🎹 C. Bechstein Classic 124 Upright Piano (R124) - Demo & Review by Merriam Pianos 🎹

[@philippebertrand3820]

Dear Stu, 7.41 : Bechstein also uses Val di Fiemme spruce for the 116 Millenium and 118 Contour/Classic also from the Residence range (hope you'll review them very soon ; as per my understanding the construction is the same for both the 116/118). So does Sauter on their grands and their uprights of the Masterclass line. It is so great that you take the time to explain a piano in every details, this is absolutely unique on KZbin (and anywhere else). Thank you so much for this !

[@c3piano]

Fantastic to know that despite the lowering number of acoustic pianos being sold that Bechstein is able to maintain such a high quality.

[@rebootlifeanddreams]

Due to being on the other side of the Atlantic I couldn't buy the my R124 Classic at your shop - I got it from our wonderful and really friendly local Bechstein Centrum. But I will mention you in a very positive way on the customer satisfaction survey! The piano is just great, the sound is just perfect.

[@mickandrews9458]

During the video you refer to that first impression, ah ha moment. I recall the same feeling with a Yamaha SU7 (which sadly I could not afford). Just so much better than other uprights that I had played in showroom. Thanks again for the reviews, and the enjoyment you get from playing these pianos is just such a pleasure to see.

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thank you for supporting our videos and channel! We appreciate it! It really is a special moment when that feeling strikes you. It's extremely powerful.

[@terranceshider3660]

Awesome it really sounds like a grand piano

[@newyorkfilharmonik110]

I played a Bechstein upright briefly at a piano store in my city and I just could not believe how much volume was created. I didn't note the model, I did note the price. Now I have the informational correlation.

[@MerriamPianos]

They really do produce an extraordinary quality and quantity of tone, don't they! Thanks for commenting and watching, we appreciate it :) . - Stu

[@judeelias3078]

@@MerriamPianos Hi Stu! Did you have a chance to review the A 124 Style? Would be interesting to compare both the Academy and the Residence side by side. Your thoughts?

[@AdamSowinski]

@@judeelias3078, I own 124 Style. Actually prefered the tone of that one over 124 Classic but maybe this was due to the fact that it stood in a different room with different acoustics. I've been told they have pretty the same interior.

[@judeelias3078]

Adam Sowinski thank you Adam! I’ve been playing on the Style for about a month and it’s amazing!

[@careerdetective]

Thank you for this very helpful and informative video. I am about to buy one of these instruments. It is a great pity that I am not in the Toronto area!

[@chanya2249]

just a random feedback, I just tried the C124 and also ask another pianist to play as he was here at the store. A quick versus bechstein c124 vs bosendorfer upright (sorry didnt catch the ref) : the bechstein is an amazing piano very well balanced and responsive however the sound is very very bright and clear it's sound like a grand if you close ur eyes but for classic music or for romatique or Chopin the Bosendorfer was more pleasant to listen, can be better for jazz or pop at the end i was very surprised by the sound signature.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for your insights! The C. Bechstein 124 is a remarkable upright and I definitely agree with the notion that it almost sounds "grand piano-like" at times. Their wonderful "orchestral" voicing gives them an expressivity that is virtually unparalleled on the market. Thanks for tuning into the video and happy playing! :)

[@PetarIvkovicSEO]

What s gorgeous instrument! :-)

[@SamyakJainMusician]

Hi Stu ! Could you tell me how this one compares to the kawai k series in terms of action and sound ? Loved the review btw :)

[@jerrydavis1475]

How does this compare with the Feurich 133 ?

[@aeromaniac13]

I had ana-ha moment with a 1920 Steinway. I think it still had real ivory keys. I remember how intense the moment was, like tasting sweet saltwater mints with an incredibly peaceful resonance filling my breath!

[@MerriamPianos]

It is definitely a powerful feeling when you truly connect with the musical experience of an instrument. :)

[@ELDX]

Thank you for the review! I have one question: is the difference with 118 significant? Thank you!

[@Streepie21]

You can hear the difference, the higher the bigger the soundboard but also the higher the price

[@josepheliaspianist]

Hi Stu, I'm a big fan of your channel. Is this Bechstein model better than a Yamaha U3?

[@HodGabriel]

How would you compare it to the W.hoffmann P126? i'm thinking between these two.

