Steinway VS Chinese Piano - Can You Hear the Difference?

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Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I'm Robert Estrin. Do you think you can hear the difference between a Steinway and a Chinese piano? Many of you probably think it would be no problem. But it may be surprising to you what you hear. There have been studies on wines. When people think a bottle of wine is expensive, they're always going to choose that as being a better wine. There's a subjective nature to the taste and the bouquet of wines. Well, the same is true of pianos! Now, I'm not suggesting one is better than the other. I'm going to leave it up to you to decide. I'm going to provide you with a blind listening test!
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[@groove-band]

I picked the Chinese make as number one because I could hear a slight distortion/modulation on the high notes and figured it was due to workmanship or build quality. So I was shocked to discover it was the Steinway.

[@KT-qx7ei]

I went for number two as the Steinway. Less vibration on low heavy chords and brighter sounding top notes. I'm quite surprised. I thought piano 2 was markedly better.

[@HS-wp5vb]

I was very unsure at first. The second piano was brighter and the Stainway surprisingly mellow, particularly for a Steinway. Though I also found the Hailun a bit sharp in the upper treble, that's wheere the Stainway stood out as the more mature instrument. That said, from a sound perspective the Hailun seems to be great value for money. But it's worth comparing with Yamaha and Kawai.

[@scabbycatcat4202]

So did I - there was not much in it but the second piano sounded marginally better to my ear.

[@linotavares9706]

I really thought the second piano would be Steinway, really impressive for the quality. Which leads me to realize that we can be very happy with the piano we have at home ...

[@heikization]

Sure, pianos are different, at some point one can't say one sound is better or worse, I personally don't like Steinway sound, I find it mushed, but others love it for its warmth and forgiveness

[@coolfactsaboutsharks]

well I mean the second piano's bass and treble sounded pretty dull compared to the first one

[@gregson99]

@@coolfactsaboutsharks he seems to pick pieced that stay at center. That does make it harder and also no dynamic range. Some high end Chinese pianos actually use German action and strings and sound surprisingly good however. Not sure if Halion is 1 of them

[@coolfactsaboutsharks]

@@gregson99 ok

[@hellopsp180]

Sound is subjective as long as it plays nice and sounds decently in tune any piano can feel premium

[@LastCast2011]

I got it wrong, the first piano sounded more distorted when the chords were played, more harsh sound, the sound felt like came from cheap strings or something. The second piano sounded little more full and clean, little more bassey, much more clean full "realistic" piano sound! Maybe I got the wrong idea of what a piano is suppose to sound like. Maybe you're suppose to hear the resonance of the strings more!

[@teresitanavida5270]

I go for thr 2nd one more clear and not distorted

[@joshuadelaughter]

In my opinion, the recording isn't nearly high enough quality to base an opinion on. I think the Steinway is louder and there's no compression on the recording, so that made it sound overall worse.

[@Todd1356]

I thought the Steinway sounded muddy compared to the Hailun. I thoroughly enjoyed the openness of Hailun as well.

[@neilhunter1144]

Listened with Sony MDR-7506 earphones. Number one was warm, mellow with a very clear sound which I immediately thought was typical of a Steinway. Number 2 was much brighter with more overtones. The bass was a little harsh at ff and sounded like it was from a smaller piano. I identified it as the Chinese piano. I've played a Steinway before but never played on a Hailun. I do think they are both excellent sounding pianos!

[@jphd81]

Yes, me too. The Steinway sound of the bass is very typical.

[@kwoksmusic]

I was sure 1. Hailun. 2. Steinway. Very happy to know there is a much less costly alternative that sounds good!

[@facundogonzalez6423]

I have a Hailun, the quality of those pianos is really impressive...among the "cheap" chinese pianos i would say they are the best.

[@lordkent8143]

How much is the Hailun?

[@zondering7431]

i just bought a brand new hailun 198, $31,000 Canadian dollars, about 26,000 USD. Hailun 178 from the dealer is 21,000 Canadian dollsrs.

[@hellothere5476]

​@@zondering7431 Hey, just wondering - which province in Canada do you live in? I'm from Alberta and bought a Hailun 178 around 1 year and a half ago for 23,000 CAD, which leads me to wonder if I could've negotiated further...

[@szbxa]

@@hellothere5476 You'll find many people who have paid a bunch more and many people who've paid a bunch less. Done deal is a done deal and your dealer has to eat too, stop wondering and enjoy your piano.

[@Jimmy5001957]

I thought #2 was the Steinway also. It seemed to have more sustain than #1 and a little brighter. I imagine the Steinway will outlast the Chinese one and is probably more stable.

