance Edition features improvements in materials, specifications and performance never before seen in the mid-price range. In comparison to other pianos, the Boston has less string tension which allows for a larger, tapered soundboard, creating longer sustain and more singing quality in the tone. Other engineering enhancements, which include optimal placement of ribs, braces and bridges, also contribute to the Boston’s superior tone and greater stability. The Boston grand offers a larger soundboard in comparison to other pianos of the same length, due to its innovative ‘wide tail’ design. This wider construction of the case means that a 5ft 10in Boston grand has the same soundboard area as a typical 6ft 2in grand piano. KEY FEATURES Each Boston piano soundboard is crafted of Sitka spruce, long proven Dimensions: 178cm (l), to be the most resonant material 151cm (w), 102cm (h) available. Boston soundboards are also Weight: 333kg precisely tapered, which allows them Finishes: Ebonised to vibrate more freely. In conjunction polish, mahogany with a number of special technologies satin, mahogany – unique patents of Steinway & Sons – polish, walnut satin, the result is a powerful, sustained tone. walnut polish, snowFine veneers enhance the elegance of white Polish the Boston pianos, which are available Pedals: 3: soft, full in walnut and mahogany satin or sostenuto, damper polished finishes, as an alternative to (sustaining). Heavy solid the classic ebonized finish. All of them brass casting are designed to delight the eye and Made in: Japan enhance the player’s experience. PRICE: £23,250

Phoenix A170

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he Phoenix Model A170 is the smallest grand in a range of eight pianos (three uprights: 122, 130 and 138cm height, and five grands: 170, 192, 212, 232 and 272cm length), designed in the UK for use by professionals and skilled amateurs. Phoenix pianos contain world-leading technology. The high acoustic efficiency bridge agraffes remove string down-bearing loads, freeing the soundboard to vibrate without restriction and thus enhancing instrument performance. Life-limiting, gradual soundboard collapse is thereby also eliminated. A computer optimised, ultra-thin carbon fibre soundboard generates more high-quality sound from the same finger energy input and also affords climate resistance. The exceptionally responsive, sensitive, low friction and humidity resistant WNG action is made of composites including carbon fibre. This modestly priced baby grand has a performance normally associated with pianos of far greater size. It is ideal for public performance KEY FEATURES in medium-sized venues. Pianist Anton Lyakhovsky remarks: Dimensions: 153cm ‘When playing my Phoenix Model (w), 60cm (h), 170cm (l) A170, it is difficult to remember this Finishes: Under lid and baby isn’t a full size concert grand. rim: white maple. Desk The lightning-fast action enables a lyre and fall fascia: burl special performance not available on walnut. Case: black high any other piano I have encountered. polish polyester The deep, powerful and rich bass sound Pedals: 3: sustaining, is unequalled in any piano of similar sostenuto, una corda dimensions.’ Extra features: SE 2 Hear the Phoenix A170 in recording and self play performance, or visit our Sevenoaks facility, sequenced half studios: www.hurstwoodfarmpianos. blow pedal, any of over co.uk (by appointment please at 100 wood finishes, weekends). You can compare the matching bench Phoenix range with other leading Made in: Components makes of piano including Steingraeber, and parts in Germany. Bechstein, Steinway and Blüthner. Assembly and finishing UK mainland delivery to ground in UK floor and free first service. PRICE: £23,390 excl VAT


08/11/2016 10:40

GRANDS - £20,000-£35,000

Cavendish Boudoir Grand

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s with other Cavendish models, the emphasis is on dynamic range. ‘Dynamic range is everything,’ explains Adam Cox of Cavendish. ‘The greater the range, the greater the artistic palette for expression. Most people know that as a piano is struck harder the tone becomes more bright. If a piano is bright-toned even when played softly, there is little potential for a broad dynamic range. This is why we do not conform to the modern trend of building bright-toned pianos – it constricts this all-important range. There is more to a mellow tone piano than meets the eye (or ear).’ If you want the technical side: In comparison to similar-sized grands, the Cavendish Boudoir Grand has less string tension, which is spread evenly over the length of the bridge. This reduced string tension allows for a larger soundboard, creating longer sustain, and a richer, singing quality in the tone (as well as longer piano life). A wealth of other engineering enhancements, including optimal placement of ribs and bridges, also contribute to the Cavendish’s superior tone, stability and longevity. The Cavendish Boudoir grand piano also offers a larger soundboard in comparison to other pianos of the same length, due to its innovative ‘wide tail’ design. This wider construction of the case means that the Cavendish 186cm Boudoir Grand has the same soundboard area as a typical 196cm grand piano. This creates the power, complexity and character of sound, as well as the feel of playing a KEY FEATURES much larger piano. Cavendish pianos are hand-crafted in England without Dimensions: 186cm (l), compromise. 148cm (w), 100cm (h) This is a top-of-the-range British Finishes: Ebony high piano, with superb dynamic range, gloss responsive hand-built action, and Pedals: 3 is ideal for home recital and smaller Made in: England concert use. PRICE: £25,000

W. Hoffmann Tradition T186

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he largest parlour grand piano within the successful Tradition series, the W. Hoffmann T186 model embodies the coveted European acoustic quality. Its well-balanced, durably pleasant and richly coloured voice stems from the ‘C. Bechstein genes’ – a quality that’s rooted in the great German tradition of piano-making. C. Bechstein Europe’s Czech production site is unique on the continent. Its 150 skilled employees work in recently refurbished halls equipped with state-of-the-art technology and make every grand using production processes that combine craftsmanship and innovative methods. This investment of time for highly skilled piano makers to refine the instruments makes the difference compared to other makers’ mass production. For many generations in Hradec Kralove, piano-making skills have been handed down within families, where the art of piano production is so much more than a manufacturing process. Skill, dedication and precision all result in wonderful pianos from the Bohemian heartlands of Europe. The action of the W. Hoffmann T186 parlour grand piano boasts a wide dynamic range and is therefore suited to any musical interpretation. The entire instrument is made in the Czech Republic by C. Bechstein Europe specialists, who even voice the hammerheads KEY FEATURES manually. C. Bechstein Europe’s well-trained specialists know how Dimensions: 186cm (l), to make a parlour grand piano with 153cm (w) a pleasant sound, primarily because Finishes: Black, white, piano-making enjoys a long tradition walnut and mahogany in the region. polyester The Tradition T186 is a traditionally Pedals: 3 hand-crafted, European-made grand Made in: Czech Republic piano which surpasses Japanese by C. Bechstein Europe alternatives for the price. PRICE: £25,990 (Black)


08/11/2016 10:40

GRANDS - £20,000-£35,000

Schimmel Classic C169T

Kawai GX-5

he Schimmel 169 is regarded by many as the best piano in the world of its size. In fact Schimmel doesn’t believe it is possible to make a high-quality grand any smaller than this 5’ 7” model. The open angle of the two sides, common with all the instruments in the Schimmel ranges, are particularly effective on this size model as it maximises the area of the soundboard, length of strings for a given size and eliminates right angles which inhibit the vibrations in the soundboard. Combined with an action originally designed for a 7ft grand this KEY FEATURES truly is a piano that belies its size. The final words are left to Thierry Dimensions: 169cm (l), Faradji of Le monde de la Musique: 154cm (w), 102cm (h) ‘The C169 Tradition was honoured Finishes: Black, white, by our two pianists. François Dumont mahogany polish and noted that it has, “very special and fine exotic wood finishes to nuances with much personality.” It is order. Various casework “brilliant, clear and shows an excellent styles available tonal development.” The registers are Pedals: 3: sustaining, perfectly balanced with a splendid una corda, sostenuto and sparkling treble, warm bass and Extra features: rich middle section. Prisca Benoît Schimmel TwinTone judged the touch and action as “very (silent) system, prepared comfortable”. It is “effective and it is for easier installation of easy to control the power at the keys.” player system, chrome Our musicians name the instrument fittings, wide variety of a “piano for soloists”, which is perfect casework styles for the work of a concert pianist and Made in: EU, Germany for the interpretation of the romantic BVK DE Certificated repertoire.’ PRICE: £27,900

n larger teaching and rehearsal spaces, and medium-sized performance venues, you often need a larger piano to fill the room with sound, without going as far as a 9 foot concert grand. The 200cm Kawai GX-5 is ideal for these situations sharing the philosophy and attention to detail of the GX-2, also featured here, but benefitting from the even greater tonal depth, power, and dynamic range offered by the larger soundboard area and increased string length. All GX-Series grand pianos feature Kawai’s premium Neotex key surfaces which enhance the tactile pleasure of playing, and have moisture absorbent characteristics to aid control. Also common to the entire GX-Series range are hammers using finest quality, longhaired New Zealand and Australian wool. As well as other carefully selected materials and the overall structural rigidity of the instrument, these contribute to the sound of the GX-5, which offers a flexible combination of power, rounded sonority and clarity. The Millennium III action provides precision and responsiveness to make the most of this capability, including changes from large-scale fortissimo passages to the most intimate and controlled pianissimo playing. The GX-5 is proving a popular choice. Recently, the Director of Music at Norwich High School selected one for their main hall. KEY FEATURES If your need is for something slightly smaller than the GX-5, but larger Dimensions: 200cm (l), than the GX-2, there is also a 188cm 153cm (w), 102cm (h) GX-3 (£24,111 RRP). The Yehudi Finishes: EP (ebony Menuhin School recently took polished) delivery of five GX-3s for teaching Pedals: 3 and rehearsal rooms in their new Made in: Japan Music Department building. PRICE: £28,888 (EP)

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08/11/2016 10:41

GRANDS - £20,000-£35,000

Yamaha C3XTA

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Haessler 175

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aessler pianos are manufactured in Leipzig alongside Blüthner pianos but offer their own distinctive voice. Crafted by hand, the frame of the smallest model in the Haessler grand piano range offers a sharp defined attack matched by a deep singing tone. The bass has the richness expected of a piano made by these expert craftsmen and is well matched in higher registers. The same veneers perfected for the Blüthner range have been used to make a beautiful range of pianos built to impress. Given the robust action and depth in sonority, pianists professional and amateur alike would do well to find a space for this instrument in their homes and studios. Being hand-made in such a KEY FEATURES prestigious factory, the Haessler grand pianos (with sold spruce Dimensions: 175cm (l) soundboards, Renner actions and Finishes: Black, Abel hammers) can be finished in white and 14 even the most exotic of veneers. veneered finishes It is currently available to order in Pedals: 3: una corda, black and white, as well as a variety of sostenuto, sustain 14 finishes: walnut satin, mahogany Extra features: satin, cherry satin, and cherry / yew frequently fitted with satin, as well as black bright, white either a ‘Moontime’ bright, walnut bright, mahogany silent system or a bright, cherry bright, cherry / yew player system bright, burr walnut bright, bubinga Made in: Leipzig, bright, palisander rosewood bright Germany and pyramid mahogany bright. PRICE: from £31,511

ransAcoustic is a new breed of piano. Take a professional quality acoustic grand piano – the same piano that has become the choice of many of the world’s leading music conservatoires. Now imagine that you can enjoy this piano at any volume level – with or without headphones. Imagine then that this piano allows you to immerse yourself in the unique experience of playing together with an orchestra, and can connect you with the outside world and let you share your performances with your family and friends. You have just imagined TransAcoustic. Based on the legendary C3 Conservatoire series grand, the C3XTA provides all the delicate control and resonant tone of its fully acoustic counterpart – and can be played in fully acoustic, silent or TransAcoustic modes. You can even mix acoustic piano sound with digital sounds to create new, exciting, lush tonal textures. It’s difficult to imagine all the possibilities, so make sure you watch the demo video for a full run-through of the features. • Silent SH technology included: play any time on headphones • Ability to control volume of the piano in TransAcoustic mode •Blend acoustic piano and digital sounds without using external speakers • Play along to music from a USB or any music player via the AUX-IN jack • Connect to Yamaha apps for additional recording, social media and educational functionality Learn more about the CX series and TransAcoustic range from the free iBooks. Just search for ‘Yamaha Music Europe’ in the Apple iBook store.

