🎹Schimmel 123 vs Fridolin F123 Upright Piano Comparison, Review, & Demo🎹

[@HodGabriel]

This is my favorite KZbin channel. The content, its presentation, quality of video and audio, your wide and comprehensive knowledge about pianos and piano playing - all are simply astounding. I am looking to buy a new piano right now, and this channel definitely helps me a lot!

[@MerriamPianos]

Wow, thank you! We love to hear that, and we put a lot of energy and love into the channel. I've been in front of pianos from the age of 3, so it's fun to basically just talk about something you know so well. Best of luck with your piano search Hod! -stu

[@aliar11]

Thank you, Stu. Fridolin is very nice but the sound of Schimmel is absolutely beautiful. I think, if one can afford it, it is worth every penny extra. I would also be delighted to know how Wilhelm Schimmel fits in. Thank you again and keep up the great work. Btw, shame about the C.Bechstein and Bösendorfer comparison video. I don't know why you had to remove it, but it was also one of the best videos you have ever shot. Cheers from Turkey, Ali.

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

Oh, you noticed that too, eh? Yes, I was wondering why they removed it. I was the second person to comment on that C. Bechstein vs. Bösendorfer video and I honestly thought that I had said something wrong.

[@aliar11]

@@KeepingOnTheWatch I thought it was either Bösendorfer or C.Bechstein (or maybe both) didn't like their piano compared and Merriam sensibly removed the video. As there were previously a comparison video of C.Bechstein and Steinway, I suspect it was Bösendorfer. Shame really, as that video took nothing away from the appeal of each piano, instead it was very positive for both. But corporate matters are corporate matters, eh?

[@DrIIGerMusic]

This channel & the level of presentation equals the superb pianos it’s showcases. Articulate, precise & expectational details & descriptions. Thank you for putting this out, can totally use it in my quest for my next piano. Best of luck to you sir.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks a million! That is a wonderfully kind compliment and one that we sincerely appreciate! :)

[@loicdevaux9914]

Very interesting video. Love to understand the differences between pianos with technical explinations. Thanks a lot !

[@alexthompson6529]

Thanks for sharing, storing all this knowledge for when the time comes to upgrade my upright! Keep at it!

[@davidoneill913]

This channel deserves many more subscribers , love it.

[@lenajlow]

Fantastic video! The comparison and demos were extremely helpful and insightful as we determine which piano to buy.

[@cbrock21]

This channel is really great!

[@gegervary]

Very insightful thank you. I'm not sure if it's the recording, but actually much prefer the warmer and less sharp attacks on the Fridolin. It sings so beautifully in the upper range, and it's got this mesmerizing sustain.

[@Researcher30473]

Being an intermediate player i have bought the w114t today after playing a multiple of pianos varying from the Fridolin f123 and higher, the Yamaha U1,U3, the KawaiK500. I took the advice of my teacher to try a schimmel and have to say it sold the piano. The Yamaha U series for me are to loud in the trebles, almost ear hurting, and hard to control the dynamics. The Kawai 500 was the ultimate piano I set my heart on and had already arranged a logistics quote for one at another studio, while exceptionally strong and powerful, still a little hard to control but close and has a weird distinct lower tones for me. So this is where the W.Schimmel fits in, its in between these 2, it sounds as vibrant as the massive K500 and as strong yet the keys are so easy to control as is the dynamics compared to the U series also. For me its perfectly toned in the bass and trebles with keys so easy to control bear in mind me as an intermediate pianist. The clarity is stunning... You have to play one to experience the session absolutely... Also it takes a schimmel soundboard 6 months to prep, unlike the weeks of the "other" mainstream names. The difference between the w114t and the w123t apart from £1000 is nothing internally its exactly the same piano as the 114 yet has a lid that lifts over completely... I bought the w114t at an original price of £8100 down to sale price of £7600 and got the salesman down to £7300. Extremely confident i chose the right one.

[@JC-nc9rt]

I am wondering how different the Wilhelm is from the schimmel classic series. Did you try both by chance?