[@jakeschreacke4421]

I was correct, but was kind of sad because I thought the Chinese piano sounded nicer. I wonder if it felt different to play on each. And of course the Steinway would probably last longer and has nicer action, wood, sound board, etc. But I agree with your video, it is about preference and how a piano’s sound sits with a person!

[@charlescxgo7629]

The Steinway sounded poorly regulated, but it was very obvious in tone, especially in the cords, Steinway have this thick flavor

[@zackeryhardy9504]

@Konstantin Ridaya The steinway soundboard design doesn't do that piano any favors longevity wise. But people will buy steinway based off of the name only.

[@zackeryhardy9504]

@@charlescxgo7629 The steinway actually have much better voicing than the other one. A good voicing job is down to consistancy accross the piano from note to note and the 2nd piano suffered from a lack of consistancy in the voicing. You also cannot hear regulation. Regulation affects playing as it means the action isn't working well. All new pianos that go into a store are going to be out of regulation. Steinway is notorious for being practically and often times literally in unplayable states when they arrive at the store. Usually before they make it to the floor room a piano tech will go over the pianos and ensure they are in good working order and sound good along with any issues with the finish being touched up. What most people hear is generally not voicing issues but voicing choices. Voicing is really where the majority of the sound that people notice comes from. The other aspects of the piano do make a difference, but none are as extreme as voicing. And voicing can be done to make your piano sound however you want. The differences people associate with brands are usually choices made by the company and sound wise is very deliberate. You can make a yamaha sound like a kawai and vice versa. But to distinguish themselves from each other they usually voice their pianos purposely differently from each other. Something you will also notice country wise as the european market wants a different sound from the US market or the chinese market. So companies will voice according to where they are selling aswell.

[@zackeryhardy9504]

@@erayedatschebotarjew1762 A high end piano should not need to be broken in. That is why they usually put them on a device known as a pounder. This is literally to break them in. Then final adjustments and voicing are done along with work at the store to ensure that its perfect right off the bat. In fact the largest issues with pianos is breaking them in usually throws them out of regulation and the hammers start to deform. Whoever told you that does not know what they are talking about. Or if it was a dealer they were ripping you off trying to save a buck on not fixing a problem piano which sadly has been known to happen. Especially with name brand pianos.

[@mrdrgriffin8790]

I correctly chose the Steinway, but only because it sounded a tad bit richer than the second. But it's scary how similar they sound given the price difference. I suspect the difference would have been more obvious if hearing them in person. Resonance and color,etc are hard to hear through a video. Point well made though...man that Hailun sure did sound close....!

[@lemau8458]

Gotta love how the top comment spoils the answer. Just had to ruin it for everyone didn't you?

[@instrujam]

Much preferred Piano 2. I didn't try to figure out which was the Steinway, but rather which I'd more enjoy listening to and playing. Piano 2 was a clear choice for me, so that's fortunate as it is far more affordable 🙂

[@JaegerDives]

I got it right, but in the end they both sound like really nice pianos :-) My main take away was that the Steinway sounded darker.

[@Saki630]

The crispness of the bass and the super quiet fidelity of the Steinway is what let me know it was #1. The second piano sounded sharp and pianoy when playing the bright notes, but could not deliver in the contrast between super quiet and loud with clarity. #2 is perfect, #1 sounded better at the extremes and overall more muted and balanced or regulated in its tone.

[@dipakchoudhuri4629]

DUDE CHINESE PIANO HAS IMPROVED A LOT... IT IS JUST THE MATTER OF TIME THAT CHINESE WILL KNOCK OFF STEINWAY LIKE ANY OTHER PRODUCT...

[@jassonsw]

Great test. I've recorded lots of different pianos over the years and got some very experienced piano people to try and guess which piano is which. The results were pretty much in line with random guessing. I've also tried to identify pianos myself just from recordings and I do no better. It's very, very difficult if not impossible. There are so many variables. Microphones, pre-amps, microphone positions, the acoustics of the venue and as you say the individual piano itself. Even the same make and model can sound quite different from one individual piano to the next. I definitely think we can kid ourselves that certain very expensive pianos sound a lot better than some less expensive models, but I don't think that's always true.

[@RaviRJoshi]

Got it wrong. . But it raises several questions. Primarily, do I really know what a piano ought to sound like?

[@Raufahsertapete]

Same here.. but actually not too bad if you´re looking to buy one :D

[@MrMarcec85]

Second: is Steinway still the best? ( I have my answer)

[@stephenchen7491]

I think at the end of the day only the person who plays can make a difference, not the instrument itself. A great pianist can always make any instrument sound like his/her own, regardless of the price, the brand etc., as long as it’s we’ll maintained.

[@ivanmengualalvarez7423]

I got it right! What definitely helped me was the Steinway's deeper, richer lower register. It was a tricky comparison because the Hailun piano was pretty bright and one might tend to associate Steinway pianos with a brighter tone.