KEY FEATURES Dimensions: 186cm (l), 149cm (w), 101cm (h) Finishes: Polished ebony, polished white, polished mahogany Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, damper Extra features: also available as acoustic only and Disklavier Enspire Made in: Japan PRICE: £32,921

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08/11/2016 10:42

GRANDS - £20,000-£35,000 / £35,000-£55,000

Bechstein B190

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August Förster 170cm Grand

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ere we have a smart, confident but not ostentatious piano. It is not for those who simply want to boast about the brand name or impress with exotic woods and lavish brass fittings. This is in the truest sense a musicians’ piano; hit the keys and the sound hits one back! The Renner hammers are pretty resilient and for the working musician this allows a tonal range that never ends. Perfectly suited to the nuances and precision of the most elegant masterpieces, the rough and tumble of prickly jazz or the dense, solid, stolid richness of late-Romantic piano repertoire. For those interested in the technical details; the firm of August Förster has been producing pianos in the same factory for over KEY FEATURES 150 years, making it one of the oldest piano factories in the world. Every Dimensions: 170cm (l) piano carries the BVK (German Piano Weight 350kg Maker Association) accreditation and is Finishes: Black satin, individually built by hand. The action black polyester, is by Renner and strings by Röslau. mahogany/walnut/ Ultimate tuning stability is guaranteed cherry satin, mahogany/ as each string has its own eye. walnut polyester The piano is for home use for those Pedals: 3: sustaining, who know what is well made and value una corda, sostenuto for money. Indeed, it is for those who Made in: Löbau, do not need large corporate interests to Saxony, Germany intrude on their music making. PRICE: £33,479

he research and development department of C. Bechstein continue to develop premium Bechstein pianos in the great tradition of the brand. Accordingly, all Bechstein instruments stand out from the competition, not only for their wide dynamic range and noble voice, but also for their fantastic, professionalquality action that boasts special hammerheads made by C. Bechstein in Germany. Bechstein pianos are manufactured in Germany incorporating the latest discoveries in the field of material technology. Long-term testing performed at the C. Bechstein production site determines the effect of even the slightest alteration to the original design, so that every acoustic assembly corresponds exactly to the targeted ideal. Nothing is left to chance thanks to automatic communication between the various machines, while manual post-processing of the action and acoustic assemblies make a jewel out of every B190 grand piano. A C. Bechstein instrument is the epitome of durability, beauty of sound and playing comfort. Bechstein instruments are tailored to the needs of demanding piano players, and have been inspiring music lovers the world over for more than 160 years in the domestic living room, stately mansion, concert stage and music conservatoire. The Bechstein B190 is an ideally sized grand piano with an attractive KEY FEATURES voice, clear and colourful tone and a pleasantly precise action that offers a Dimensions: 190cm (l), wealth of nuances. It is a perfect choice 153cm (w) for players looking to purchase the Finishes: Black, white, piano of a lifetime with the reassurance walnut and mahogany of knowing they have chosen one of polyester with special Germany’s finest pianos. finishes upon request The Bechstein B190 is available Pedals: 3 in black, white and a selection of Made in: Germany delightfully figured, special wood by C.Bechstein veneers. PRICE: £37,750 (Black)


08/11/2016 10:42

GRANDS - £35,000-£55,000

August Förster 215

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ometimes one has to learn the hard way. There are many grand pianos on the market that look just as shiny and well presented as the 215cm (7ft 2in) model, and it is true that many do not demand such serious investment. When a British opera house tried to move its Japanese instrument from one side of the rehearsal room to the other they had the trauma of a leg falling off. It was the last in a series of mishaps which had included poor tone quality and unstable tuning. It was the end of the line: a budget-priced piano was not going to work in this serious professional environment. The musical director of the opera house used a music studio which was equipped with the August Förster 215 grand piano, and soon sent the other staff in the music team to try it for themselves. This instrument is perfectly suited both to serious rehearsals and for music performances. The legs are fitted with iron interlocks and the large castors – KEY FEATURES which have brakes – are solid brass. An ‘A’ frame is not required and these Dimensions: 215cm (l) legs will not let you down. One could Weight: 470kg mention the Renner action and single Finishes: Black stringing, or the duplex scaling, but polyester only at the end of the day one is looking Pedals: 3: sustaining, at a piano that has it all. After the una corda, sostenuto company bought the 215cm August Made in: Löbau, Förster piano their comment was short Saxony, Germany and to the point – ‘Lovely piano!’ PRICE: £45,350

Grotrian-Steinweg Cabinet 192

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ales of the Grotrian-Steinweg Cabinet 192 grand count for more than 35% of the company’s grand piano production. This 6ft 3in piano combines tried and trusted methods of production with a timeless, quite simple and elegant design. This model is a traditionally shaped grand, which meets all of Grotrian’s quality specifications, suits any room and adds a touch of class. With a clear and open-coloured sound, this piano has found many admirers. The responsive touch can be compared to larger Grotrian-Steinweg grands as the action has recently been redesigned according to new construction principles. The Laukhuff keyboard, Abel hammerheads and Renner action are well-trusted materials which have been used in the piano industry for many decades, showing their reliability every day. KEY FEATURES The Cabinet 192 is a beautiful grand, with the character of a real Dimensions: 192cm (l), individualistic musician, chosen by 152cm (w), 100cm (h) both private musicians and institutions. Weight: 320kg • 100% hand made in Germany • 4-brace Renner action, Laukhuff keyboard • Abel hammers • Traditional style case with castors • Radial back frame • Hexagonal bass strings

Finishes: Black polyester finish. Other finishes available to order. Pedals: 3: sustain, sostenuto and soft Made in: Braunschweig, Germany PRICE: £46,000


08/11/2016 10:44

GRANDS - £35,000-£55,000

Shigeru Kawai SK-6L

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Yamaha S6

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he Yamaha S6 is an instrument of rare perfection, handcrafted from the very finest materials. With the expressive power only Yamaha pianos can provide, the S Series represents an answer to any ambitious pianist’s desire for a grand piano capable of transforming their visions into inspiring music. Individually assembled and handcrafted by Yamaha’s most skilled piano artisans, the S6 is conceived to satisfy the most discerning professionals. Recently redesigned to incorporate the latest Yamaha advances, KEY FEATURES it proudly reflects the pinnacle of piano-making expertise, and the apex Dimensions: 212cm (l), of artistry in those who play it. 154cm (w), 102cm (h) • Top quality, European spruce soundboard • Hand-cast iron frame made to precise specifications • High-grade hammer felt, meticulously processed • Ivorite white keys for natural touch

Finishes: Polished ebony Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, damper Extra features: Silent SH version available Made in: Japan PRICE: £51,892

awai’s premium piano range takes its name from Shigeru Kawai, the second president of the company, and father of the current president, Hirotaka Kawai. The six SK models are limited edition instruments, crafted by master piano artisans at the Ryuyo facility in Hamamatsu. In 1997, this was the first piano factory to be awarded a certification for excellence in environmental management. The SK-6L is the 214cm model in the range, and examples of this piano have, in the past year alone, been purchased by the Royal College of Music and The Yehudi Menuhin School. The choice of Shigeru Kawai for such esteemed institutions demonstrates the wonderful expressive opportunities offered by these instruments to the most ambitious players. Every Shigeru Kawai piano is crafted in a serene environment, where selecting and nurturing the finest possible materials to provide the most rewarding musical experience leads to completion times three to five times longer than normal. The time-honoured methods of the artisan are carefully combined with the benefits that modern technology can bring, including the use of an anechoic chamber, advanced materials, and digital design tools to extract the very best from each piano and each component part. This attention to the finest details continues with an exclusive visit by a master KEY FEATURES piano artisan to carry out a concertlevel regulation, tuning and voicing Dimensions: 214cm (l), within the first year of ownership. 154cm (w), 102cm (h) The best way to appreciate the Finishes: EP (ebony special qualities of these instruments polished) is to visit a Shigeru Kawai dealer for Pedals: 3 yourself, and delight in their musical Made in: Japan possibilities at first hand. PRICE: £53,333 (EP)


08/11/2016 10:45

August Förster Pianos 2016.ai

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August Förster August Förster ... with traditions and experience going back more than 150 years The August Förster factory is one of the oldest established piano factories in the world and it thrives in a corner of Saxony steeped in rich musical traditions. The craftmen work with an assurance and a love of their work; they believe that high quality pianos are produced using traditional skills. Their pianos are resilient, made to last, stand in tune, and offer a superb tonal range: on the world stage they are “A” grade pianos. All instruments carry the BVK (German Piano Maker Association) accreditation, certified 100% Made in Germany.

August Förster produce just a few hundred instruments each year, each is guaranteed for five years but will provide a lifetime of professional use.

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The range includes upright pianos at 116cm, 125cm and 134cm : black polyester is standard but wood finish (cherry, mahogany, walnut) are readily available. Grand pianos are available in four sizes - 170cm, 190cm, 215cm and 275cm.

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Prices start at £10,870 for upright pianos and at £31,270 for grand pianos. Stockists of August Förster in Britain are: Peregrine’s Pianos, 137A Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8TU (www.peregrines-pianos.com) Forsyth, 126 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GR (www.forsyths.co.uk)

Pictured is Derek Clark, Head of Music at Scottish Opera, Glasgow seated at the company’s new August Förster 215cm grand piano delivered in August.


08/11/2016 11:22

GRANDS - £35,000-£55,000 / £55,000 AND ABOVE

Schimmel Konzert K230T

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Blüthner 6

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he model 6 is the quintessential Blüthner grand piano. The pre-crowned solid spruce soundboard is glued on the back assembly. A red-beech frame liner is fitted exactly to the crown of the soundboard and fixes the frame at the proper height. This strong design is unique to Blüthner and holds the soundboard, giving it the freedom to develop the full spectrum of string vibrations. The back posts are manufactured from German red beech with pine laminated on each side. This makes it almost impossible for humidity KEY FEATURES changes to affect the piano. The famous Blüthner ‘Golden Tone’ Dimensions: 190cm (l) is achieved by the introduction of Finishes: Black bright; the Patented Blüthner Aliquot treble 14 other custom veneer stringing system. Here there is a fourth finishes are available to string in the treble section not struck order by a hammer, but which resonates Pedals: 3: una corda, sympathetically to enrich the whole sostenuto, sustain piano. Added to this is the almost Extra features: unique stringing where every string Often fitted with a is individually hitched. There are no player system returning strings in the treble section. Made in: Leipzig, This system leads to amazing tuning Germany stability and tonal excellence. PRICE: from £53,739

ne of the larger instruments in the six-model Konzert series grands, the Schimmel K230T is a recital grand perfectly suited both to ensemble and solo work. This model has won awards from three internationally recognised piano tests. The philosophy behind the Konzert series is that all the ideal concepts of the large 280cm concert grand should be consistently integrated into the smaller models and, where possible, with identical construction. This enables pianists to enjoy the outstanding touch and tonal characteristics of a large concert grand even when performing on smaller models. Perhaps most immediately obvious to the pianist is that the action is taken directly from the full-sized 280cm concert grand. Thus even the smallest K175 model benefits from exactly the same nuanced control available to the concert stage performer. There is no better instrument on which to practise. According to the report of Le Monde de la musique, ‘The musical possibilities of this instrument make an immediate impression. The overall tone of the instrument is rich and extremely well-balanced. All tonal registers are convincing in their individual characteristics: the treble range is clear and brilliant with KEY FEATURES no hint of aggressiveness. The medium range displays a wide palette of tonal Dimensions: 230cm (l), colour which opens natural melodic 154cm (w), 102cm (h) possibilities. The bass range has a Finishes: Black pleasant and open tonal colour with Pedals: 3: sustaining, excellent power reserves. The action is una corda, sostenuto faultless. Despite the somewhat light Extra features: Schimmel touch which enables a good tonal TwinTone (silent) control, the repetition is excellent. Made in: EU, Germany The tonal power of this model must (BVK DE certified) also be highlighted.’ PRICE: £55,000 + VAT


08/11/2016 10:45

GRANDS - £55,000 AND ABOVE

No image!

