Bechstein VS. Steinway - Comparison | Model B Grand Pianos at Sherwood Phoenix

Can you hear the difference? Both of these incredible musical instruments are in top form and have been placed side by side in this video for you to appreciate and compare. Which do you prefer and why? We look forward to hearing from you.
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[@Lee---]

Your beautiful playing captures the difference between the warmer Bechstein and the cooler Steinway. I dreamed of owning a Steinway my entire life and finally last year set out to buy a used grand. I went to the Steinway factory sale and it was a bust. The cheapest model M's with beat-up cases and replacement plastic keys were double my budget. I kept shopping around and then I found a 1970's Beckstein model M (slightly bigger than Steinway's, and no longer made), mint condition, one-piece ivory keys, within my budget. Wonderful - I play it every day and it has brought so much joy!

[@charmingcloud4099]

Thank you for sharing your story, hope you continue to find joy with it.

[@guilleminbruno7898]

Congratulations!

[@sshah2545]

Reading your comment brought me joy. I couldn’t play if my life depended on it. But I imagine it must be such a wonderful pleasure to create and play music

[@yskwong]

That BASS on C Bechstein is absolutely ... mind-blowing.

[@c3piano]

After numerous careful hearings I preferred the bell canto sound of the Bechstein at the rolled chords on the second page, just before the left hand starts the arpeggios. The instruments are tuned and voiced so similarly that it is hard to tell them apart with blurred sound from the pedaling. The pianist played them both so similarly as to how he hears the piece in his head and both instruments allowed him to create almost the exact sound he wanted and that's a tribute to both instruments. Bravo to the musician and the instruments.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Hi Carlos, this is a fascinating insight. Great point- I think one of the challenges a pianist faces is the constant change of instrument, different pianos at different venues, places, studios etc. and so we are always trying to re-create that sound we have in our head. So I have great respect for when a piano allows one to bring this internal vision of the music to life with minimal resistance, when it responds so fluently I feel I can really direct and shape the sound. There are also other times when the piano has such distinctive character that it can influence and inspire a completley new interpritation. Thank you for sharing your comment - Chris (the pianist)

[@josecubela9642]

Bechstein!!!

[@simengsun8046]

Somehow love the Bechstein bass and feel connected. Absolutely amazing. Rich, powerful, complicated and controlled. Reminds me of the ocean-deep, mysterious, endless.There’s no comparison between the two pianos.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Wow, I really enjouyed reading your comment. A very intricate and even poetic portrayal of these unique instruments. Best regards - Chris (the pianist)

[@AslansMane88]

I feel that the Steinway has clearer tone definition, but the Bechstein has richer harmonic resonance. You hear every note on the Steinway, especially in the upper register, but you hear the chord with the Bechstein. The Steinway sounds cool, and the Bechstein sounds warm.

[@giuliannoformagio4783]

Bechstein is pure, soft, almost lacking attack and metallic sound... it's sound stops immediately before any agression to the ears, inviting to hear the next note. Perfect for live playing. Steinway sounds clear, balanced, vivid. Perfect for recordings. My dream to own one of each...

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

What a great comment. I think you really have understood the unique beauty of both instruments here and how they are different yet complimentary in their own ways. Thank you Giulianno.

[@alexmagor]

The bechstein sounds more present, clear and perfect, the steinway sounds more laid back and human. Kind of like the difference between eating at a fine restaurant vs your grandma’s cooking. Something about that home cooked meal that just has that special soul.

[@proserpinehymn]

The Bechstein has such a warm sound, with fuller and deeper tone in the bass. I enjoy listening to the Bechstein a lot more.

[@scalethemachine]

These are my favourite two piano sounds. C. Bechstein and Steinway both have incredible sound. The Steinway catches my ear as the more familiar sound, since I have heard it on so many recordings. The Steinway also sounds somehow more clear, perhaps due to slightly different voicing in the upper register. But I have to say the C. Bechstein brought more pleasure to my ears, and I will definitely consider one for my home one day. Both fantastic pianos so it is hard to go wrong!

[@Clavineum]

It was Debussy who told us to write piano music for Bechstein pianos only. And he is absolutely right. 😌🥳 The tone of the Bechstein is so silvery and fine, it can be changed in a discret manner as the moon changes his light from second to second shining through a cloudy sky. The Steinway seems not to be born to accept a subordinated role and to serve the composers idea,… With his dominant characterized voice it feels little bit like a difference between a delicate balett dancer on one side and an elephant on the other side,… At least: The Bechstein tells us the truth about the moon as I often observed him while regularly being outside in the night,… Really a fine instrument, the Bechstein,… so honest,… 😌🤩🥳

[@metalguyn]

That Bechstein is SUBLIME.