[@Researcher30473]

Hi only just seen. No I don't try 15 grand plus was a no for me.

[@gabithemagyar]

Even though I recently purchased from Merriam a piano with which I am extremely happy, I really enjoy these videos. Very interesting and highly educational in terms of what really goes into producing a quality instrument and what different price points really represent :-) It would be interesting to see a similar comparison between a Bechstein upright and a corresponding Schimmel or between a similarly priced Hoffmann or Zimmermann and a Fridolin 123.

[@MerriamPianos]

More to come exactly along these fronts for sure. One of the biggest issues at this exact moment is a shortage of all of these instruments. Many dealerships are having trouble getting their hands on them, so as soon as I can cobble together some more comparisons, we will absolutely be doing them. Thanks for the comment! -stu

[@JamesSenson]

Just purchase Schimmel C130 from Orpheus Pianos (Northern Virginia), this video convinced me. Merci beaucoup !

[@zyjia5572]

Would like to hear your insights about their Wilhelm Schimmel line. I believe they are built in Poland for lower labor prices, but are there any other differences in terms of design, components and performance etc?

[@lokmanmerican6889]

No kidding, "you can hear the difference right away ... " on the Schimmel! Great playing too.

[@justofernandez1977]

Hi there. congratulations on the channel. I love your videos. An open question: is it crazy to change a yamaha C3 for a schimmel k122 or 123? I have a 15m2 room. And ... I love the felt sound that schimmel gives ... because of the sound and dynamic lameness, I guess it doesn't differ from a tail too much. Thanks

[@fraub1]

Hi. Absolutely love the reviews from you guys. Please, please, pleeeeeease could you do a review of the Feurich 133?

[@msotil]

How about the Schimmel W123 (built in Poland)? Does it merit comparison with the German built Schimmel?

[@aliar11]

Yeah, I am curious about how Wilhelm Schimmel compares with these. I would think it would fit somewhere in between.

[@Rust8175]

@@aliar11 This is the question I am also curious about. My guess would be that Wilhelm would be closer to Fridolin since the action and the hammers are Pearl River. I think that Wilhelm is rather a marketing move to produce "Chinese pianos" in Europe and charge a premium. I wish someone challenges this opinion of mine.

[@JC-nc9rt]

If i had the budget of a fridolin upright, would i be better off buying the new fridolin or a similarly priced used baby grand?

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a matter of preference of course, but there are a lot of important benefits to a baby grand piano over an upright if you have the space/budget. First of all, the benefits that come along with gravity in regard to the action provides a far more responsive playing experience. The larger soundboard and longer bass strings will also lead to more tonal and dynamic potential (pending the material and design quality of the baby grand is comparable to the upright piano you are using as a point of reference).

[@JC-nc9rt]

Thanks. What about a 30 year old used schimmel upright compared to the new fridolin? Would longevity be a big issue to consider in addition to tone and quality? How would you compare the used schimmel to something like a relatively young Yamaha gb1?

[@christianschmidt3573]

You mention Grotrian, a brand I'm having an eye on currently. Why not make one, two, ... videos about those? Sadly I could'nt find one here... Otherwise: Just discovered your channel and I find it to be of suberb use for someone searching for his / her first or n.th Piano (but mainly the fist I think). Especially your thorough recordings and detailed comments make these vids an absolute treasure! One humble suggestion: Play Classic *and* Jazz / Pop / Rock on every model. Keep up the good work and thanks a lot!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate it. We are not Grotrian dealers, so it is a bit tougher to tackle reviews/comparisons on their models. With that said, we do receive a variety of instruments on trade and consignment, so, if the opportunity presents, we will certainly tackle that for you. Thanks so much and all the best!