[@benedictdsilva3954]

Hoffman is lower than the Academy series'... So of course 124

[@capt.azzamganadily4892]

Hi Stu, I’ve been researching buying a brand new Acuistic Piano since Septmber 2020. I started by looking at the tall uprights, and I’m also looking at a 5’7” to 5’11” grands, but on this video your saying that this Bechstein 124 sounds and performes like a 5’9"/5’10” grand! Bechstein Concert 8 is number 2 on my list so far, should I forget about 5’7” to 6' size grands and get a 52’ upright instead? Also at what size grand does the upright stop cutting the musterd? By the way I’m a big fan of your acoustic piano reviews.

[@benedictdsilva3954]

Ive never play with 124 or concern ,8... I can't afford s good quality grand.. I've played all top level pianos at the Frankfurt fair 2018 and elsewhere. . Waiting...

[@claytonroot806]

Hi Stu. Have you ever had the opportunity to play the GP510 Hybrid Digital Piano collaboration of C. Bechstein and Casio? Supposedly, it's action is very similar to that of a C. Bechstein grand piano.

[@benedictdsilva3954]

Good but no soul....

[@basiazysnarska109]

Does this piano have a tapered soundboard?

[@timfaul1733]

Yes. The Residence and Concert 8 have tapered soundboards. The Academy series does not.

[@surayayusaku8291]

Great! Is this still your favorite upright C. Bechstein upright? It seems it's now the R124. I'd love to see a review on the R2. Am going to get one- but haven't decided which one. Also the prices has increased insanly.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! The R124 has been updated with the slightly taller R6. I have not personally had an opportunity to play the R6 model yet, but I will say that the R124 was a spectacular piano, so I'm assuming the R6 will be as well! And thank you for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle a review of the R2 model for you. :)

[@surayayusaku8291]

@@MerriamPianos thank you so much! Love this!

[@seanburns1982]

How does this compare to the concert 8 or 6?

[@MerriamPianos]

The Concert 6 and Concert 8 are taller pianos, which means that they have a larger soundboard and longer bass strings. This gives them a wider tonal/dynamic range and a clearer, more powerful bass section. It is also important to note that the Concert upright models have a sostenuto pedal.

[@lonlow5365]

What is the difference between Bechstein and C.Bechstein?

[@philippebertrand3820]

« Bechstein » was the former name of the Academy Line. This is a little bit confusing and a pity that Bechstein has modified several times (and still recently again with the now Residence line) the naming of their different ranges. Schimmel is more consistant here.

[@Thiago-px9ev]

As said, Bechstein was the previous Academy line, or less-refined line.

[@benedictdsilva3954]

Lower line ...C Bechstein on the top

[@giovannidelogu]

I reckon from Bechstein website that both Classis 124 and A124 are equipped with agraffes for the strings of all 88 tones. I tried a 2021 A124 in Italy and definitely it showed all strings on pressure bar throughout rather than agrappes as claimed by Bechstein. I wonder if Classic124 has agraffes instead or not and, if that was the case, would agraffes contribute to the performance of this instrument? Thanks and regards

[@rebootlifeanddreams]

My brand new Classic 124 has agraffes.

[@timfaul1733]

The newer academy and Hoffmans have agraffes

[@davidoneill913]

Just checking my lottery numbers ,fingers crossed.

[@alexmcmurtrieSits]

I’m considering this piano and the Schimmel 132T. Your thoughts Stu?

[@pian1sticpeng_in]

The Schimmel 132T and K132 has a nice Renner touch and action to it, however, in terms of cabinet resonance and fruity sounding notes, the C. Bechstein is the winner. In terms of touch, I would say they are comparable. However, within the Concert Upright range, even for the often-overlooked C. Bechstein Millennium R-116, the sheer volume, dynamic range, Bass clarity, and resonance of the instrument will blow your mind. The Schimmel is Excellent, but the Bechstein is God-tier. For the past 2 weeks I have been hunting for pianos to replace my lackluster U3. I have tried numerous Steinways at my local gallery, some Blüthners, Shigeru Kawais, S Series Yamahas, Schimmel, Steingraeber, August Förster, Petrof, Grotrian, Bösendorfer and Bechstein Pianos. The C. Bechstein Concert line Upright pianos are the best. End of Story.

[@alexmcmurtrieSits]

@@pian1sticpeng_in Thank you