[@pbsteamatspeed7683]

I learnt to play on a Bechstein Grand......you never forget the warm tones.....

[@DrDLL99]

The Bechstein's bass sounds like it's coming from a 9 foot grand rather than a 7 foot. Amazing

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

True! I was mega impressed with the bass response on this Bechstein too - Chris (the pianist)

[@Kref3]

This seems to be a pretty old Bechstein (agrafes to the top, edge in the rim, etc.) so it is not a 7ft, but most probably a 203cm instrument. somewhere around 6 feet seven inch

[@passage2enBleu]

I listened the first time through without watching. I thought I heard the characteristic roar of the lion in the Bechstein bass. Both instruments so beautiful, as well as the emotive interpretation. I always relate the Bechstein to a wooded country estate. Best to hear live of course.

[@sensoeirensen]

Bechstein is perfect!

[@rivolistreet]

I think Bechstein clinches it. The Steinway is firm and almost flawless but the musicality of each Bechstein note is uplifting, a paradigm. I recently got an upright Zimmermann made by Bechstein, not a patch on these stunning grands, but still, lyrical and musical with a note that rings out almost like an idea. If these pianos were wine, then Steinway would be a solid Bordeaux chateau, perhaps even a Pomerol, but Bechstein would be a rich mesmerizing Burgundy grand cru. But I daren’t say which domain.

[@DavidBoycePiano]

A Bechstein Zimmerman is a very nice instrument!

[@cloverhal2284]

In my mind Petrus vs Romane Conti ;)

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

I would love to obtain these fine wines and then give this comparison another shot... and we'll see how they influence the music haha. So glad you enjoyed this video and your ideas are fascinating. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, it's much appreciated. Best regards from Chris (the pianist)

[@OE1FEU]

I am glad you are happy with the Zimmerman upright, but you should be aware of the fact that it's a Chinese piano sold as a brand by Bechstein with additional Q&A done by Bechstein in the Czech factory. I don't like either of those two pianos in the video, but most of it comes from the really bad tuning plus the fact that it's an apples to oranges comparison. The Steinway model B hasn't seen any substantial modifications in its build design between 1900 and today, whereas Bechstein introduced a whole new, modernized design in all of their grand pianos around the year 2000. It's annoying to see and hear that the player has the left pedal in use throughout the the whole piece, which brings out a very uneven voicing with a mumbling character. Very little care seems to have been take to bring both rebuilt instruments up to concert level. Compared to the Steinway in this recording, my personal 1886 rebuild B is a 1928 Chateau Latour and the Bechstein D 282 I have just played is an Austrian Batonnage Cuvée that recently beat all the great Bordeauxs in a blind tasting session. You can hear both pianos on my Channel: kzbin.info

[@hastensavoir7782]

Would love to see a Bechstein 192 vs Steinway A-188 battle.

[@DavidIzquierdoAzzouz]

Clarity and richness of the Bechstein in this recording all the way, I'm a STW fan anyway

[@HBSC_06]

Im suprised that the bass from the bechstein sounds so bright, loud and warm all together, where the steinway has very thin sound compared to bechstein. I liked both but in comparison I like Bechstein more.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Very interesting insight, thank you for your comment.

[@paxwallacejazz]

Yeah I noticed the Bass on the Bechstein too.

[@Tojazzer]

Bechstein! The Steinways always need extra attention from a technician to maintain a voice and tuning which they cannot maintain for very long. Steinways lack the natural provenance of the Bechstein which maintain a natural purity through all the registers.

[@Jose_Miguel_1971]

Bechstein , no doubt.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Interesting! Thank you for your view, I remember this piano was rather special.

[@ThePsho]

They both sound fantastic. From a preference standpoint, I like the lows and highs from the Bechstein and the mids from the Steinway. It also sounds like the Bechstein would be better suited for classical music, whereas the Steinway would work better for contemporary/rock/pop. The former has the superior solo sound, while the latter seems like it could stand out better in a mix.

[@drfisheye]

Nice playing. The soft played upper notes on the Bechstein sound like it's on the damper pedal or the hammers are still new and soft. Very nice. The Steinway sounds old and the bass is out of tune, which is not helping its warmth. Piano's sound so much better when they are freshly tuned! I understand it's impossible for a large shop to tune all piano's all the time though. As for the comparison: I just tried 5 Bechstein B's. All sound different. Same with Steinway's. So get to the shop people! Try it yourself!