[@taylorgeorge6169]

Do you know what sort of classical music would do well with the tone of the Fridolins? I have had my eye on one in my local store for a while now. It is appealing and a good alternative to the K300 I feel, although the Kawai may have more reputation.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Taylor! Brent from Merriam Music here! The Fridolin Schimmel F123 offers a brighter voice than the Kawai K300. Both are excellent pianos that have a lot of musical potential. It ultimately comes down to a matter of personal preference. Both instruments are fully capable of performing all types of classical music repertoire though. :)

[@MultiSnakeoil]

The difference between these two models is not like the difference between a Toyota and a Lexus but more like the difference between a Camry LE and a Camry XLE. It appears that the F123 was sitting on carpeted floors but the Schimmel 123 was sitting on hardwood floors. This could the real reason why they sound slightly different. Nonetheless, they are just so close!

[@MerriamPianos]

Every player will have their own perception and opinion when it comes to the tonal gap between different models and price points. With that said, most advanced players find the gap to be quite pronounced in this case.Thanks for tuning into the video! :)

[@eyedocnikhil]

Purchased Schimmel C126 after watching this video... Absolutely satisfied... Very deep bass which is difficult to achieve with other Asian pianos....

[@MerriamPianos]

Congratulations on your C126! It is a lovely piano and I know you will be thrilled with what it offers musically! :)

[@ryanfiser1571]

We’re buying a used 2020 Fridolin 121 (middle size) for $5k. I thought the sound of the instrument was phenomenal for the price. It sounded better than the comparable Yamaha and as good as the Kawai K50. It’s not my “forever” piano but seems like a wonderful starter instrument for that price point.

[@MerriamPianos]

The Fridolin Schimmel pianos have a wonderful tone, which is not surprising due to their high quality soundboards. They are an excellent choice for pianists seeking a more European tonal profile at an attractive price point. :)

[@tobi-8423]

Thank you for your great Videos. I can not decide wheter buying a fridolin f121 or a w.hoffmann Vision 120. But your Videos help a lot. I cant compare them in a store, Played them both in two different stores and as a Beginner i cant make a decision...

[@romichjordan]

would be nice to hear about Schimmel W114 😊

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that review. The Wilhelm Schimmel pianos are excellent instruments that present wonderful cost-to-value ratios. :)

[@romichjordan]

@@MerriamPianos if u do please in Supermatt Black (same finish as their Black Pearl grand, yes they make it now )😻

[@jamesmcgehee2830]

Would enjoy a review of Schimmel 126

[@MerriamPianos]

The Schimmel C126 would make a wonderful subject for review! We will definitely add it to the list of potential video subjects for the future. :)

[@alizebihtersen6593]

Hello! Would you recommend Kawai-K300 or Shimmel F123 for a professional piano student ? Thanks for the helpful video 😊

[@Greatdaim]

Another brand made by pearl River with all German parts is Schiller. I wonder how they compare to Fridolin?

[@Hoot12432]

JimLabbsmusic has sold them and they do sound just like the Schimmel from China.

[@stefansipl6736]

Very nice review! Are you located in the US? Why is Schimmel not that popular there (anymore?)? Keep on comparing Schimmel pianos. I have the 130 T (from 1998). Maybe you can do a review on it someday? Haven’t found a review anywhere so far. Not as a video nor as a written review. Would be very much appreciated! From time to time I find myself thinking about switching to Bechstein etc. But Schimmel pianos are kind of unique as well (in my mind).

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

Great video! I'm still leaning toward W. Hoffmann uprights. If this Schimmel is worth $30,000 then I might be inclined to go for a used grand instead.

[@ting3149]

I’m currently living in Los Angeles. My four years old son just started his first piano lesson a week ago. I’m not really satisfied with his teacher and is still looking for a professional piano teacher in Southern California. Do you have any referrals or do you have any branches in the area? Thank you

[@Manualiga]

Hey, Thank you so much for this video. Can you also make a review about the ESSEX-EUP 123 ? I also would like a comparison to the Fridolin F123 - I actually have to decide between the two Pianos.

[@michelprimeau4531]

I can't say about the power and the attack but there's clearly a difference in clarity.

[@xueueux]

The more I watched this channel, the more I want to buy piano and re-practice..