Steinway & Sons O

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Blüthner 4

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or all professional requirements, the Blüthner model 4 fits the demands of larger music rooms, smaller concert halls or music studios. Its 210cm length gives more power to its lyrical tone qualities so that it can more than meet the needs of the most demanding pianist. Users of the Blüthner model 4 have included Stevie Wonder and The Beatles; one proud owner wrote: ‘It can be powerful and strong, spoil you with romantic and lyrical sounds or just captivate the pianist and the audience’. This says it all.

Dimensions: 210cm (l) Finishes: Black bright; 14 other custom veneer finishes are available to order Pedals: 3: una corda, sostenuto, sustain Extra features: Often fitted with a player system Made in: Leipzig, Germany PRICE: from £61,987

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t 5ft 10¾in (180cm), the Model O is the largest of Steinway’s ‘small grands’. This piano is large enough to satisfy those who demand a full, rich sound, yet sized to fit in almost any home. Since 1853, Steinway & Sons pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value. Handcrafting each Steinway requires up to one full year – and the resultant creation is an instrument of rare quality and global renown. Not surprisingly, Steinway remains the preferred instrument of concert artists, as well as countless pianists, composers and performers around the world. Steinway & Sons pianos today are still distinguished by founder Henry E. Steinway’s guiding principle: ‘Build the best piano possible.... Make no compromise in quality.’ Where some have substituted massproduced, synthetic components to speed piano production or reduce KEY FEATURES costs, Steinway apply technologies and new materials only when they provide Dimensions: 180cm (l), proven enhancements in the piano. 147cm (w), 100cm (h) Compromise quality, and you risk the Weight 380kg sound, the touch, and ultimately, the Finishes: Ebonised satin, integrity of the instrument. ebonised high gloss, Today, Steinway remains at the helm mahogany high gloss, of piano innovation. Over the past walnut high gloss decade, the company’s improvements Pedals: 3: soft, in craftsmanship and technology have sustaining, full resulted in greater precision, greater sostenuto. Heavy, uniformity of touch and greater sound solid brass quality, ensuring that today’s Steinway Made in: Germany is the finest Steinway yet. PRICE: £64,775


08/11/2016 10:47


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Tap the play button to watch a video about the CF4

C. Bechstein M/P 192

Yamaha CF4 MJP

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he CF4 offers all the tonal colours and responsive playability of the CF Series in a smaller size, giving the most discerning pianists use of a top quality concert grand in their home, teaching studios or smaller concert venues. Working together with Yamaha, the award-winning Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires has selected a limited number of handcrafted CF4 pianos that meet her exacting standards. Each instrument bears her signature and is accompanied by a framed certificate of authenticity. Additionally, and with every signed Yamaha CF4 purchase, Yamaha will award a €1500 scholarship to support the next generation of young pianists – a passion shared by both Maria João and Yamaha. Maria João Pires says: ‘Selecting the pianos for this exciting scholarship programme was not an easy task. All the instruments I auditioned had exceptional sound qualities. I was particularly struck by the way the pianos were able to produce a beautiful sound across the entire tonal and dynamic spectrum from pianissimo to fortissimo.’ • Selected and signed by Maria João Pires • Hand made in Japan • Ivorite white keys and Ebony black keys • Hand wound bass strings • CFX grade materials Watch a video about the CF4 here: https://youtu.be/qUKIZBaVYOk

KEY FEATURES Dimensions: 191cm (l), 151cm (w), 102cm (h) Finishes: Polished ebony Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, damper Made in: Japan PRICE: £67,672

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and made in Germany, the Bechstein M/P 192 is a mid-sized yet powerful concert grand piano for the connoisseur. The model has been designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of music conservatories and demanding piano players. A professional action and a lyrical voice with wonderful colours, singing treble, powerful bass and perfect register transitions make the C. Bechstein M/P 192 irresistible. This is an instrument with a marvellous singing voice made for professionals and advanced piano players. The C. Bechstein M/P 192 model is a versatile, parlour grand piano that boasts all the manufacturing details typical of a concert grand. Although this model meets the requirements of recording studios and music conservatories, convenient dimensions and sound volume make it just as suitable for playing at home. Typical of all C. Bechstein concert grand pianos, the durability of the M/P 192 model is world-renowned and stems from manufacturing processes that involve a wealth of craftsmanship over several years. The membrane-soundboard system retains excellent tension and vibration. Hammerheads made in Germany by C. Bechstein set new standards for the piano industry. The M/P 192 incorporates the finest grade KEY FEATURES materials, select woods and the honed skills of master piano makers who have Dimensions: 192cm (l), inherited generations of experience in 153cm (w) the Saxony heartland of piano making. Finishes: Black, white Available in black, white and a and special finishes selection of delightfully figured upon request special wood veneers, the Bechstein Pedals: 3 M/P 192 is a high-end piano, hand Made in: Germany made in Germany. PRICE: £73,900


15/11/2016 10:52

Phoenix Carbiano The World’s First Carbon Fibre Grand Piano Presented by Phoenix Pianos Ltd, this piano is an extension of the existing range of British-designed Phoenix pianos with carbon fibre soundboard

Our innovative, lightweight, climate resistant instrument displays a high quality powerful sound controlled by the latest low friction carbon fibre/composite action Suitable for public recital or domestic use Highly authentic reproduction and recording facility available

Concert Grand Performance From A Baby Grand Hurstwood urstwood Farm Piano Studios The Hurst Crouch Bo Borough rough Green Sevenoaks Kent TN15 8TA Tel 01732 885050 Email [email protected]

Fax 01732 883030 Website www.phoenixpianos.co.uk


09/11/2016 11:15

GRANDS - £55,000 AND ABOVE TAP HERE

The Model B can also be fitted with Steinway’s selfplaying Spirio system. Tap here to find out more.

Steinway & Sons B

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his magnificent 6ft 11in (211cm) grand piano is often referred to by pianists as ‘the perfect piano’. It is a wonderfully balanced and versatile instrument that does extremely well in refined homes, teaching studios, and mid-sized venues. It is also available as a Steinway Spirio, which sets new standards for a highresolution player piano. Since 1853, Steinway & Sons pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value. Handcrafting each Steinway requires up to one full year – and the resultant creation is an instrument of rare quality and global renown. Not surprisingly, Steinway remains the preferred instrument of concert artists, as well as countless pianists, composers, and performers around the world. Steinway & Sons pianos today are still distinguished by founder Henry E. Steinway’s guiding principle: ‘Build the best piano possible.... Make no compromise in quality.’ Where some have substituted mass-produced, synthetic components to speed piano production or reduce costs, Steinway apply technologies and new materials only when they provide proven enhancements in the piano. Compromise quality, and you risk the sound, the touch, and ultimately, the KEY FEATURES integrity of the instrument. Today, Steinway remains at the Dimensions: 211cm (l), helm of piano innovation. Over 147cm (w), 100cm (h) the past decade, the company’s Weight 345kg improvements in craftsmanship and Finishes: Ebonised satin, technology have resulted in greater ebonised high gloss, precision, greater uniformity of touch mahogany high gloss, and greater sound quality – ensuring walnut high gloss that today’s Steinway is the finest Pedals: 3: soft, Steinway yet. sustaining, full The Model B can also be fitted with sostenuto. Heavy, Steinway’s self-playing Spirio system. solid brass Find out more here: Made in: Germany http://steinway.com/spirio PRICE: £79,950

August Förster 275

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ugust Förster pianos are built with traditional methods in a quiet part of Saxony. Away from the tourist trail, in a world that still cherishes and respects old customs, one can almost hear the approval of players from the past. Richard Strauss wrote in 1864: ‘The August Förster grand piano used during my last concert tour was a loyal companion to me. It is rich and melodic throughout the whole spectrum of sound and comfortable to play.’ In 1937 Sergei Prokofiev wrote: ‘I must say that I am pleased as ever playing your – August Förster – grand piano. It is in points of euphony [melody] truly superior in both bass and descant. Its mechanism allows me to reach all dynamic layers of sound with ease. Also, its tuning keeps very well. I openly congratulate you, Mr Förster, and would like to tell you that you have my highest respect.’ Of course the world has changed. The August Förster factory is one of the oldest in the world; during the postwar years of socialist government in East Germany, production compromises had to be KEY FEATURES made. Now, the company is moving into a new age. With a production line Dimensions: 275cm (l) of exceptionally high quality and lower Weight 550kg quantity, the firm of August Förster Finishes: Black offers a special alternative to some of polyester only the large corporate brands. Pedals: 3: sustaining, Those wishing to sample the ‘Super una corda, sostenuto Mondial’ need only make contact with Made in: Löbau, Peregrine’s Pianos and a visit to the Saxony, Germany factory can be arranged. PRICE: £82,120


15/11/2016 10:54

17671 Steinway Piano Guide 1/2 ad-Penthouse/Wang_Layout 1 21/09/2016 15:30


“s t e i n way a l l o ws m e t o u n f o l d t h e w o r l d o f i m a g i n a t i o n .”