[@Scriabin_fan]

Bechstein's bass sounds so big and dark, where as the Steinway's bass is a little bit too bright. I do like the middle register of the steinway more though. So i honestly don't know which one i like best.

[@Kref3]

Bechstein sounds nicer. And reading the comments, I am not alone with this opinion. Considering that a good used Steinway B211 will be around 60,000EUR and a good, used Bechstein B203 will be less than half, the answer is actually almost a no-brained: I would ignore them both and look for a Bechstein C-224, which will still be only half of a Steinway B.

[@elijahinky]

I prefer the Steinway. Both sound absolutely beautiful though.

[@edwardhurst4069]

Bechstein! I want one.🍃🙂

[@RModillo]

Bechstein is gorgeous! By comparison, Steinway is muddy.

[@luisito948]

Bechtein gold sound!,Steinway Silver sound

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Thank you Luis, I am plad you enjoyed both these pianos and have awarded them gold and silver respectivley! Best regards - Chris (the pianist)

[@watthaile2053]

Bechstein Gold. Steinway Bronze. Not close., sorry.

[@kadirbilgin1234]

Bechatein great! 😍

[@jamesnicholson3313]

I have to admit the sound quality of the Bechstein is more to my liking, I love that beautiful clear mellow sound of the complete bass, middle and treble register and of course I do favor German hammers over the American Steinway pianos that sometimes sound loud and glassy if the hammer voicing is not kept in check, however that's only my preference.

[@sisterray4490]

bechstein is better

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

I'm glad you like it, I honestly couldn't make up my mind! Kindest regards from Chris (the pianist)

[@watthaile2053]

@@SherwoodPhoenix that is sad to hear. Your audience seemed to have no problem at all, much preferring the bechstein.

[@openkeyz937]

I like Bechstein , but I feel the Steinway sings more. Saying this, the bass notes on the Bechstein is marvelous.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Many thanks, it really is a tough call because both of these unique instruments are exceptional in their own right. Your thoughts are very interesting. It was a tremendous pleasure to be able to play them and let you compare. Best regards - Chris (the pianist)

[@jinxiaoxing526]

I think Bechstein is much better. Quite, powerful, full tone, better sound quality. Right?

[@gadymarcus5297]

magnifico.💣💣💣💣💣💣

[@liuchunsing167]

How about the touch? Is the Bechstein much lighter than Steinway?

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Hello there, it has been a while since I made this video but if I do recall correctly I would say yes it was. Although still a very well balanced instrument and a pleasure to play. Best regards from Chris (the pianist)

[@JustinCrediblename]

In this circumstance, the Bechstein. 'sorta sounds like the Steinway is a bit out of tune.

[@eliasszhouu2744]

The bechstein sounds more fuzzy and warm. The steinway is dry and crisp. I dont know which to pick

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Thank you for your comment Eliass, yes indeed it is a difficult choice but I am glad when people can appreciate the unique and different qualities in each instrument. It was indeed an honor to play them both. Best regards - Chris (the pianist)

[@adricas3940]

It's seems as if Claire de Lune was composed for a Bechstein. It sounds incredible!

[@paxwallacejazz]

Man that Modern Bechstein is giving Steinway a run for its money. This ain't your grandpa's Bechstein.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Judging by the studs in the plate openings, these are both "vintage" instruments.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Isn't it just?! I was extremley impressed. Both stunning pianos and a worthy match. Best regards - Chris (the pianist)

[@HS-wp5vb]

Modern Bechstein? This was not a new instrument. I guess it is several deaces old. Look at the rounded legs. I think Bechstein uses square-shaped legs ever since after the WW II. So how old is it?

[@McEffinHat]

don't swallow the Steinway & Sons marketing dreck. they are just a piano producer, one out of many producers with the expertise and experience to craft excellent instruments

[@JA-zs7fw]

tuning is off for bechstein

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Thank you for your comment. Honestly, I didn't even notice at the time when I recorded this video as I was enjoying the pianos so much! I hope you still find this video useful and can hear past any slight descrepencies in the tuning, which inevitably there always can be to some extent as all pianos are differnet. Unless the piano has been tuned directly before recording, but as there are over 300 pianos at our facility this was not the case on this occasion. I would love to do this again but there pianos are now long sold. I will certainly look to do another in the near future with our latest stock! Chris - the pianist

[@richardsmith682]

Bechstein!