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu's amazing playing and eloquent words tend to have that effect! ;)

[@xueueux]

@MerriamPianos totally sold me with schimmel but too bad it's hard to find europe piano in my country 😢

[@dunnkruger8825]

My ear is now attuned I.e., pleased to the point I where the German Schimmel sound is MY gold-standard For better or prudence, $30+K is so out of my range, the $5,000 Yamaha will be around for the future. I have become accustomed to eating beans instead of filet mignon too.

[@MerriamPianos]

Haha fair enough! Schimmel pianos are wonderfully musical of course. One of the nicest, bright piano tones you will ever find. Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@studentjohn35]

Regarding Asian take-overs: Happy endings in the case of Schimmel and Bosendorfer, yes. Pity about the employees of of Feurich in Gunzenhausn, though: No happy ending there.

[@MerriamPianos]

Every acquisition and company's situation is a bit different of course. The piano industry is a dynamic and constantly-evolving one.

[@vickigreene4288]

I learn so much from your videos. What a knowledge bank you are! I’m starting my piano journey at the age of 65 and am soaking up all the info. Thank you Stu!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! That is awesome to hear! Congrats on beginning your piano journey! It is an incredibly rewarding activity to invest your time into. Thanks so much for your kind words and for supporting our videos! We appreciate it. :)

[@rogercarroll2551]

Great assessment. The 123s are close to one another in many ways, likely more than in other great European makers who have knock off "copy" brands made in Asia. But a $20,000 gap? Not sure about that.

Could you please consider compare real pianos vs. digital pianos.

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

The closest I've seen Merriam Music compare an acoustic to a digital is the video where Kawai NV5 is pitted against the CA99. Yes, the NV5 is digital but the action is from the acoustic upright K-series.

[@ian757]

Is it just me but is the sound dipping in and out a bit here?

[@MerriamPianos]

Sometimes we mute the lapel mic to give a cleaner sound if I'm not talking, but occasionally we leave it on if I'm playing and talking at the same time. So no, not just you - it's definitely happening! stu

[@bpgmemes1813]

3:40 for you :D

[@MerriamPianos]

:)

[@mauriceschmidt2550]

You cannot hear the difference because you are are just listening to a youtube recording.Play in real life then you experience the true difference.I have listened to quite few Chinese piano youtube recordings.When I have actually played them actually play them in real life they are nothing like the youtube recording.No comparison to.the C123 or any of the better Japanese pianos.By the way the Bechstein A124 has an action that has Czeck parts and Chinese parts.The C123 Schimmel has a Renner action.The Fridolin is just designed by Schimmel not made In Germany.

[@AGC828]

Always a lot of great information and points. For my ears the difference in sound was surprisingly obvious. I thought it would be marginal. Having said that...uprights...IMHO an odd type of piano in that...people who guy them usually do so because of a lack of room for a grand. Maybe the WAF (wife acceptance factor...not wanting a 900 pound 7 foot grand in the living room dominating the space). If space is a premium (e.g. town home or condo unit)...then there's the fact that neighbours wouldn't appreciate the noise being "in the next room". And people shopping for a $5-10k piano are usually casual players or buying a "for the kids to learn" piano. Would they not be looking at a hybrid? Cheaper, more than "acceptable" sound quality for their tastes and needs and h as "family/neighbour friendly features". Having said THAT...If some one or family have their hearts set on an acoustic piano the Made in China Fridolin should suffice. Should sound appealing enough to their untrained ears. "Sounds like a good piano". They won't have the need or knowledge of a "piano nerd". All they're concerned about is the cost and "..does it sound nice" to their ears. The Schimmel is for the piano nerd with deep enough pockets and doesn't care what the neighbours think of the DB's when they practice.

[@greatnationnow]

your mic forces me to constantly adjust the volume... way up to hear the piano well, way down when you talk.... not too enjoyable to watch a video that way. Love your reviews though!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly! And thank you for the honest feedback. I will be happy to share it with the production team. With that said, this is an older video, so I know a lot of these previous issues have been resolved with new equipment and recording techniques. ;)

[@Khora]

I miss your long hair :(

[@carlosfinlay874]

sounds ugly

[@MerriamPianos]

Tonal preference will always be a subjective matter of course.