YUJA WANG s t e i n way a r t i s t

Bösendorfer ‘Beethoven’ 200

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eethoven was born in Bonn in 1770 and moved to Vienna in 1792 where he lived and worked for the rest of his life until his death in 1827. During this period, Beethoven composed all of his immortal masterpieces further consolidating Vienna’s position as the musical centre of Europe. A year after Beethoven’s death, Ignaz Bösendorfer started his piano factory in 1828, drawing upon ideas of sound from Vienna’s cultural environment, which was profoundly influenced by Beethoven. Bösendorfer are proud to share this link in musical style. This limited edition model is a fitting tribute to the heritage they share. Many distinguished artists choose Bösendorfer pianos for their performance of Beethoven’s works for a truly authentic sound. The creation of the ‘Beethoven’ 200 is the ultimate tribute to the man who to this day exerts huge influence on the piano world. This is an instrument that will delight and astonish, a source of inspiration, KEY FEATURES and a homage from one of the world’s great piano manufacturers to one of its Dimensions: 201cm (l), greatest composers. 150cm (w), 99cm (h) • Hand crafted in Vienna • Extra long keys for greater dynamic and tonal control • Austrian spruce soundboard

STEINWAY HALL LONDON 4 4 m a ry l e b o n e l a n e , l o n d o n w 1 u 2 d b f o r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n o r t o a r r a n g e a p r i vat e a p p o i n t m e n t at o u r lond on showro oms, please call:

0207 487 3391 o r e m a i l i n f o @ s t e i n way. c o . u k

Finishes: Polished ebony Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, damper Made in: Vienna, Austria PRICE: £89,336


08/11/2016 10:54


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Schimmel K213 Glass

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ppearances may lead you to imagine it as a ‘lottery winning’ fantasy grand, but the Schimmel Glass Grand was originally conceived by Nikolaus Schimmel for an exhibition in 1951, as a practical way of showing the inner workings of a piano. This remarkable ‘one-off’ piano won so much praise and admiration that it is was eventually turned into a limited production instrument – the factory’s maximum output of this model is 12 pianos per year. As you can imagine this instrument has proven popular with the more KEY FEATURES showman/rock side of the music business. It has been the piano of Dimensions: 169cm (l), choice for artists such as Ray Charles, 154cm (w), 102cm (h) Lenny Kravitz and Dame Edna Finishes: Black with gold Everage. Glass grands may also be frame and natural colour found in some of the most exclusive soundboard; white addresses in the world, including super with white frame and yachts! Three glass grands were once soundboard used together for the ‘Oil Barons Ball’ Pedals: 3: sustaining, at the Savoy Hotel. una corda, sostenuto Options available on the Extra features: Schimmel Glass Grand include an Schimmel TwinTone internal lighting system and even a (silent) system, prepared self-playing version! for easier installation If you’re a budding (or professional) of player system. rock-star, this is the piano for you. For Gold-plated fittings more conservative tastes, the awardas standard, chrome winning 213 is also available in a fittings optional traditional case. Made in: EU, Germany For a video of this model BVK DE Certificated https://youtu.be/Tf7EIg-Xnr8 PRICE: £111,111

Yamaha CFX

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he crowning glory of the Yamaha piano line, the CFX Concert Grand incorporates numerous refinements in performance, elevating this revered instrument to an even higher standard of excellence. The CFX offers the widest spectrum of tonal colours ever made available on a Yamaha piano of this size, and has a refined keyaction that allows the most expressive, nuanced phrasing. Having spent 19 years in development, working alongside many artists and master technicians, Yamaha developed the CFX adhering to the concept of ‘Beauty and Power’. Beauty for its wide range of tonal colours and ability to create the most subtle musical voices. Power is the keynote of the instrument’s remarkable tonal presence, not only when played fortissimo, but during delicate passages which will project throughout large concert halls. Thanks to its design and the craftsmanship involved, the powerful CFX can project all registers over a full symphony orchestra, regardless of the venue’s size. Featured in many of the world’s leading piano competitions and favoured by worldKEY FEATURES class artists, the CFX is without doubt one of the world’s greatest pianos. Dimensions: 275cm (l),

• Hand crafted by elite artisans • Premium European spruce soundboard • Individually hand moulded iron frame • Hand-wound bass strings • Duplex Scaling • Ivorite white keys for natural feel

160cm (w), 103cm (h) Finishes: Polished ebony Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, damper Extra features: Also available as Disklavier Enspire Made in: Japan PRICE: £117, 686


15/11/2016 10:55


Shigeru Kawai SK-EX

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he Shigeru Kawai SK-EX is Kawai’s world-class concert grand, receiving praise from a wide range of pianists across the world. You may not be able to house such a piano, but it demonstrates the expertise that influences every Kawai piano. Like all pianos bearing the Shigeru Kawai name, the SK-EX is hand crafted in very limited quantities by master piano artisans, with meticulous attention paid to extracting the musical soul from the very finest materials. SK-EX has the power and projection to communicate the passion of a concerto soloist with full orchestra. The precise and responsive action also enables finely graded control at the quietest dynamic levels in more intimate solo recital, chamber music and accompanimental repertoire. It combines a warmth and depth of sound with a level of clarity that heightens opportunities for exploring harmonic colour. The carefully crafted soundboard and structured hammerfelts enable it to project into the largest of concert halls and communicate the full range of expression without losing the core quality of the sound. The SK-EX has become the first choice of Mikhail Pletnev, who praises the flexibility which the instrument offers him. At the Ninth International Hamamatsu Piano Competition, the SK-EX was a popular choice. Those who selected it for their performances included KEY FEATURES First Prize winner Alexander Gadjiev, and fourth prize and Chamber Music Dimensions: 278cm (l), Award winner Florian Mitrea. 158cm (w), 102cm (h) The SK-EX has also been praised by Finishes: EP ECHO artist Ashley Fripp, concert (ebony polished) pianist and teacher Julian Saphir, Pedals: 3 and the 2010 BBC Young Musician Made in: Japan Lara Melda, among others. PRICE: £119,999


08/11/2016 10:56


Fazioli 278

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he world of piano competitions has clearly shown that Fazioli is leading the way with the next generation of pianists. Old loyalties and stereotypes are crashing down as the concert platform proves that those in the know are moving to Fazioli. The great musical educational institutions are putting their money where their mouths are. The Royal College of Music now has two performance spaces for Fazioli and last year created a dedicated Fazioli teaching studio with two size B models. Trinity Laban Conservatoire has chosen a Fazioli concert grand as its new main performance piano. The Purcell School, which produced Martin James Bartlett (the 2014 BBC Young Musician of the Year who insisted on performing on a Fazioli in the final) has become the world’s first Fazioli Centre of Excellence which means their main performing and teaching pianos are Fazioli. The Yehudi Menuhin School has just purchased three size B Fazioli pianos for its new music teaching block and Birmingham Conservatoire has taken its second Fazioli this year. Fazioli instruments were chosen for seven out of twelve performances by the finalists in the Sydney Piano Competition in July 2016. The state-of-the-art Fazioli concert grand, which contains a new patented KEY FEATURES design action and soundboard, is rapidly becoming the choice of the Dimensions: 278cm (l) next generation. Finishes: Standard Daniil Trifonov requested a Fazioli black but to order for each of his four Wigmore Hall anything is possible recitals this year [2016], while the two Pedals: 3 house pianos remained below stage: Made in: Italy one need say no more. PRICE: £125,000

Steingraeber B-192

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he B-192 features the latest Steingraeber design and is closely modelled on their C-212 grand. It is therefore the second descendent of the famous Liszt piano from 1873. It is crafted to bring the projection and precision of a concert grand piano into your living room. With features which have been engineered for concert grand pianos, scaled down to this boudoir grand piano, it is well suited to the most discerning professionals and for use in music conservatories. It has very long bass strings, on a similar scale to those of a chamber music grand, which give the piano its wide range of sound. The touch is of a concert grand, using the action designed for KEY FEATURES the C-212 grand. Numerous design features employed by Steingraeber Dimensions: 193cm (l), contribute to the fabulously rich treble 154cm (w), 103cm (h) with increased sustain. These include Finishes: Choice of all a straight bass bridge that promotes veneers and colours vibration, and highly flexible bridges available made of solid red beech. Pedals: 3 The B-192 model is available in Made in: Bayreuth, Steingraeber’s full range of veneers and Germany finishes. PRICE: POA

58 | PIANIST Piano Buyer’s Guide 2017 p58 grands-FINALish.indd 58

08/11/2016 10:57

£400-£500

DIGITALS

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Yamaha P-45

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he Yamaha P-45 piano offers the sound and response of a traditional acoustic piano that is compact, portable and affordable. The Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard gradually changes according to the register, so that it feels heavier when playing bass parts and lighter when playing treble parts, just like an acoustic piano. Included are ten stereo-sampled voices that can be played individually, or combined to create a unique and inspiring experience for the player. The P-45 includes Yamaha’s AWM synthesis system to deliver stunningly real piano sounds. AWM is a technology that uses digital recordings of original instruments and allows you to experience a realistic grand piano sound wherever you are. KEY FEATURES Not only does the P-45 sound and feel fantastic, it is simple and easy to Action: Yamaha’s use through just one button. Duo Graded Hammer mode allows two pianists to play in Standard (GHS) the same register, at the same time. keyboard with 88 fully When activated, it splits the keyboard weighted keys into two independent pianos, each No of Internal Sounds: with their own middle C: perfect for 10 teachers and duets. The piano also Polyphony: 64 features a USB to Host terminal for Speaker System: easy connection to a computer or iOS 6W + 6W device. When coupled with the L85A Weight: 11.5kg stand, the P-45 becomes a versatile Pedals: Sustain pedal and portable digital piano for those included, with a half on a budget. damper option available Overview video: https://youtu.be/ Finishes: Black BEPKPpDGvrU PRICE: £401

Casio CDP-130BK

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he CD-130BK is Casio’s entry-level compact digital piano, offering unparalleled appeal to the aspiring pianist. The Scaled Hammer Action and Dual Element AHL Sound provide unrivalled technological advances that deliver exceptional authenticity and value. The unique Scaled Hammer Action delivers an accurate key weighting with KEY FEATURES an exceptional key response and feel. The crucial factor for any new pianist Action: Scaled Hammer is always the building of finger strength Action with 88 fully and good technique and the CDPweighted keys 130BK, with its fully weighted key No of Internal Sounds: action facilitates this with distinction. A 10 host of performance features including Polyphony: 48 10 high-quality tones, hammer response Speaker System: Full and key-off simulator assist the untried Force sound system, pianist in familiarising themselves with 12cm/6cm oval-shaped an authentic piano experience as they speakers take their first steps in understanding Weight: 10.8kg the art of piano. Pedals: Sustain The CDP-130 BK is available in a Finishes: Black stylish Black Finish and includes both Extra features: USB and Headphone connectivity. USB (A-B type) www.casio.co.uk/music PRICE: £479.99

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15/11/2016 10:56

DIGITALS - £400-£500 / £500-£1,000

WATCH ▲

Tap the play button to watch Tom Crouch play the Roland FP-30

Roland FP-30

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he Roland FP-30 is fast becoming a benchmark for highquality portable pianos. It ticks all the boxes for a pianist requiring a natural weighted key action, with exceptional sound and a portable lightweight frame. The FP-30 packs a powerful set of stereo speakers to give a detailed and large tonal range. If you get the urge to start playing late at night and don’t want to disturb your family or neighbours, the headphones input employs a 3D ambience effect, so that it can be played silently and have a full sound, as if it is being played with the full sound of the speakers. The FP-30 has a progressively weighted key action with an ivory feel, a premium key-feel compared to pianos in the same class. The KEY FEATURES combination of this responsive key action, with the vast tonal range of Action: PHA-4 Standard, the sound engine, results in a highly 88-note progressively expressive piano. weighted key action For a more traditional setup, the with escapement and optional stand and three-pedal unit ivory-feel keys provide an integrated look and classic No of Internal Sounds: pedal configuration, while maintaining 35 a much smaller footprint than a typical Polyphony: 128 upright piano. The foot pedals can Speaker System: 2 x also be used for hands-free turning 11W, 12in speakers of onscreen music pages when using Weight: 23kg apps such as PiaScore and Sheet Music Pedals: Damper pedal Direct, all controlled via the inbuilt or optional pedal unit Bluetooth system. For composition, (KPD-70) the FP-30 can connect to a computer Finishes: Black and white either by USB or Bluetooth, making it Extra features: both a perfect complement to a home Bluetooth MIDI, Twin studio and an expressive instrument to Piano mode, 8 rhythms, notate a piece of music. USB to computer, Watch Tom Crouch play the Roland audio playback via USB FP-30 here: https://www.youtube.com/ storage, headphone and watch?v=chnr3CPkBUQ speaker outputs &feature=youtu.be PRICE: £489

Korg B1-SP

C

ompact and cost-effective, the Korg B1 Digital Piano is a great choice for all your piano needs. The streamlined design delivers the key features that are most important to any pianist: an authentic keyboard touch, superior sound, effortless ease of use and a stunning design that will complement any décor or setting. Unlike other pianos the B1 is not a stripped-down version of higher models: it is a product all of its own, designed from the ground up and featuring Korg’s cutting-edge sampling technology. The B1 recreates the rich, vibrant tone of an acoustic piano, including the sympathetic string vibrations and damper resonances that give the piano its character, delivering a more accurate, authentic, and expressive sound. • Sounds include three variations of acoustic piano, two electric pianos, a harpsichord and two organ sounds, all reproduced with precise realism • Servo-assisted MFB speaker technology reproduces the rich resonant tones which emanate from the large body of an acoustic piano • A three-pedal unit (included with KEY FEATURES the B1-SP; optional with the B1) is securely connected to the leg Action: 88-key (A0–C8), crossbeam, ensuring positive pedal naturally weighted operating feel. The additional beam hammer keyboard also ensures a robust and steady No of Internal Sounds: 8 platform Polyphony: 120 • The music rest features a pageSpeaker System: 9W x 2 retention pocket that keeps music Weight: 20.1kg pages and folios from turning Pedals: 3 (B1-SP only) unexpectedly during performance Finishes: Black and • The PIANO PLAY button recalls the white Concert Grand Piano sound PRICE: £580

60 | PIANIST Piano Guide 2017 p60 digital-FINAL.indd 60

15/11/2016 10:57

DIGITALS - £500-£1,000 est. 1920

WATCH ▲

Tap the play button to watch a Yamaha overview video

ROSE MORRIS

TI N-PAN A LLEY

ROSE MORRIS

ROSE MORRIS London's Iconic Music Store

Download our free guide to buying the right Digital Piano. - What distinguishes a Roland, Kawai, Yamaha, Korg and Casio digital piano?