[@PriyanujKashyap]

The 2nd one was way better sounding. It sounded almost like a Steinway model D. I was quite surprised with the results.

[@FloridaClay]

Like some others, I thought that 2 was probably the Steinway as with one a few of the harder struck notes sounded just a bit distorted. There was far less difference than I would have imagined.

[@FloridaClay]

Exactly my experience. I am wondering it the lesser quality mikes used for two might have been the source of the distortion. By and large, both sounded lovely.

[@mtv565]

I got it right! I'm serious! I thought the 1st piano's tone sounded more sonorous and has depth. The 2nd piano just sounded bright that's all.

[@henrykwieniawski7233]

Hey! I saw you on a Bach cantata video a while ago! Nice seeing you here :)

[@mtv565]

@@henrykwieniawski7233 : Hi, nice to see you too!

[@kevinchin3848]

yes, the giveaway is the brightness. Bright sound is very asian preference, like Yamaha & Kawaii. European piano is more darker or mellow. This Chinese model however has twang sound that made it a bit imperfect and fragile in sound quality.

[@mtv565]

@@kevinchin3848 : Not mellow, but more sonorous.

[@dynoroad]

I thought number 2 was the Steinway simply because I thought it sounded superior to number 1 which I thought was very muddy, boy how wrong was I!? It was in fact the Steinway that I thought sounded muddy, and the Hailun had the more pleasant timbre to my ears. Cool test, if not entirely scientific as Robert pointed out. Glad to know I can get a beautiful piano for a fraction of the cost of a Steinway, and even end up more satisfied with the tone.

[@richardwhitehouse8762]

I thought the first piano must be the Hailun, simply because it seemed to be a bit lacking in depth of sound. I thought the second piano was more rounded and seemed to offer more colour. Fascinating.

[@janieyost7456]

I like number 2 best. First one sounded more tinny

[@Music2Die4]

The second piano sounded like it was "in tune" more than the first one.

[@sandielauren4536]

I owned a 5'1" Young Chang. Loved everything about it. I recognized the 2nd one immediately as the Chinese brand.

[@nstarbaby]

@Mia Li Hailun

[@renaldysamuel9271]

Young chang is Korean piano

[@WolfieNamira]

i literally thought the second one was the steinway, I thought it sounded better ._.

[@wensunkeh2030]

I

[@aston0708]

me too,,,

[@carlosfogginmusic]

Piano #1 is warmer & has more dynamic capability, getting bright when it needs to. Piano #2 is bright regardless of dynamic and. My pick is #1 for the Steinway.

[@fotografjindra6442]

Am I the only one here who does not adore Steinway? :D .... Sorry but I do prefer European pianos - German, Austrian and Czech brands ;)

[@robertrenk7074]

You’re not the only one. A lot of them sound dead to me.

[@joshgutierrez7380]

You know that Steinway is part German right 🤣

[@robertrenk7074]

@@joshgutierrez7380 Some Steinways are not German

[@fotografjindra6442]

@@joshgutierrez7380 Yeap, I do 😉 And I do partly accept them 😄 For some style of music they are good, sounds good for jazz sessions eg..... but especially romantical pieces or classical music.... all the way to European "Home" pianos for me 🤷‍♂️🤗

[@juniorlucio]

That was very interesting experience. I thought the 2nd piano was the Steinway, specially because of the high-notes. Nice video!

[@otto7848]

At first I thought the first one is the Chinese one, but when I heard the second one I knew it wasn't. The first one do sound more distorted on the lower section, but the resonance sounds so good. The second piano on the other hand sounds clean and the resonance feels too short.

[@joshuafruend3348]

I got it right! The Steinway’s growl in the bass and mellowness in the treble is always distinguishable. Listen to the louder sections and it becomes clearer.

[@qwiklok]

I'm stunned. I was so sure of my choices. I have a 1930 Knabe 9' that rivals the best in warmth and gorgeous sound. I listen to a great deal great pianos on KZbin and the Steinways have always, always come out the best - which is why they are used in concert halls around the world - for the sound alone. Never really liked the Bosendorfer, Yamaha - too clinical, too pure, but the Steinway - what a feast. I thought this contest would be a no brainer. I also play french horn (serious hobby) and by default we have to have sensitive ears. I have played both Chinese and Yamaha horns, heard the big American Conn 8D horns. I liked the sound of the Chinese horn best even over the monumental Conn or Eurpean brands. So I was sure of my answers. I immediately said within 15 seconds, even before hearing #2, that 1 was Chinese. When I heard #2, I said, ah ha, now that is the Steinway. Much warmer, nicer tone overall. Nr 1 has too many tinny sounds, what I thought were metallic overtones, a rather unpleasant sound. I was not moved. I also suspected a 7, not a 9'. When I heard the answers, I'm blown away. Stunned. NO WAY. I mean #1 was not an enjoyable experience where 2 gave me a big hug. For a 6', I 'd take that #2 any day for the sound beauty alone. Steinway, you lost this one cold, like the sound of the piano. But, Wow. Great challenge. I suppose after playing a Chinese (Taiwan) Eastman horn for 2 years, although it did have some issues that were workarounds, that Eastman horn relies on sound quality. And it had it. Now this chinese piano is a serious contender to quality product. Of course a pianist would be looking at other factors such as touch, feel, and the things that make a huge difference in the playing - and we dont know this - Maybe Robert could give us some comments. At the end or beginning of he day, as Darth Vader said: Impresivvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvve.