[@Daniel_Ilyich]

I'd half to hear them in a hall. When mic'd all expensive pianos sound great.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

You're most welcome to visit our grand hall and try our pianos for yourself and experience their sound, or one of our pianists will also be happy to demonstrate. We use mics to capture finer detail to represent the pianos and their individual tones and nuances as transparently as possible. Thank you for enjoying our videos :)

[@peterpeaceful1495]

Thank you for sharing. The Bechstein sounds like a Bechstein, the Steinway sounds like a Steinway. I feel sorry for someone who has to choose between the two. No, I don't, really. Btw, can you, please, describe to difference between the actions?

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

You're very welcome. Ahh yeah tough choice indeed. I was very fortunate to play both. All I can say is the Bechstein has a slightly lighter action but both are very well balanced and a pleasure to play!

[@Thiago-px9ev]

I feel sorry for me, for not having the chance of choosing between those 2 amazing instruments hahaha

[@user-wg6wd1jh7t]

ΠΩΣ ΜΠΟΡΩ ΝΑ ΕΛΘΩ ΣΕ ΣΥΝΕΝΝΌΗΣΗ ΜΕ ΕΚΤΊΜΗΣΗ ΠΙΆΝΟΥ BECHSTEIN?

[@liamwallintv7841]

Hi, good video! What is the name of the first song in the video?

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Dear Liam, glad you enjoyed this video. Thank you. This section of music is from Debussy - Clair de Lune. Best regards - Chris, the pianist

[@correasilvio2010]

Bechstein the Best!

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

I enjoyed both pianos tremendously, it really is a tough call isn't it? I am glad to see so many varied opinions on these pianos!

[@-OokySpooky-]

I'll take a Bechstien over a Steinway any day. I understand why Steinways are loved, they truly are beautiful and well rounded pianos. But Bechstien pianos have soooo much weight to every note and the low end is unmatched

[@raphaelfraisse3776]

Whouuuuuuuuuh it’s incredible

[@eliplayer2122]

What is the piece?

[@waygoblue4729]

"Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy

[@gregs3580]

Unisons and octaves are out on the Steinway. Microphone placement sounds very different as well. IMO not all Bechstein's sound as open, very few Steinways sound as constricted.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

There are over 300 pianos in our stock, it can be difficult to keep everything perfectly in tune constantly. This is particulary pronounced if one is listening with a very critical ear. Hopefully you are still able to appreciate the tone and enjoy the comparison. Both of these pianos are now sold but I would like to try this style of video again soon. I tend to keep the mic positioning as consistent as possible, but bare in mind this is a huge building and the pianos are therefore in slightly different places acoustically speaking. To clarify, this comparison video was not done under scientific conditions, it was a bit of fun and interest. However, the great reaction and engaging conversations here have given me inspiration to do for some more in-depth content for future, when time permits. Stay 'tuned' :) Best regards Chris, the pianist

[@gregs3580]

@@SherwoodPhoenix I understand, but pianos which aren't in tune couldn't possible exhibit the qualities one expects in a fine instrument. Critical tuning is the easiest of any piano regulations and should be at the very least a requirement.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

@@gregs3580 Hi Greg, every piano is tuned on arrival and regulated to the highest standards. A piano's tuning may move slightly as they are played by customers, moved in the showroom, or encounter a variety of other influences which can occur on a daily basis in a working environment. It is only a matter of time until our technitians work their way back around to certain instruments again, which is why I did not raise this piano as a priority to our technitians who have many more pianos and new arrivals to tend to. I hope this helps you understand, from a practical point of view, why the Steinway sounds as it did at the time of this particular recording. I would love to play this piano again for you as it is an absolutley incredible instrument, but as such, it is now indeed sold to a very happy customer. Although, we do have some very exciting, stunning pianos in currently, which I am looking forward to comparing in another video when time permits. Thank you for your contributions to the discussion. Best wishes - Chris, the pianist

[@gregs3580]

@@SherwoodPhoenix What I'm saying is it should be a prerequisite when making an AB comparison that at the very least the pianos are in tune. Surely you agree.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

@@gregs3580 All is explained above Greg. Sure, if I decide to do this again and any technitians are available to make sure both pianos are perfectly in tune I'm sure it would be even better. Enjoy :) Many thanks - Chris

[@jaspernatchez]

sheesh tune before testing

[@davidoneill913]

Bechstein but I'd accept either !

[@DavidBoycePiano]

What are the ages of the two pianos?