Yamaha DGX-660

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he DGX-660 is an instrument of immense versatility. At its heart sits Yamaha’s Pure CF sound engine: a technology developed for the Clavinova, which recreates the pure sound of a CFIIIS concert grand piano. This rich, authentic piano sound is played with the faithful response of a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard with matte black keys. There is an optional pedal unit, the LP-7A, which expands the DGX-660 with a soft, sostenuto and sustain pedal. More than a piano, the DGX-660 is a creative powerhouse. It includes hundreds of sounds and backing styles which, combined with advanced playing features, make this model a hugely inspirational instrument to play. The DGX-660 has an emphasis on ease of use. The Piano Room feature provides a dedicated virtual space where you can choose from a KEY FEATURES variety of pianos and acoustic settings, creating your personalised practice or Action: Yamaha’s Graded performance environment. Hammer Standard Accompaniment styles introduce (GHS) keyboard, 88 fully ensembles of virtual musicians to weighted keys your performances in a variety of No of Internal Sounds: musical genres. Recording features are 554 also well catered for: The DGX-660 Polyphony: 192 has a six-track recorder; it can easily Speaker System: record and play back audio direct to 6W + 6W and from a connected USB memory Weight: 21kg / 28kg with stick. These features are especially stand powerful when combined with the Pedals: Sustain pedal instrument’s microphone input, which included, optional 3 includes effects such as high-quality pedal unit available compression and reverbs – a must-have (LP-7A) for the aspiring singer/songwriter – all Finishes: Black and white controlled through the simple onExtra features: Piano, screen interface. Recording Studio, Band Overview video: https://www. and Orchestra youtube.com/watch?v=DtgRriPZUOA PRICE: £739

- Which of the leading brands' features are important? - Learn inside secrets from London's most famous music store. - What have we learnt selling instruments since 1920? - Written by impartial experts

To get your free copy visit www.rosemorris.com/pianoguide

Rose Morris & Co

10 Denmark Street, London T: 020 7836 0991 [email protected] www.rosemorris.com

61 | PIANIST Piano Buyer’s Guide 2017 p61 digital-FINALish.indd 61

15/11/2016 10:57

DIGITALS - £500-£1,000

Pearl River PRK-80

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Yamaha YDP-143

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he Yamaha Arius YDP-143 combines an authentic acoustic piano touch and tone with a compact and stylish cabinet, ideal for all aspiring pianists. The YDP-143 features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which is well suited to the beginner pianist and delivers the graded, weighted touch that piano teachers recommend for building proper technique. The improved Pure CF sound engine is the result of state-of-the-art sampling KEY FEATURES technology, delivering an expressive, high resolution recreation of the Action: Yamaha’s Graded Yamaha CFIIIS 9ft concert grand piano. Hammer Standard (GHS) Damper resonance technology digitally keyboard recreates depth of tone when pedalling, No of Internal Sounds: and improved reverb spatial effects 10 bring to life the feeling of playing in Polyphony: 192 a variety of different environments. Speaker System: 6W Another great function is duo mode: + 6W a feature which splits the keyboard Weight: 38kg into two independent pianos, each Pedals: 3: soft, with their own middle C; perfect for sostenuto and sustain teachers and duets. with half damper The YDP-143 can also be connected Finishes: Black walnut, to iOS devices with Yamaha’s free rosewood and white Digital Piano Controller app. This Extra features: iOS allows players to turn their iOS device device compatible into an intuitive controller allowing with Yamaha’s Piano them to adjust settings, select sounds Controller app and even record performances. PRICE: £714

RK digital pianos are made by Pearl River, the world’s largest piano manufacturer. Incorporating high-quality Japanese sound-generating technology and keyboard mechanism, the new PRK line offers the first Chinese digital pianos in the mid-market sector. Pearl River’s Japanese-made ‘Balance Design’ wooden cabinets enhance the sound as well as offering a stunning yet compact addition to any room environment. At the heart of the PRK piano lies the digital sound and keyboard technology from one of the highest-level designers and makers of electronic music instruments. With over 60 years of piano manufacturing expertise, Pearl River is the largest piano manufacturer in the world. The PRK digital piano line is the result of collaboration with a leading Japanese manufacturer of professional electronic musical instruments offering a serious alternative for those seeking high quality at affordable prices. The PRK-80 keyboard is a naturally weighted hammer (NH) action which reproduces the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. The ten voices have a maximum 120 polyphony to fully experience KEY FEATURES their depth of tone. With over 60 years’ experience, Pearl River has Action: Japanese NH used the wood-crafting skills of its naturally weighted piano makers to unite the sound of hammer an acoustic piano with digital stereo No of Internal Sounds: sound reproduction. 10 The PRK-80 has a contemporary, Polyphony: 120 slimline, rounded profile cabinet with Speaker System: three integral pedals. Full keyboard 11W + 11W cover is available in luxurious black or Weight: 42kg white satin finishes with chrome colour Pedals: 3 integral pedals and fittings. Finishes: Black and Dimensions: Width 144cm, height white satin 77cm, depth 29cm. PRICE: £799


08/11/2016 11:04

N EW CLP & C V P

Two of the world’s finest grands...

...in a universe of music Inside every Yamaha CLP and CVP Clavinova you’ll find the stunning sound of two of the world’s finest grand pianos, the Bösendorfer Imperial and the Yamaha CFX. With a truly natural response that captures every nuance of your performance, Clavinovas deliver the authentic sound and feel of their acoustic counterparts. Experience Clavinova today at a Yamaha dealer or visit uk.yamaha.com to find out more.

*Models shown are the CVP-709GP PE and CLP-585PE. Specifications vary across the range. Not all features mentioned are found on all models.

63 | PIANIST Piano Buyer’s Guide 2017 #42487 - General Clavinova ad - Pianist Buyers Guide.indd 1 P63 Ads.indd 63

21/09/2016 09:16 08/11/2016 11:24

DIGITALS - £500-£1,000

Kawai KDP90

Roland F-140R

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he F-140R exemplifies Roland’s ability to create high quality pianos with a very small footprint, making it a great choice for modern living spaces where the piano design is paramount. The unique lid design, which doubles up as a music stand, means KEY FEATURES that this piano has a very low profile appearance when not in use. Action: PHA-4 Standard, The compact design does not 88-note progressively compromise the quality of the piano. weighted key action The F-140R has a progressively with escapement and weighted hammer action feel with ivory feel keys an ivory feel texture and includes the No of Internal Sounds: latest sensing technology to enable 316 players to make the most of this Polyphony: 128 piano’s vast tonal range. Speaker System: 2 x The F-140R also includes numerous 12W, 12in speakers digital convenience features for practice Weight: 34.5kg and fun, such as a built-in metronome, Pedals: Progressive a recorder for capturing and sharing damper, soft pedal, performances, computer connectivity sostenuto assignable to via USB, and a Twin Piano mode that alternative functions splits the keyboard so that two people Finishes: Contemporary can play side by side in the same ranges. black and white The way people learn the piano is Extra features: changing thanks to smartphones and Bluetooth MIDI,Twin tablets. Using apps like PiaScore gives Piano mode, 72 rhythms, free access to over 70,000 classical USB to computer, 100 music scores and by pressing the piano’s Czerny and 20 Hanon pedal you can even turn the pages of exercises built in the score on your tablet. PRICE: £809

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here are times when you want to learn the piano but your budget is limited, or when you need an affordable digital to use alongside an existing acoustic instrument to satisfy those midnight practice urges without disturbing others. The KDP90 will also appeal to choral and solo singers who want a piano to use when learning their parts. The KDP90 offers both affordability and the action and sound to provide an enjoyable playing experience, brought together in an attractive rosewood cabinet. The excellence of the Advanced Hammer Action IV-F has been proven over many years, having previously appeared in the mid-range CN-42 model. This trickle-down of technology, as actions in the higher ranges have continued to develop, further enhances the value offered by the KDP90. The main piano sound is a high-quality 88-key sample of Kawai’s EX concert grand piano, using the company’s Harmonic Imaging technology to recreate the broad dynamic range of the acoustic instrument. Those wishing to explore will enjoy the three alternative piano KEY FEATURES sounds, and the creative possibilities offered by the other electric piano, Action: AHA-IVF with organ, harpsichord, string, and pad graded hammers sounds. Although the KDP90 doesn’t No of Internal Sounds: offer the USB recording functions of 15 (including 2 concert higher-range Kawai digitals, it does grand options) have a useful internal recorder so that Polyphony: 192 you can review your playing, and Speaker System: MIDI connectivity is included. 2 x 13W Learners will appreciate the Weight: 38kg integrated lesson functions of the Pedals: 3: damper KDP90, whilst the Concert Magic (including half pedal), feature is great for developing sostenuto, soft beginners’ early confidence with pulse Finishes: Rosewood and dynamics. PRICE: £888


08/11/2016 11:05

B1/B1SP DIGITAL PIANO

Styled for Living. Designed for Playing.