[@jenniferbateman2089]

I was wrong! I preferred the 2nd one, thought it was a Steinway. Such a great and fun idea-do another with Bösendorfer!

[@johngoodman8208]

Picked the Steinway, no question. The Chinese piano had a dull metallic sound and lacked the longer decay of the Steinway, plus the the bell like quality of the higher register was undeniable.

[@coreenlevin6649]

The Steinway (Piano No. 1) was very easy to discern, despite the difference in microphones and room acoustics. The sound is complex and there is an evenness in tone quality throughout the range of the instrument, which creates a cohesive aural experience. Also, I play a 1966 Steinway M almost every day, recording my practice sessions for later review, so am familiar with hearing its sound envelope both live and recorded. The Hailun (Piano No. 2) lacked warmth and depth in the sound. In particular, the treble notes had a brittle quality.

[@DinsmoreMusicAcademy]

I own the Hailun 161 and I am really impressed with its sound when you compare its price point. Interestingly I thought the 2nd was the Steinway so go figure....shows you its all about sound and what u look for, don't be persuaded by brand alone!

[@mdandrews44]

I thought piano #1 had a somewhat deeper bass and more of a singing tone in the treble register. This seems characteristic of Steinway. However, the change in the room acoustics and the microphone setup made piano #2 (Hailun) seem a little more subdued. So, very interesting test comparison and challenges our thinking doesn't it? Thanks for your videos - all of them are really enjoyable and educational.

[@kenstephens2955]

Thanks for doing this! I prefer the sound of the Hailun, but any difference could be a matter of tuning. I’d be very grateful for your comments on how these pianos felt to play. I went piano shopping once with a concert pianist and all she cared about was the action feeling ‘alive’. With love, Ken

[@marcusvaldes]

Hailun in an excellent piano for the money. I got it right, but I had to go back and forth a couple of times.

[@DeanHorak]

I liked the sound of the first, but thought it was the Chinese piano because it was brighter. The second piano didn’t seem to have a clear a base register, but I suppose that could be the difference in mikes.

[@thespian200]

I got it right. It was the distinctive and rich base at 4:30 of the 1st one that led me think it is a Steinway. You can compare it with the 2nd one at 7:45. Great playing!

[@LiquidTurbo]

Honestly its a 50/50 chance..

[@chloex3720]

The first one sounds better. Steinway i guess. The second one sounds a little noisy when chords are played on both hands. The clashing of the high notes.

[@samwang5831]

I got it wrong, I thought you were going to use the better mic on the Hailun to fool everyone into believing that the Hailun was better

[@ozzietadziu]

As a non-performer I was unable to choose between the two pianos. But as an aside, my longtime friend, the great Earl Wilde was a Baldwin artist for most of his professional career. When Baldwin cancelled all their artist contracts, Earl immediately, and without hesitation, signed with, not Steinway, but Young Chang. His was an opinion i would never question.

[@rickygermanm.ranalan3363]

Im surprised i got it right no.1 Steinway, no.2 Chinese. When i heard the bass sound of the second Piano, its like something is not ripe (as in a ripe fruit) enough. No.1 Piano sounds like mature and crisp.

[@brdwyguy]

#1 was the Steinway! I say that because I noticed the BASS notes sounded much fuller. and on #2 the Upper Register the notes sounded a little bit 'stringy'. Just my take. I was right on my choice!

[@bradgriffith8297]

I picked #2. According to Piano Buyer, a new Steinway Model O is $90,300 and a new Hailun HG178 has a SMP of $24,662.

[@quananginh9446]

In my opinion, the 2nd one sounds inferior but it has more Steinway signature (this comment is written before the end of the video), so 1 - Chinese, 2 - Steinway.

[@jeffjuhre1494]

I got it wrong too. The first one seemed "muddier" and the second one "clearer." Next time don't put an ad with a guy playing a 3rd piano in between the 2 for comparison, that kind of mucked up the test.

