Steinway L vs Steinway O

Cunningham Piano Company recently completed two beautiful Steinway pianos:
1) Steinway L #239924, built in 1925, 5'10 1/2" in length 2) Steinway O #139405, built in 1909, 5'10" in length
Both of these models are beautiful pianos, but the tone is a little different between the two. Please enjoy Hugh performing "Lilacs" Op.21 #5 by Rachmaninoff. Can you tell the difference? Which one do you prefer?
We would love to hear your response in the comments - and please subscribe to our channel for more great videos!

[@thd-computer1780]

His playing is absolutely brilliant. Im amazed

[@deanbarker7431]

This was fascinating; a real treat to see two golden era Steinways side by side - thank you! Leaving aside how hammers or soundboard can affect tone (are both soundboards original?), I felt the L expressed more power and clarity and, admittedly, felt like an improvement over the O. That said, I personally preferred the O, which to me sounded more textured and inward looking, darker in a way. I play on a 1915 Steinway K (also designed by Henry Ziegler, if I am not mistaken), and the O reminded me more of my own experience at home. Fun video!

[@kalilavalezina]

Wow, that was so beautiful! Thank you for introducing this piece to me, I've never heard it before. I think both sounded gorgeous, the second one a bit clearer and brighter, the first one warmer and softer. Stunning! I dream of being able to try a Steinway one day.

[@briandietrich1373]

Fantastic channel! Thank you for the videos.

[@gitarrenpiano]

What a beautiful piece! - And played so extremely well! Thank you so much for this interesting comparison!

[@richardwurtz6610]

The L had a richer deeper tone. I listened to both blinded to which was which. Thanks for this comparison! Well played!

[@AmyiReport]

I am here to watch Hugh play. Beautiful as always. Thank you!

[@CunninghamPiano]

Thank you Amy. He is incredible, isn't he?

[@richarderrington2023]

Both gorgeous, but I prefer the model L. I play on a 2m Broadwood grand, and the model L is how I'd like Lilacs to sound on mine!

[@thehughesfamily3352]

They are both really good Pianos

[@fffbti]

The model O sounded "richer" and "deeper" to me. The model L slightly "brighter " to me. It's a toss up but I think I like the O a bit move

[@cabotcat1]

Model L seemed a bit more…refined? Clearer with perhaps a bit more control available.

[@fernandogadala-maria6749]

Hello !! I am sure the model L was never made in Hamburg Germany. It was only made in NY from 1924 to 2005 The model L you are playing has the rounded arms and Hamburg music desk Did you custom modify the L In any case. To my taste. The L sounds more colored and grander The O seems a bit thinner sounding but both are beautiful, each in its own voice. Your playing is flawless and beautiful. Congratulations

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Hugh, what a wonderful comparison video you have put together for all of us to hear, to truly consider. I've only listened to this once, and so truly am offering my true first-impressions. I believe I like the sound of the L Model better but . . . I often wonder when I listen to pianos posted online, how accurately are the pianos "Miked" are the record levels exactly the same for both? I will definitely have to give this a second and third listen . . . maybe I will change my mind. One thing is for sure, I often see in Steinways what I would describe as a buttery-smooth sound and with some, a surprisingly bright treble devoid of glassiness or harsh shrill. The Model's with the unique Steinway bell, really sing out in such a clear and sustained bell-like ring. I would be oh so proud to own either of these pianos, they would serve as the focal point in any home but even more, I'd love to be at the level of play which you possess, hard fought I'm sure, from years of countless hours spent in front of those 88 keys. Thanks again so much for this offering Hugh, it is so appreciated.

[@DeanHorak]

Both sound gorgeous, but to my ear, the model O sounded a little softer and richer - not as bright.

[@leley3087]

very very nice

[@judithdehaney3350]

I prefer the L🤔. It sounds…warmer ? Beautiful piece and performance btw💕

[@satrad8642]

I think I’m drawn more to the L. It sounds warmer? 🤔Beautiful performance btw❤️

[@westfield90]

Amazing piano playing.