The beautifully styled and expertly crafted KORG B1 Digital Piano’s ergonomic design offers the features coveted by discerning pianists everywhere; authentic keyboard touch, superlative sound and ease of use. The B1 reproduces the rich, resonant tones of a large bodied acoustic piano using KORG’s new MFB technology speaker system; it really does need to be heard to be believed. www.korg.com/b1 65 | PIANIST Piano Buyer’s Guide 2017 A4 B1/B1SP.indd 1 P65bleed Ads.indd 65

20/10/2016 08/11/2016 17:20 11:25

DIGITALS - £500-£1,000 / £1,000-£2,000

Pearl River PRK-300

TAP HERE

for more information

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Casio PX-860BK

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he flagship Privia PX-860BK offers outstanding performance combined with sleek, compact contemporary design. It incorporates ‘Concert Play’ functionality, with an in-built library of ten classical pieces for the pianist to accompany an orchestra. The open-lid function, outstanding Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II and AiR Multi-Dimensional Morphing Sound Source ensure the highest levels of performance and a compellingly proficient and inspiring instrument. The unique Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II delivers timing comparable to an acoustic piano, exceptional key response and feel. This key action facilitates the playing of more KEY FEATURES challenging pieces at speed without noticeable loss of sound quality. Action: Tri-Sensor The third (extra sensor) in the touch Scaled Hammer Action enables seamless dynamics to enter II Keyboard your playing. No of Internal Sounds: There are several extended features AiR Multi-Dimensional which are ideally suited to teaching and Morphing Sound learning. They include 18 high-quality Source tones, string and damper resonance, Polyphony: 256 hammer response, 256-note polyphony Speaker System: and key-off simulator, USB and line 2-way, 4-speaker system OUT (L/MONO, R), a Lesson Feature Weight: 35.5kg (60 songs) and Duet Mode. Pedals: 3: damper, soft, The PX-860BK is available in a sostenuto stylish black matt finish. Finishes: Black www.casio.co.uk/music PRICE: £999.99

RK digital pianos are made by Pearl River, the world’s largest piano manufacturer. Incorporating high-quality Japanese sound-generating technology and keyboard mechanism, the new PRK line offers the first Chinese digital pianos in the mid-market sector. Pearl River’s Japanese-made ‘Balance Design’ wooden cabinets enhance the sound as well as offering a stunning yet compact addition to any room environment. At the heart of the PRK piano lies the digital sound and keyboard technology from one of the highest-level designers and makers of electronic music instruments. With over 60 years of piano manufacturing expertise, Pearl River is the largest piano manufacturer in the world. The PRK digital piano line is the result of collaboration with a leading Japanese manufacturer of professional electronic musical instruments offering a serious alternative for those seeking high quality at affordable prices. The PRK-300 keyboard is a naturally weighted hammer (NH) action which reproduces the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. The PRK-300 has 30 voices with a maximum 120 polyphony to fully experience their depth of tone using enhanced stereo KEY FEATURES amplification. With over 60 years’ experience, Pearl River has used Action: Japanese the wood-crafting skills of its piano NH natural weighted makers to unite the sound of an hammer acoustic piano with digital stereo No of Internal Sounds: sound reproduction. 30 The PRK-300 has a modern, sleek, Polyphony: 120 angular cabinet with three integral Speaker System: Stereo pedals. Full keyboard cover is available dual speakers, total 44W in luxurious black or white satin Weight: 45kg finishes with chrome colour pedals and Pedals: 3 integral fittings. Finishes: black and Dimensions: Width 140cm, height rosewood satin 78cm, depth 30cm. PRICE: £1,199


15/11/2016 10:59

DIGITALS - £1,000-£2,000

Yamaha CLP-545

Yamaha CLP-525

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he CLP-525 Clavinova has all of the hallmarks of a quality Yamaha instrument. The Pure CF sampling brings an outstanding recreation of the legendary CFIIIS concert grand. By using carefully sampled recordings of a perfectly crafted 9ft grand piano, Yamaha’s unique technology achieves exceptionally smooth tonal transitions. This authentic Yamaha sound, enhanced by astounding 256-note polyphony, makes the CLP-525 an incredible instrument to play. The CLP-525 has keyboard KEY FEATURES stabilizers fitted to all 88 keys, giving the player a natural feel and improving Action: Yamaha’s the stability and durability of the Graded Hammer keyboard. This feature, combined with standard (GH3) the GH3 three-sensor Graded Hammer keyboard, 88 fully keyboard with synthetic ivory key tops, weighted keys creates the sensation of playing on an No of Internal Sounds: acoustic instrument. 10 The body of the CLP-525 contains Polyphony: 256 Acoustic Optimizers which are Speaker System: designed to regulate the flow of 20W x 2 sound and control tone. This new Weight: 43kg technology is developed utilising Pedals: 3: soft, Yamaha’s unique specialist knowledge sostenuto and sustain of the acoustic properties of musical with half damper instruments. This optimised sound, Finishes: Black walnut, alongside Yamaha’s exclusive Intelligent dark rosewood, Acoustic Control, means the CLP-525 polished ebony and Clavinova sounds rich and wellwhite rounded at any volume; and with ten Extra features: Piano voices, a multi-track recorder and voicing sampled from a powerful connectivity to iOS devices, Yamaha CFIIIS concert the CLP-525 is a remarkable and grand versatile instrument. PRICE: £1,160

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he CLP-545 Clavinova is an astounding digital piano that combines an authentic action with the sound of two of the world’s finest grands. The Natural Wood X (NWX) keyboard reproduces the touch of an acoustic piano from the heavy feel in the lower register to the lighter touch in the upper octaves. A three-sensor configuration accurately senses and interprets the behaviour of the keyboard for a response and feel very similar to that of a grand piano. Sampled instruments in the CLP-545 include the CFX, Yamaha’s finest concert grand, selected and played by the winner of the 2010 International Chopin Piano Competition, and the Bösendorfer Imperial, a brand which has been held in high esteem by pianists throughout KEY FEATURES its long history. These renowned pianos are characterised by distinctive traits Action: NWX (Natural such as power, versatility, subtlety, Wood X) keyboard with lightness and mellowness. synthetic ivory keys and The sound of the CLP-545 is escapement further enhanced with a two-way No of Internal Sounds: speaker system providing a powerful 34 and detailed sound. It also features Polyphony: 256 256-note polyphony, 34 voices and an Speaker System: Twoeasy-to-use interface, giving you more way (25W + 25W) x 2 time to focus on playing. Weight: 61.5kg The CLP-545 Clavinova includes Pedals: 3: soft, world-class exercises for building sostenuto and sustain piano technique from Hanon, Bayer, with half damper Czerny and Burgmüller. It also includes Finishes: Black walnut, multi-track recording alongside the dark rosewood, ability to record and play back audio mahogany, white, white files. These features, combined with ash, polished ebony connectivity to computers and iOS Extra features: Yamaha devices, make the Yamaha CLP-545 CFX and Bösendorfer Clavinova a powerful and versatile Imperial sounds instrument. PRICE: £1,960


08/11/2016 11:06

DIGITALS - £1,000-£2,000

TAP HERE

Kawai CA17


Casio AP-700BK

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he AP-700BK offers three world-famous grand piano sounds from Berlin, Hamburg and Vienna, courtesy of a unique collaboration between C. Bechstein and Casio to produce an unrivalled authenticity in sound, available in a stylish black satin finish. The AiR Grand Sound Source technology reproduces the distinctive appeal of three prestigious grand pianos that have been highly regarded for many years. The Berlin Grand sound was developed in collaboration with C. Bechstein and is based on the masterpiece that is the D282. It offers balanced, elegant sound with a clearly defined shape. The Hamburg Grand delivers brilliantly rich, resonant sound full of dynamism and power. The Vienna Grand offers an impressive low range which is particularly suited to exquisite, softly played pieces. The unique Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II delivers acoustic piano timing, exceptional key response and feel through ebony and ivory replica keys. Performance features include an open-lid function, KEY FEATURES 26 tones, string and damper resonance, hammer response, 256-note polyphony Action: Tri-Sensor and key-off simulator. Scaled Hammer Action II The AP-700BK includes further Keyboard enhancements such as Concert Play. An No of Internal Sounds: 3 in-built expandable library of fifteen Polyphony: 256 classical pieces enables the pianist to Speaker System: 2-way, accompany a symphony orchestra, and 6-speaker system Hall Simulator providing the option of Weight: 48kg performing within the unique acoustic Pedals: 3: damper, soft, characteristics of some of the world’s sostenuto most legendary concert halls. Finishes: Black satin www.casio.co.uk/music PRICE: £1499.99

F

or those who desire as much of the acoustic piano experience as possible, but want or need a digital, Kawai’s Concert Artist series offers three different solutions. The CA17 incorporates the proven RM3 Grand II action. Like the newer Grand Feel II action in the higher CA67 and CA97 models (£2,199 and £2,999 RRP), this offers full-length wooden keys which pivot smoothly on a central balance pin with the same ‘see-saw’ motion as an acoustic piano key. The triple-sensor detection system, let-off simulation and counterweights further enhance the grand piano touch, and make the CA17 a suitable instrument for practising and playing even advanced repertoire. High-quality sounds are needed to provide a suitable range of expression to utilise with that responsive action, and the CA17 obliges with flagship sounds from the Kawai EX and Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand pianos. ‘Harmonic Imaging XL’ sampling records each key individually at a wide range of dynamic levels to KEY FEATURES ensure a smooth and seamless range of expression is placed at your fingertips. Action: YRM3 Grand II Which of the concert grand sounds with full wooden keys you prefer will be a personal choice, No of Internal Sounds: 19 depending on the repertoire. Polyphony: 192 The realistic pedal weighting, Ivory Speaker System: 2 x Touch key surfaces, and 20 watts-per20W channel speaker system complete a Weight: 59kg strong package. An internal recorder, Pedals: 3: damper USB (to Host) and MIDI facilities add (including half pedal), welcome flexibility for the all-round sostenuto, soft musician. The Concert Magic and Finishes: Rosewood, Lesson functions are here too: great if satin black, satin white there are also beginners in your home. PRICE: £1,699


15/11/2016 10:59

A mini grand piano that sparks creativity and complements your living space

GP607

If you’ve longed to own a grand piano but were discouraged by the cost or weight, then the Roland GP607 could be the perfect addition to your home. A stylish digital

mini grand piano in polished ebony or white, the GP607 pays homage to the classic grand piano form with an imposing-yet-graceful design. And although its appearance is traditional, explore a little deeper and you’ll discover the very latest technology. Bluetooth® connectivity lets you wirelessly stream songs from your tablet/phone through the GP607’s powerful 4.1 multi-channel speakers, filling your room with rich, clear sound. SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling technology offers supremely realistic piano sound and, along with the expressive touch of the new PHA-50 keyboard, provides a playing experience that will satisfy the connoisseur. And a host of onboard learning features— including connection to piano education apps—will ensure that you’ll stay motivated and your piano skills will constantly improve. Whether you want a strikingly beautiful addition to your living space or a sophisticated mini grand piano that supports your family as they learn to play, the GP607 brings beauty, elegance, and evocative piano performance into your home.

www.roland.co.uk/gp607


08/11/2016 11:26

DIGITALS - £1,000-£2,000 / £2,000-£3,000

WATCH ▲

Roland HP605

Korg SV1-88BK

H

Tap the play button to watch a video on the range

oused in a sleek, curvaceous body, the SV-1BK offers an elegant on-stage appearance. Coupled with retro-style controls and smooth black finish, the SV-1BK oozes desirability and playability. The SV1 contains multiple acoustic pianos, vintage EPs and a compendium of electro-mechanical, transistorized, tape-driven, analogue and early digital keyboards. Thanks to Korg’s RX Technology, each sound is a detailed and authentic re-creation, capturing the full range of expression and dynamics of the original. The SVKEY FEATURES 1BK also provides access to the effect pedals, amplifiers, speaker cabinets Action: 88 key (E1–E7), and studio techniques that gave these RH3 (naturally weighted sounds their original shine. Together, hammer) keyboard they provide fingertip access to the No of Internal Sounds: sounds that defined generations of 36 popular keyboard playing. Polyphony: 80 The RH3 Real Weighted Hammer Speaker System: n/a Action is the finest keybed Korg offers, Weight: 20.55kg (17.5kg with a solid, responsive feel that inspires 73-key version) confidence. The entire front panel is Pedals: 3: Damper always live, using clearly labelled knobs (supports half-pedalling); to dial up the sound you are looking for. Pedal 1 operates as a The eight favourites provide quick recall sostenuto pedal or as a of user settings that are stored using the fast/slow switch when same method as a car radio tuner (hold rotary speaker effect is down button for a few seconds!). used; Pedal 2 for either The SV1 is also available in a more effect control or an compact and portable version. All additional switch pedal functionality remains the same but for three pedal functions the keyboard is the 73-key version of including una corda the RH3. Finishes: Black An optional stand and rolling case is Extra features: Free available for both models. software editor/librarian, For the stage, SV-1BK is equipped valve-reactor ampwith balanced XLR and ¼in outputs, modelling technology Left and Right audio inputs. MIDI In PRICE: £1,798.80 & and MIDI Out jacks, USB MIDI and £1,510.80 (73-key three pedal connections. version)