[@Misteribel]

I didn't see an ad, guess that was YT's way of ruining the experience for you? I saw it ad free.

[@blubab89]

Hmm, the second one sounded better and deeper, enriched, fluid. I really thought the second recording was on the Steinway, guess I’m wrong then.

[@JD-io2ct]

I fell in love with the first one, and got it right. Now wondering what the Hailun would sound like if recorded in the same space. This was fun. TY.

[@TucsonBillD]

I did get it right... I heard a slight difference between the two, although that might be put to the difference between the two sets of microphones used to record the two. But, that just boils down to the fact that you have to play the instrument since no two instruments are identical in sound.

[@kalenal1841]

I closed my eyes and listened. I grew up poor, we had a cheap piano and I used to play on it for hours at a time, my own minor key mourning songs. The second piano sounded like that old piano, familiar and homey so I chose that one to NOT be the Steinway. I feel like I went about this the wrong way but it is what it is. I know I'll never get the chance to touch a Steinway much less play one. This listening test was fun, thank you for the memories!

[@jesonmarknadar]

Dnt worry God is there . dont say u can only get to touch piano i believe in u God will give u a brand new piano so u believe in him first and then in urself😎

[@garysandiego]

I have a 1927 Steinway Model L. That’s 95 years old. Will the Chinese piano still be in good shape and sound expressive in 95 years?

[@euy7957]

5000 years history country is not sth you shallow American can imagine

[@lightsaber10001]

I had Chinese as 1 and Steinway 2. I thought 2 hand a bit fuller sound.

[@Axadn]

Surprisingly I actually liked the timbre of the Chinese piano more

[@kamanaos4643]

Me too the tone was more clear

[@gerardvila4685]

Yes but was it the piano or was it the mic? (I got it wrong too.) Or maybe the Chinese piano was in better condition?

[@JoanKSX]

Maybe you would love the traditional Chinese instrument too, Yang Qin =)

[@AnnaKhomichkoPianist]

I know what you mean. Instruments sound very differently on recording + depending on the microphone...

[@omeganter]

I thought the 2 was the Stainway. The num 1 sounded a bit too bright IMHO.

[@Justin_9423]

You thought number 1 sounded brighter than number 2?

[@omeganter]

@@Justin_9423 not sure how to explain it, more like the resonance was more on the higher notes in the first piano, less medium and low notes resonance. Also like a bit out of tune or at least disonant echos. The second seems more rounded , with fuller sound. Maybe is the effect of the different mics. But just my amateur opinion, no expert by any means!

[@JoanKSX]

Hmmm I actually thought the first one sounds more compact and powdery, and the second one sounds like mountain flow water, very fresh slow moving water and not as compact as the one. No one beat Yamaha's brightness XD

[@BijanTaghavi]

Bob I’ll reiterate the comment that I texted you and see if this spurs some engagement here - anybody who agrees or disagrees with me let me know! Fortunately I got it right. For my ears, I thought the first one was the Steinway because from my experience, MOST Steinways work well for ballads and have a darker quality generally speaking. This is only generally speaking, of course every piano is unique especially when hand-made. My non scientific thought of the second one was “no bass punch, a little more open but junk sounding” and that’s what Chinese Piano’s typically sound like.

[@eorlandopalmieri]

I thought Steinway was the number 2. I don't believe that the sound of the Chinese piano is so beautiful...

[@jlfqam]

piano 2 concentrates more energy in the center of the note pitch, while in piano 1 the energy around the center pitch (lost in the wood). Piano 2 is brighter and notes are more homogeneously spread, while piano 1 a few notes stand up much higher. (this is after fft analysis of the first 16s of each of the first played pieces.

[@tricky778]

Were they tuned by the same tuner at the same time, and did you do a frequency analysis to show they were tuned the same? Because I thought the first had a bit of a gargle/growl tuned into each note which itself made each note sound both sad (too sad but appropriate for this piece) and voicelike even when played alone for several seconds (which happened at one point) and which seemed to give it less beating during chords. The second had each note sound much purer but then there was way too much beating in the chords.

[@billnewlands2349]

Got it completely wrong. The second piano just sounded more rounded. I thought for sure it was the Steinway.

[@xthetansiblingsx5405]

I choose no2, I love the mellow sound at first I thought it was Steinway. But no it’s Hailun, very surprised! I get to try some other Chinese Brand’s but doesn’t not suite me. I have a Yamaha upright for around 3-4yrs but it’s not me, the tone is way too loud and sharp. I’ve upgraded to a Kawai BL-71. Hope all goes well for everyone. Good luck :)

[@cestrell]

I wasn't sure until I heard the second piano; I said the Steinway was first but AFTER I heard the Chinese piano. The main difference was the highs were more pronounced on the Chinese one. The mental comparison I have was a Martin to a Taylor acoustic guitar. Martins, like Steinways, tend to have significant "depth" especially in the lower register. Taylors, and evidently the Chinese piano, both embrace the higher register. This is NOT a problem and all four instruments I mentioned are outstanding while offering different things to different musicians. I prefer the Steinway (and the Martin) but would definitely embrace the Chinese piano if that was where my budget led me - and would have no regrets.