[@mateocerda9835]

B 120. S 20

[@robertstrong8966]

The C Bechstein is in better tune. The Steinway's out-of-tune upper bass notes, through middle range unisons are beating [undulating, out of phase]. (The lowest, single string bass notes CAN'T beat.) This inequality of tuning makes fair comparison impossible. The in-tune, beatless unisons of the Bechstein are clear as a bell. Therefore in this demonstration, I prefer the C Bechstein sound. However, my preference may favor the Steinway, when heard immediately after precise tuning. Both are fine sounding, extraordinary instruments.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Thank you so much for your comment Robert, some interesting thoughts there. Speaking of the Beatles(s), I have been enjoying your keyboard covers! If you are ever passing you are welcome to come down for a coffee and try out some similar pianos we have here. I would love to chat and share some knowlegde with a fellow piano enthusiast. Best regards - Chris (the pianist)

[@robertstrong8966]

@@SherwoodPhoenix Hello Chris. Fine playing of same excerpt from Clair de Lune in the demo. This is to your credit, both as pianist, and as a truly fair demonstrator. I'm in USA, and regret that I can't meet and chat with you in person there in UK. I'm a piano tuner and technician (retired). This gives me a bittersweet advantage. Keeping the pianos where I have gigs at their best potential is sweet. The bitter side is my disdain for hearing any piano needing tuning. It is a great distraction to me, to the point I can't enjoy the performance. __ As a young lad, I was content to play any piano, even Grandmother's which had one free tuning with purchase (before I was born!). It was never tuned again, and I loved playing it before I knew the difference. Since learning the piano tuner/tech. craft - I can't tolerate even the slightest drift, from the most recent tuning (which I hear in this Steinway). Many purchasers don't realize what they regard as "inferior" sound, is sometimes merely the piano being out of tune. Consequently, it is important that every piano being compared and considered for selection be immediately tuned and regulated for the inspecting client. A piano that needs these services could actually be the one a buyer would love best, but is passed over for another, that simply was in tune and at optimal regulation. Many are ignorant of this fact--and wrongly assume the unpleasant sound they object to is the piano's inherent tone--and not merely offensive tuning condition! I have played many pianos, before tuning them, which totally turned me off. Then after tuning and any needed regulation, the same piano was gloriously inspiring--keeping me playing for an hour+ after tuning! My trade is both a blessing and a curse. I envy those who are content, not knowing the difference. Thank you for your friendly reply. I hope you, and Sherwood Piano store prosper. CHEERS! Robert

[@TrilloSuede]

@@robertstrong8966 Interesting!

[@alzhan4888]

Steinway so cool

[@buffuzo4201]

Steinway is fire and ice. Best for high drama. Bechstein is much more nuanced.

[@paxwallacejazz]

But Mason & Hamlin!? A new one.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Keep an eye on our channel, one may come.

[@sonariumstudio]

The room you recorded in and the poor micing job makes it hard to hear the true sound

[@danielsanchezr.8037]

What is the name of the song?

[@coltonschuh1097]

@Daniel Sanchez R. Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy

[@AGC828]

Can't go wrong with either but to my ears the C. Bechstein gave you more of everything...the mids, lows and the highs. If anything if some one is looking for a more "pure" sound then maybe they should go with the Steinway. But I don't think either piano is "better" than the other.

[@touchemusicale6784]

Ouch !! Hard to judge because both pianos were very out of tune in the bass !!

[@petrafriedrich5853]

M

[@randykern1842]

Why would you use such an old Steinway to compare it too?

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

In your opinion, why would you not?

[@robertrenk7074]

The Steinway has a brighter sound

[@jassonsw]

That looks like a very old Steinway.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Ah yes. This piano is now sold but here is some background info for your interest. This piano was restored- basically brought back to life as if it were a new instrument again but keeping the traditional structure and design. This Steinway & Sons Model B grand piano has a serial number of 91332 which dates its year of manufacture to 1898. Best regards - Chris, the pianist

[@jassonsw]

@@SherwoodPhoenix Very interesting, thanks for that Chris and beautiful playing by the way.

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

@@jassonsw Ahh you're very welcome. And many thanks, I appreciate your kind words!

[@germanmayboroda8811]

Bechstein is softer

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Interesting observation. Thank you for sharing. Best regards - Chris (the pianist)

[@gja822]

Steinway is drier, even more industrial and classicistic.

[@lisarsng7751]

Steinway wins in this recording :D

[@francoissasseville2696]

Neither has a proper tuning

[@SherwoodPhoenix]

Both of these pianos are sold. Keep an eye out for more comparison videos coming soon. Hopefully you will enjoy them. Best regards Chris - the pianist

[@theclaverman]

The bechstein sounds out of tune...

[@stonesour6067]

Steinway

[@ethanbeatsachmoody8177]

steinway is just clearly the best piano brand hands down lol