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he Roland HP605 piano brings a concert-class piano into the home by incorporating elements from the Roland flagship LX range into a smaller piano cabinet. The HP605 uses modelling technology to recreate acoustic piano sounds. The result of using modelling technology is an increased level of responsiveness and a rich sound with complex overtones that is not achievable from using static piano samples. In order to fully capitalise on the nuances created by the sound engine, the HP605 houses a unique six speaker system. This delivers sound positioning that would be expected from an acoustic piano, KEY FEATURES creating a more immersive experience for the player. Action: PHA-50 There is no compromise with the keyboard, wood and HP605 key action, as it employs the plastic hybrid structure PHA50 keybed that is used in the that is progressively flagship models. The keys combine the weighted with natural touch of a wooden key, with escapement the reliability and low maintenance of No of Internal Sounds: modern materials. Keyboard, sound 307 engine and speaker system have been Polyphony: Limitless designed to work in harmony to create Speaker System: the most responsive feel possible. 6 multi-channel speaker Using Bluetooth technology, the system HP605 wirelessly connects to mobile Weight: 54kg phones and tablets. Once connected, Pedals: Progressive music can be routed wirelessly damper, soft pedal, through the piano’s speakers. This sostenuto assignable to allows a pianist to play along with alternative functions their favourite music or practise with Finishes: Polished online lessons via YouTube, or any ebony, contemporary other music app. By using the free black, contemporary Roland Piano Designer app, you are rosewood, white able to customise your piano sound or Extra features: 10-year download pianos created by some of warranty, Bluetooth the world best piano technicians. audio, Bluetooth MIDI, Watch this video on Roland’s Twin Piano mode, USB Bluetooth-equipped digital pianos: to computer, Piano https://www.youtube.com/ Designer app watch?v=4ZNcV5ttv5k PRICE: £2,029


15/11/2016 11:00

www.reidys.com 01254 265212 [email protected] 1 Nab Lane, Blackburn, BB2 1LN

aLL PIANOS AVAILABLE ON 0% FINANCE* & INCLUDE FREE HOME INSTALLATIOn†

CS Series Digital Pianos

Full range in stock from £2389 CS11

Full range in stock from £1134

HP & LX PIANOS

Full range in stock from £1375

GP-500 £3199

GP-300 Featuring a C. Bechstein full-length spruce key hammer action

£2199

Visit us online at www.reidys.com or at our showroom in Blackburn, Lancashire *Credit subject to status, on selected items. 0% APR finance based on 10% deposit and 12 monthly payments. † To mainland England & Wales addresses. See website for details. E&OE.

71 | PIANIST Piano Buyer’s Guide 2017 PianoGuide2016.indd 1 P71 Ads.indd 71

21-Oct-16 1:44:37 PM 08/11/2016 11:27

DIGITALS - £1,000-2,000 / £2,000-£3,000

Kawai CS8

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Yamaha CVP-701

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t its heart, each Yamaha Clavinova is first and foremost a piano. A variety of interactive music entertainment, education and performance features make these digital pianos just as enjoyable for beginners as they are for advanced pianists. A colour screen makes operation easy and intuitive. Guide lamps show which keys to play for the beginner, and on-screen notation puts music in front of more experienced players. The CVP-701 has two world-class concert grands recreated in astounding detail, using Yamaha’s Real Grand Expression technology: The Yamaha CFX and the legendary Bösendorfer Imperial, which has long been renowned for its touch and tone. The CVP-701 also includes a wide range of other high-quality voices and a multitude of style accompaniment. For piano-focused practice, the KEY FEATURES CVP-701 features Piano Room. You can invite three virtual musicians to join you Action: GH3X (Graded as you practise and perform with one of Hammer 3X) keyboard 40 different musical styles. These session with synthetic ivory musicians will automatically follow your keys and escapement harmonies and your expression using No of Internal Sounds: the new Dynamics Control feature. 1286 Within this special room, you can even Polyphony: 256 record your sessions with the touch of a Speaker System: 25W x 2 single button. Weight: 59kg From the outstanding grand piano Pedals: 3: soft, touch of the GH3X (Graded Hammer sostenuto and sustain 3X) keyboard, to the intuitive design with half damper and integration with iOS devices, Finishes: Polished Yamaha’s CVP-701 Clavinova puts you ebony and black walnut in touch with your inner musician. PRICE: £1,960

the year 2017 marks the 90th anniversary of the foundation of Kawai Pianos, The latest CS-Series digitals (launched at Musikmesse 2016) reflect those decades of experience in crafting acoustic grand pianos. The Grand Feel II action has long wooden keys. Wood is unique in its ability to absorb energy and to flex slightly when compressed, enabling the key to meet the felt keybed with a natural stop rather than a disconcerting halt. The wood also enables the feedback of subtle vibrations to the fingers, similar to an acoustic instrument. Having the same pivot length as grand piano keys maximises the realism of the experience, enhanced further by the ‘Ivory & Ebony Touch’ key surfaces. The relationship between touch and tone is inextricable. The CS8’s selection of three premium grand pianos harnesses the precision of the action. The two 9ft concert grand samples from the CA17 sound even better on the CS8, with its superior six-speaker, 50 watt-per-channel sound system. Kawai has added a high quality sample of the artisan-crafted KEY FEATURES Shigeru Kawai SK-5 6ft 7in chamber grand to widen the choice, alongside a Action: Grand Feel II strong range of other sounds, including with full wooden keys an upright piano sample. Headphone No of Internal Sounds: users will benefit from an audiophile 60 (including Kawai EX quality headphone amplifier and and Shigeru Kawai SKSpatial Headphone Sound technology, EX concert grands, and which enhances depth and realism and the Shigeru Kawai SK-5 reduces listening fatigue. chamber grand) These features should inspire Polyphony: 256 pride in any owner of a Kawai CS8 Speaker System: 2 x 50W piano. Further flexibility of use is Weight: 85kg gained through digital functions Pedals: 3: damper such as USB audio recording and (including half pedal), playback, lesson and finger exercises, sostenuto, soft and several keyboard modes including Finishes: Ebony polished Four Hands. PRICE: £2,655


11/11/2016 09:42

DIGITALS - £2,000-£3,000 est. 1920

ROSE MORRIS

TIN-PAN ALLEY

ROSE MORRIS

ROSE MORRIS London's Iconic Music Store

Compare the leading digital piano brands in our central London showroom.

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Casio GP-400BK

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he GP-400BK is Celviano Grand Hybrid’s most recent model, supplied in a stylish black satin finish. This highly accomplished piano is part of a unique collaboration between C. Bechstein and Casio. This combines traditional piano craftsmanship with Casio’s wealth of expertise in digital technology. The GP-400BK is designed with a curved rear panel and thicker side panels and legs, thus ensuring an even more natural piano sound-field and nuanced depth of sound. The height from the keyboard to the music rest has also been made the same as a conventional grand piano; a detail often neglected in digital piano manufacture and yet here in all its authenticity for the discerning pianist’s pleasure. The AiR Grand Sound Source technology reproduces the distinctive appeal of three prestigious grand pianos that have been highly regarded for many years. The Berlin Grand sound was developed in collaboration with C. Bechstein and is based on the masterpiece that is the D282. It offers balanced, elegant sound with a clearly defined shape. The Hamburg Grand delivers brilliantly rich, resonant sound full of dynamism and power. The Vienna Grand offers an impressive low range which is particularly suited to exquisite, softly played pieces. KEY FEATURES The revolutionary Natural Grand Hammer Action keyboard is made with Action: Natural Grand full-length wooden keys and delivers Hammer Action authenticity from the first touch. Its Keyboard mechanism incorporates hammers that No of Internal Sounds: 3 follow the same path of motion as in a Polyphony: 256 concert grand piano. Speaker System: Precision-made wooden keys are 6-speaker Grand manufactured from the same highAcoustic System grade Austrian spruce used for C. Weight: 85.5kg Bechstein grand piano keys: they Pedals: 3: soft, offer distinguished touch and sostenuto, damper responsiveness. (with half-pedal effect) The GP-400BK includes further Finishes: Black satin enhancements made possible by Extra features: Austrian Celviano Grand Hybrid technology spruce keys as used including Concert Play and Hall for C. Bechstein grand Simulator. pianos www.grandhybrid.co.uk PRICE: £2,699

- Roland, Kawai, Casio and Korg digital pianos on demonstration - 5/5 Feefo Customer Rating - Spread the cost over 24 months, on purchases over £300 (subject to status) - Free UK delivery - Visit us and find out why Rose Morris is London's most famous music store.

ide u g e fre ano. r u o ad igital pi ide o l n Dow ying a d m/pianogu to bu osemorris.co .r www

Rose Morris & Co

10 Denmark Street, London T: 020 7836 0991 [email protected] www.rosemorris.com


15/11/2016 11:01

DIGITALS - £3,000 AND ABOVE

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Casio GP-500BP

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he Celviano Grand Hybrid is part of a unique collaboration between C. Bechstein and Casio, combining traditional piano craftsmanship with the application of Casio’s wealth of expertise in digital technology. The GP-500BP is the result of painstaking research by Casio into traditional piano craftsmanship and the application of all its expertise in digital technology to produce authentic ‘sound’ and ‘touch’. he AiR Grand Sound Source technology reproduces the distinctive appeal of three prestigious grand pianos that have been highly regarded for many years. The Berlin Grand sound was developed in collaboration with C. Bechstein and is based on the masterpiece that is the D282. It offers balanced, elegant sound with a clearly defined shape. The Hamburg Grand delivers brilliantly rich, resonant sound full of dynamism and power. The Vienna Grand offers an impressive low range which is particularly suited to exquisite, softly played pieces. The revolutionary new Natural Grand Hammer Action keyboard is made with full-length wooden keys and delivers authenticity from the first touch. Its mechanism incorporates hammers that follow the same path of KEY FEATURES motion as in a concert grand piano. This innovative action also allows Action: Natural Grand faster note repetition than on acoustic Hammer Action pianos, while maintaining a true piano Keyboard key touch. No of internal sounds: 3 Precision-made wooden keys are Polyphony: 256 manufactured from the same highSpeaker System: grade Austrian spruce used for 6-speaker Grand C. Bechstein grand piano keys: Acoustic System they offer distinguished touch Weight: 77.5kg and responsiveness. Pedals: 3: soft, Further enhancements made possible sostenuto, damper by Celviano Grand Hybrid technology (with half-pedal effect) include Concert Play, Hall Simulator Finishes: Polished ebony and Scene Setting, enabling you to Extra features: Austrian accompany a symphony orchestra, spruce keys as used within a legendary venue, and in the for C. Bechstein grand style of famous composers. pianos www.grandhybrid.co.uk PRICE: £3,199

Yamaha CLP-585

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he CLP-585 has received wide acclaim, not only within the music industry but also from further afield. It was awarded a prestigious Red Dot Design Award in Product Design in 2015. First and foremost a piano, the CLP-585’s NWX action gives a refined and detailed response. The feel of an acoustic grand piano’s subtle escapement mechanism is also recreated, while synthetic ivory key tops and counterweights offer a more precise control fordelicate playing, and further complement the piano feel in a way that only Yamaha can create. The CLP-585 features both the Yamaha’s CFX concert grand and the Bösendorfer Imperial, a brand which has been held in high esteem by pianists throughout its long history. These renowned pianos are characterised by distinctive traits such as power, versatility, subtlety, lightness and mellowness. KEY FEATURES In an acoustic grand piano, sound resonates throughout the body of Action: NWX (Natural the instrument, producing a rich Wood X) keyboard with reverberation that envelops the listener synthetic ivory keys, in sound. This is reproduced in the counterweights and Clavinova through Virtual Resonance escapement Modelling (VRM). This technology No of Internal Sounds: calculates the various states of the 48 voices + 480 XG strings for each of the 88 notes on voices + 14 drum / SFX the keyboard, allowing organic, richly kits + GM2 + GS varied expression that reflects the Polyphony: 256 limitless number of factors inherent Speaker System: Threein playing the piano, such as which way speaker system keys are pressed, how hard the keys are (30W + 30W + 30W) x 2 played and the pedal timings. Weight: 88kg With full recording capabilities, Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto, hundreds of sounds and world-class damper exercises included, the CLP-585 is a Finishes: Polished ebony stunning instrument for even the most and black walnut discerning pianists. PRICE: £3,389


15/11/2016 11:02

the concert grand experience in the comfort of your home.