[@abc10715]

I was wrong! I thought I could hear the difference... It would be good to make the comparison with both same microphones, but thanks for the video!!

[@batner]

I can't tell which is which. Both sounded good but no one stood out for me to be definite about it.

[@ian757]

Wow! I was totally wrong! As soon as I started to hear piano 1 I thought it was the cheaper one mostly because the bass notes sounded very metallic. Throughout the performances it sounded to my ears that piano 2 not only had a fuller sounding bass but that in every register the notes had a greater bloom and substantial min compared to piano 1. I thought piano 2 had greater separation between the notes than piano 1 and also greater dynamic range and/or control. So, I was very shocked to learn that piano 2 was the Chinese one although Hailun is a quality piano for sure. Thanks for a very interesting video and I would really like to know your objective opinion about these 2 pianos and about what I’ve said here. Thanks again. Ian

[@Hootbass9791]

I had it wrong. I like the sound of the Hailun better. Maybe, Hailun builds a better sounding mid-sized than Steinway?

[@gllhouk]

I was sure about the answer and I was wrong! I was floored!

[@guidodemarcoroma]

The second piano was also nice though... I would not pay for the price difference !

[@michaelhiggins7365]

This was a very interesting video. For the last several weeks, I've been watching your videos, as well as Michael Stillwell's, watching many of the same videos over and over. I'm very impressed with the brightness for example of the Schimmel pianos which are not overly too bright like you find in many Asian Piano's. I also believe I'm developing a bit of an ear for that "Steinway Sound" which to me, is best described as buttery smooth in all registers. I'll also have to admit, I jumped back and forth on this video comparing piano 1 and 2. The sound was far closer than I would have guessed. In the end, I was successful in identifying the Steinway, it seemed to have a more even buttery sound. What threw me off though was, like many others I'm sure, I was looking for that growl in the bass, which this Steinway didn't seem to be as prevalent as you find in most , perhaps you were playing more softly though. At the end of the day, a true Steinway snob would be hard-pressed not to admit, the Hailun actually had exceptional sound quality and for the price, perhaps exceptional value, although I'm not aware of the build quality and longevity workmanship of the Hailun. One of your very best videos Robert, and I thank you for this one. Wishing you the very, very best from Avondale, Arizona.

[@shaolin95]

I had a young chang 185 voiced by a Steinway tech and it was amazing how he was able to completely transform that YC into something that sounded at a different level.

[@robinryder990]

Interesting. Before the 2nd piano was played, I thought the first had to be the Steinway, but that it needed some voicing as it wasn’t as even across registers as I expect from Steinway. Also, while the bass was warm, it seemed slightly muddy to my ear. When the 2nd piano was played, I thought it was the Steinway because the bass sounded clearer and stronger, but still warm and there was a singing quality un the upper registers. I questioned this decision, though because I thought the trebles were a little brighter than what I expect from a Steinway- I decided it was a matter of voicing there LOL. So far I had both pegged as the Steinway.Finally convinced myself that since one of them had to be the chinese piano I was going to pick number Two as the Steinway due to the bass. In my defense, I was listening through a pair of inexpensive wired ear buds on my old ipadair2 which may have affected how the trebles and bass sounded, but your demonstration was eye opening for me as I really had a hard time deciding and ultimately guessed wrong. It also made me think more clearly about what I like to hear when listening to a piano. Thanks for a great demonstration.

[@hifijohn]

number one was very good but the midrange was far too forward.

[@dr.deanbard4784]

I like the Hialun.

[@carlhopkinson]

Need a double blind experiment.

[@Lpapee]

I personally think that piano #1 is Chinese and piano #2 is the Steinway which is much more clear in the chords and doesn't have that kinda reverb effect like #1 does. Nevertheless I don't regard Steinway pianos to have the most clean and pleasant sound however; is the closest 2nd to which I do award the #1 spot, which is Bosendörfer. Much respect to you Robert, I love your channel.