[@CunninghamPiano]

It really is. Hugh is such an artist.

[@arthurkrieck1]

My teacher in my 20s had a 1912 model O, a 16th birthday gift she kept with her for the rest of her life. So the O sounds familiar, and preferable in the comparison!

[@MarcusVinicius116]

Je préfère la clarté du L. Mais les deux sonnent extrêmement bien. Et quelle merveilleuse petite pièce musicale. Je ne connaissais pas. Vous la jouez superbement.

[@sgisela]

I will confess... I’m listening to this on my ipad, which I know is not the best way to evaluate subtle musical tones! I liked them both a lot, but definitely preferred the model O. I struggle with the vocabulary for piano tonal characteristics, but here were my impressions: I felt the very soft pianissimos were softer/more effective on the Model O. I also thought that with the lush, thick, loud chords played forte, the L came across as a bit abrasive/harsh, whereas the O was assertive but still beautiful. So basically, throughout the dynamic range of the piano, I preferred the tonal palette of the O, particularly for this piece.

[@sgisela]

But where was the key slip?!?

[@sgisela]

I’m also curious how much this is perceived differently in person vs through the recording.

[@kimg4589]

Lovely playing on 2 beautiful pianos. I prefer the O as I felt it has a sweeter tone and more colours. The L is more “masculine” and had some strange harmonics.

[@rednekokie]

Wonderful playing -- however I preferred the L. Perhaps it's because I own one and am better used to it -- but it seemed a bit better regulated than the O.

[@avantpianist6636]

Interestingly, both these pianos look like a Hamburg Steinway. I'm assuming the L was the New York. Did you replace with the Hamburg style music desk?

[@RolandHuettmann]

Beautifully played. Good sound. I wonder if not each individuel instrument must have it's own characteristics. I could not make a choice though from listening online. Probably it needs a lot of hearing and actually playing to understand differences. The first one might sound a bit softer to me. But is it the playing, or the instrument, or just imagination on my side?

[@CunninghamPiano]

Roland - thank you for the comment. We think you should visit us in person and decide. We'd love to host you! :-)

[@RolandHuettmann]

@@CunninghamPiano Why not? But I am not a piano expert.} I just enjoy playing good pianos...) ,.

[@fab0017]

what is the name of the song?

[@CunninghamPiano]

"Lilacs" Op.21 #5 by Rachmaninoff

[@pborgia1]

Indeed the tone is different but the same difference could also be found in two different model O's or two different model L's. All hand built pianos are different even two of the same model.

[@CunninghamPiano]

There is truth there Peter. Thank you for pointing that out. Of course, the L was designed to have a slightly bigger and broader tone and the O from that period was designed to be sweeter and better for chamber music. But things can be different from piano to piano, for sure!

[@pborgia1]

In my opinion rebuilt vintage pianos like those two should have lacquer, varnish or polyurethane finishes with the look appropriate to the time it was built. The polyester finishes on those pianos are no doubt high quality but look too "modern". The same is true for the modern Steinway logos on the fallboards. Why not be proud of the fact that with care a Steinway can easily last 100-150 years.

[@michaelsteele8515]

I agree. Both pianos look remanufactured to look like brand new pianos. The L even has a music desk that was used only on Hamburg manufactured models. Even the legs don’t look original, and these would’ve never had the veneered inner rim. Maybe this is what sells now, and gives a cheaper option to those not wanting to buy a new Steinway.

[@musicaldiscovery1434]

The "Model L" that you are showing is not a New York made piano. New York Steinways do not have the rounded shoulders at the edge of the cheek blocks and are finished in satin ebony, not high gloss. Both examples you are showing are Hamburg pianos. I do not believe model L was ever made in Hamburg.

[@paulknight6508]

The o is far better piano, the L tone was bright but lacking body.

[@FioreTileWorks]

The L.

[@srr10]

The L sings. The O doesn't.