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Concert Artist CA97

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www.kawai.co.uk 08/11/2016 11:27


Kawai CS11

Yamaha CLP-565GP

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amaha’s CLP-565GP Clavinova features a baby grand piano design that will enhance any environment. Featuring the sounds of two of the world’s finest concert grand pianos – the Yamaha CFX and the Bösendorfer Imperial – the CLP-565GP displays a broad range of dynamics and warmth. The newly developed Yamaha GH3X Graded Hammer keyboard with synthetic ivory key tops offers a refined playing experience. The escapement mechanism reproduces a slight clicking sensation near the bottom of the key travel. A three-sensor configuration accurately senses and interprets the behaviour of the keyboard to create a response and feel very much like that of a grand piano. The CLP-565GP features 34 voices ranging from acoustic and electric pianos to harpsichords, organs and strings. These high-quality KEY FEATURES instruments can be combined to make rich dual voices which are played Action: GH3 3-sensor through the powerful two-way speaker graded hammer action system for a rich clarity. with escapement and The ability to record and play synthetic ivory back audio files, as well as a 16-track No of Internal Sounds: recorder, makes the CLP-565GP an 34 appealing instrument for even the most Polyphony: 256 creative pianists. Over 300 exercises Speaker System: Twofrom Hanon, Bayer, Czerny and way speaker system Burgmüller are included to build (25W + 10W) x 2 any musician’s technique. Weight: 101kg Using the optional UD-WL01, the Pedals: 3: soft, sostenuto CLP-565GP can even be connected and sustain with half wirelessly to an iOS device, allowing damper it to be used alongside Yamaha’s Finishes: Polished ebony ever-expanding collection of apps and polished white for iPhone and iPad. PRICE: £3,566

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he soundboard is the heart of an acoustic piano. The bridges transfer energy from the vibrating strings and the resonance of the soundboard brings power and substance to the sound. Uniquely, with the CS11 (and closely related CA97), Kawai have given this heart to their flagship digital pianos with a Soundboard Speaker System which uses a transducer to channel sound energy onto a wooden soundboard, bringing an organic quality to the tone. In partnership with the six-speaker configuration, this makes playing the CS11 an especially involving experience. To house this soundboard, the CS11 has a classic upright piano cabinet, which provides even better positioning for the other speakers than on the CS8, and adds to the authenticity of the overall experience. The pedals and hinges come in a brushed silver finish, adding an elegant contemporary touch to the piano. The CS11 shares its other features with the CS8, including the three KEY FEATURES premium grand piano samples, and the full wooden-key Grand Feel II action Action: Grand Feel II with and Grand Feel pedal system. Like its full wooden keys sibling, the CS11 offers comprehensive No of Internal Sounds: personal control over a wide range of 80 (including Kawai EX touch and tone elements using the and Shigeru Kawai SKVirtual Technician feature. The flexible EX concert grands, and USB recording functions embrace MP3 the Shigeru Kawai SK-5 and WAV file formats – the former chamber grand) for smaller, easy-to-share files, and the Polyphony: 256 latter for larger files offering the very Speaker System: 2 x best quality. 45W + 45W Transducer The CS11 has the quality and Weight: 99kg flexibility to suit the most advanced Pedals: 3: damper players but also to inspire beginners (including half pedal), and beautifully combines piano sostenuto, soft making tradition with cutting-edge Finishes: Ebony polished digital technology. PRICE: £3,655


08/11/2016 11:11


WATCH ▲

Tap the play button to watch a video on the LX and HP ranges

Roland LX-17

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he flagship Roland LX-17 piano is a sophisticated instrument designed to play and feel with exceptional accuracy. It will be appreciated by experienced pianists with the most demanding of repertoire. The polished upright cabinet not only looks stunning, but also contains a powerful eight-channel sound system to capture and convey every subtle nuance. The cabinet speakers provide the all-enveloping main piano sound, and the top-mounted speakers reproduce the resonance of the piano’s frame. Two sets of nearfield speakers project the sounds most likely to be noticed by the player, including dynamic overtones and hammer noises. The LX-17 uses piano modelling KEY FEATURES technology in order to achieve an increased level of responsiveness and Action: PHA-50 a rich sound with complex overtones keyboard, wood and that is not achievable from using static plastic hybrid structure piano samples. that is progressively The PHA-50 keybed combines the weighted with natural touch of a wooden key with escapement the reliability and low maintenance of No of Internal Sounds: modern materials, for the core of the 307 key. This has been designed to work Polyphony: Limitless in harmony with the sound engine to Speaker System: 8 create the most responsive feel possible. multi-channel system Using Bluetooth technology, the Weight: 87.3kg LX-17 can wirelessly connect to mobile Pedals: Progressive devices and stream music through the damper, soft pedal, generous speakers system on the piano, sostenuto assignable to without the need for any cables. The alternative functions inbuilt Bluetooth MIDI operates the Finishes: Polished pedals to wirelessly turn the pages of ebony, polished white your digital sheet music. By using the and contemporary black free Roland Piano Designer app, you Extra features: 10-year can customise your piano sound to suit warranty, Bluetooth any performance or playing style. audio, Bluetooth MIDI, Watch this video on the LX and HP Twin Piano mode, USB ranges: to computer, Piano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=- Designer app -yVVAtjcUo&feature=youtu.be PRICE: £4,099

Yamaha NU1

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he Yamaha hybrid range is unique. It is the only true hybrid piano that combines the traditions of a Yamaha acoustic instrument with the innovations of digital technology. Featuring a specially designed acoustic piano action based on Yamaha upright pianos and a refined compact design, the NU1 delivers a truly authentic piano playing experience that is almost indistinguishable from that of an acoustic upright. The sound of the NU1 features the sparkling treble and full-bodied bass of one of the finest instruments that Yamaha has ever made, the CFX concert grand piano. Using newly developed acoustic technology unique to Yamaha, it reproduces the characteristic resonance felt when KEY FEATURES playing an acoustic piano. The sound of the CFX forms one of five voices Action: Specialized inside the NU1, which also includes Yamaha upright piano electric pianos and a harpsichord. action The NU1 also features a damper No of Internal Sounds: 5 pedal similar to that of a grand piano Polyphony: 256 resistance curve – starting out light Speaker System: 4 and growing heavier – allowing the speaker (40W + 40W x 2) player to recreate the detail of delicate Weight: 109kg pedalling experienced when playing an Pedals: Soft, sostenuto acoustic piano. and GP response damper Audio recording and numerous other Finishes: Polished ebony, features enhance the unique playing polished brilliant white experience of the Yamaha NU1. PRICE: £4,101


15/11/2016 11:03


Yamaha AvantGrand N3X

Roland GP607

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he GP607 combines Roland’s flagship piano sound and key action in an elegant grand piano cabinet, all at an affordable price. Whether the demand is for a stunning centre piece with additional features or an exceptional piano sound and touch, the GP607 ticks all of the boxes and includes a ten-year warranty. KEY FEATURES For a pianist who demands authentic and expressive key action, the GP607 Action: PHA-50 uses the premium PHA-50 keybed, Keyboard, wood and which combines the natural touch of a plastic hybrid structure wooden key with the reliability and low that is progressively maintenance of modern materials. weighted with The 4.1 multi-channel speaker escapement system in the GP607 replicates every No of Internal Sounds: nuance of an acoustic piano, and makes 307 a powerful system for music playback Polyphony: Limitless in a home or venue. It is housed in a Speaker System: 4.1 mini grand piano cabinet that has been multi-channel system designed with meticulous attention Weight: 86kg to detail and is available in a polished Pedals: Progressive black and polished white finish. damper, soft pedal, Through Bluetooth technology, the sostenuto assignable to GP607 can perform a multitude of alternative functions functions for pianists and non-pianists. Finishes: Polished Wirelessly streaming music through ebony, polished white the substantial speakers system on and contemporary black the piano; using the piano pedals to Extra features: 10-year wirelessly turn the page of your digital warranty, Bluetooth sheet music; all this can be done without audio, Bluetooth MIDI, the need for any cables. By using the Twin Piano mode, USB free Roland Piano Designer app, you to computer, Piano can customise your piano sound to suit Designer app any performance or playing style. PRICE: £4,129

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he AvantGrand N3X is unique in the world of digital pianos. Yamaha has drawn on over 150 years of piano-making expertise and combined it with industry leading technology to create the finest digital grand piano. The N3X features the CFX, Yamaha’s finest concert grand, and the Bösendorfer Imperial, a brand which has been held in high esteem by pianists throughout its long history. These renowned pianos are characterised by distinctive traits such as power, versatility, subtlety, lightness and mellowness. The sound of an acoustic piano resonates throughout its entire body. This is replicated by Yamaha’s Tactile Response System (TRS) which focuses on reproducing natural reverberation throughout the instrument. The player’s hands on the keyboard transmit the natural sound felt from the feet as they depress the pedals; the epitome of real piano playing. To express yourself musically, you need to form a physical bond with your instrument. The N3X has natural-feeling wooden keys and a key action inherited from Yamaha’s esteemed acoustic concert KEY FEATURES grand pianos. Beneath your fingers may be sensed the same weight and Action: Specialised responsiveness and the same scope for acoustic piano action expression. To capture every nuance No of Internal Sounds: of the action’s movement, Yamaha 10 uses two sensors for each key. One Polyphony: 256 sensor gauges exactly how deeply Speaker System: 15 and how long a key is pressed. The speakers (25W x 4, 35W second sensor measures the timing and x 5, 45W x 4, 80W x 2) strength of the hammer movement. Weight: 199kg This information is instantly translated Pedals: 3 pedals. into a beautifully authentic sound A specialised pedal and reproduction. The more you play, the lyre for AvantGrand more you find yourself becoming one Finishes: Polished ebony with the piano. PRICE: £14,261


08/11/2016 11:14

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08/11/2016 11:29

YAMAHA A PASSION FOR PIANOS While many make pianos, few have the heritage and experience of Yamaha. At the heart of every Yamaha piano lies over 100 years of dedication to the instrument. Today, our respect for tradition is matched by a pursuit of excellence, reflected in the exquisite craftsmanship of our concert grands, through to the technological innovations that make our digital pianos sound and feel superb. Discover our passion for pianos at uk.yamaha.com

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Pianist - Piano Buyer's Guide 2017

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