[@nguyenvycao3135]

When Robert played halfway of 2nd piano, my wife and me agreed that 1st one is Steinway. Bass sounds of 2nd one is very deep and powerful but the treble is thin, especially when Robert pushed it. The typical Steinway treble is mellow and round even under the “push” by pianists. Maybe we can recognize the differences because we listened the video via a stereo system

[@waynerobinson764]

I got it correct.....I'm not a professional to the point when I know pianos by the sound, say like a fender strat, or a Gibson Les Paul.. but I closed my eyes and just listened.. The Steinway just rang out with clarity compared to the hailun. Personally, I play a Yamaha c7 keyboard. With the correct volume and amplification, it's perfect.

[@brettkelly5671]

Super cool comparison! I was able to guess correctly. The space is especially telling. Exceptionally fine instruments give a huge amount of color control and allow for a wide range of dynamic contours. In a large space, piano 1 would easily reflect a very large, wide color palette. Piano 2 was by no means bad, but significantly less input from the musician brightened the sound immediately. Very lovely in a small, dry practice studio, but anemic in a large, well balanced venue. Both are great instruments, but color, control, and power rest behind keystrokes on the Steinway where as the Chinese instrument feels thin and one-dimensional (ie, loud is bright, not necessarily powerful). Put in the context of my major instrument (trombone), it’s the difference between large, symphonic bore S.E. Shires (exceptionally colorful, powerful, loud but flexible) and a smaller bore King 2b (smaller, brighter, more immediate, but less colorful in upper dynamic ranges). I will say, though, that if I weren’t playing in large concert venues, the King 2B would be a better choice due to the effort-to-control value you get from a smaller, brighter, softer instrument (not to say any trombone is objectively quiet!)

[@slinksable]

The second one is indeed noticebly brighter, but the Steinway displays a wider spectrum of dynamics and tone. That variety of expression is really what you look for in a high-end piano.

[@matthewcaputy5376]

I perceive piano #1 to have a much more rich sound. There's a deep sense of space/transparency in the resonance, and a sparkle in the tone. You have to really listen (with high quality audio) to the space between the notes, and the sparkling tone during the melodic octave jump at 3:17 piano #1, and 6:27 piano #2. Piano 2's tone is less transparent -- every note is more solid and blocky, with a bit of a bite to it. In forte sections, the sound is taller when I wish it were wider.

[@i.ehrenfest349]

Like many people, I suspect, I was pretty confident that the first piano (though wonderful) had a just slightly harsher, just ever so ‘cheaper’ sound to it. My assumption that Nr 1 was the Chinese piano was strengthened the moment I heard your first notes on No 2 - that was the Steinway! Well, not so, then. I remember long ago (before internet days) an audience was treated, behind curtains, to a Stradivarius violin and a violin made out of plastic - I seem to remember it looked like a simple box. Yes, the people judging the violins were unable to tell the Strad from the plastic box. But it must be added that it was not just any box. It had been crafted using advanced principles of acoustics, or whatever the word I’m looking for is. And to add yet another anecdote: back in the days when ‘everybody’ smoked, my father tested his friends by having them smoke blindfolded. Surprise: they often couldn’t even tell the difference between a lit cigarette and and an unlit one. Let me not even get started on my father’s experiments with modern art, and a self produced painting in which he planted his foot while the paint was still wet. I guess I am getting started on that...most visitors, when told it was an expensive, modern work, admired it greatly. That’s not really a surprise I’m sure.

[@lelouch2676]

That was a surprise still I like this second piano sound little soft for my taste I like soft and beautiful type piano

[@andromedaperseus954]

I got it right so I will share what I wrote down. It was actually not until the peak part that I was able to say definitely "oh, this one is definitely the Steinway!" Honestly, for the calm part the second piano sounds even better to me. It does not have that "piercing" quality that makes me feel stressful. However the first piano sounds much better to me when you start playing those heavy chords - it sounds brighter, the sound is more focused, and the articulation is simply beyond amazing.

[@andreasmaier5361]

Even I have a Steinway and play on it every day I wrote down: No.1 - Chinese and 2nd Steinway. So I was completely wrong. BUT when I was in the purchasing process at dealers showroom I played on Bluethner and Boesendorfer as well and while testing all these different pianos I felt the difference in sound and key feel. So when you have the money take a Steinway and in long term view keep in mind that Steinways keep better its value than the others which are also very good for playing.

[@RobertOrgRobert]

63 year old here got them wrong ! but ,maybe a full length grand Steinway would have made a big difference to the sound because thats we’re used to hearing on disc !

[@davidtyler357]

I guessed right. But it was a guess, they were not as different as I thought they would be. Very surprised by this.

[@PTP8712]

Not only did I get it wrong, I honestly prefer the sound of the Hailun. And if it felt the same, I’d buy one. On a side note, I’ve taken several Yamaha/Steinway tests and I usually get them right. And again, I think I prefer the “bright” sound of Yamaha, but I’d probably buy Kawai. If I had the money to burn, I’d buy Steinway just like I’d kill for a showroom new El Dorado. We’re all a little prejudiced and you proved it!

[@christineroberts6759]

I preferred the first piano as that sounded richer and warmer but as you said you used different microphones for each piano. I started playing the piano at age 5, I’m now 72, when I started music lessons that is with an elderly teacher who would rapped one over the knuckles if she suspected one hadn’t practiced. But it didn’t put me off playing. I was talking to my piano tuner the other day, as I got him to tune our upright to my Yamaha cvp 309 digital piano as I’m teaching my husband how to play the piano, and we were discussing how each piano has its own tonal characteristics. I thought the first piano was the steinway due to its warm and rich tone. The Chinese piano was nice but sounded a bit muffled. To be fair it could have been the microphone setup. I’m not a professional pianist but love to play for my own pleasure. I wanted to be a concert pianist but 3 strokes put paid to that dream at the age of 28. But I never gave up relearning and playing. Unfortunately, cannot memorise music so sight read but still love playing my Challen 1930’s upright that has a lovely bright tone. I inherited from my husband’s family. My sis in law was a professional pianist before health issues put paid to that. The piano I now have was the one she use to practice on but she graduated to a grand of course. I have my Challen tuned 3 times a year. I’ll never run to a grand, too poor, but I love to hear you play. No, I didn’t cheat as I thought straight away that the first piano sounded like a steinway. I did play one at a friend’s house many years ago. I listened to your ‘quiz’ on my Apple 12.9 inch tablet which does surprising enough have good sound for a tablet. Thanks again.

[@thomanation]

I got it right, very obvious sound for nicer sound spectrum. You can tell the difference by noticing the sustain. One is shorter and hold little inherence between notes. One piano doesn’t sound a full-bodied sonority. Certainly, the first one is the one we used to hear. The second one sounds harsh at chords and forte notes.

[@landonmcafee9425]

As you played the first piano, I thought it was the Chinese piano, but when you played the 2nd piano I changed my mind. To my ear, the sound decayed much quicker on the 2nd piano and it seemed to have less power than the 1st piano. Since Steinway is know for its power, that's what I based my choice on. Don't ask me how confident I was though!

[@tales3753]

Now will the chinese piano, survive Weather change? Can the bridge and other structures survive moving and moist? That is the difference too, not the sound only.

[@sanyihegedu]

In violin making competitions they can test: 1 Violin played solo in a room 2 Violin played with piano in a concert hall 3 Violin played with a chamber group 4 Violin played with a full orchestra Violins which win #4 rarely win #1. Piano tests are similar. This is one dimensional. Need several.

[@ian757]

This is written before I have looked at which piano was which. I listened using decent earphones and to my ear No.2 was superior in every way. Better dynamic range, more colorful throughout the range, the bass was rounder and fuller and the overall blend of the notes was far better than No.1. The first piano sounded harsh and brittle when played fortissimo whereas the second piano sounded controlled and still harmonic. Now, let’s see which was which!!!!

[@marielee4643]

Having played on a Steinway grand a few times in the showroom, my instincts told me the first one was played on a Steinway. It has that distinct clear crisp sound. I have not played on a Hailun before but I have heard pretty good reviews about the piano brand as well. I still hold on to my 25 year old Kohler and Campbell piano for now since I was already used to its mechanics and sound ever since I was a kid, but I enjoy travelling around the island trying other piano brands like Kawai, Yamaha, Kayserburg and Steinway.

[@HS-wp5vb]

Wow, that's a great comparison! Thanks for this vid. I'm happy I got it right. To me, the colour and richness of the Steinway was well audiable. However, I was most surprised about the quality of the Hailun 178. It has a very articulate, clear sound which is not at all thin or bland. Maybe it's interesting to note that Bechstein builds it entry-level Zimmermann brand line at the Hailun factory.

[@ritschardt]

Going on tone alone I found #1 just a bit more mellower so I gave it a Steinway, but still a guess, it could have been a 50/50 chance of getting it right. On the other hand how did the instruments feel to the player as to touch and response ? This is what can sell an instument sometimes trumping tone.

[@mfurman]

I actually did think that the first piano was Steinway. There were moments that I really felt something special about the sound I was listening to.

[@DanielFromThePast]

I think the only thing that tipped me off to the first piano being the Steinway was the variation in playing dynamics. As you've said in other videos and as I've seen for myself while working on them, finer quality pianos allow for more control over how softly you can play before the action begins to slip out. This was a great test!

[@georgemaster3845]

The low bass notes in the Hailun were so clear, sharp and perfect. They were a little blurred and weak on the Steinway! My guess was that the second piano was the Steinway. I was wrong!

[@Jose_Miguel_1971]

Pretty surprised too. I was sure second one was the Steinway