Steinway piano Sound Comparison ( Model B vs Model O)

[@laronwoods1633]

They are both so very close. The extra foot of length on the B is hardly noticeable to me. The O still sounds like a bigger piano. Superb quality on both. As I said, the difference is hardly noticeable. The tone seems pure on both.

[@场工教头]

I believe that the gap between listening live is much larger than that of recording.

[@rogerdsmith]

What would be interesting is to compare a model O and a model L. Those pianos as essentially the same size, with different scale designs.

[@seunggunchoi1690]

Thank you so much. B is the best of the best. B...

[@Kref3]

My piano technician also always says that "B is the best", but he always adds "unless you can make room for a D." And no matter what he says, I would probably never swap my Blüthner X for a Steinway B

[@georgiewaipouri]

The model O" got me hypnotic like the ol days

[@goforgold7082]

When I see a Steinway I get the shivers. My favourite piano but I wont be able to have one ever. I just love the sound. I am stuck with my old Hofmann.

[@myuncle2]

Learn how to build it, it's not rocket science.

[@carvalca]

Both are beautiful , however I prefer the B sound,, I think is a little bit more warming and softly, definitely is a matter of taste.

[@maestrobruno3121]

We used this O to show how some Model O's, if you have a smaller piano room, would still give you a fuller sound. I have owned a B's since 1976 so it has always been my favorite.

[@SouloftheTroll]

@@maestrobruno3121 Yes, that was an amazing O. However you can hear the decay time after the initial attack on the B is much gentler of a down ramp causing the sense of rich and warm sustain to each tone to float gloriously longer, which also becomes especially apparent in the low register. The O was still quite rich, but because of the sharper decay of tone caused me to feel more of the overtones were flooding around the general vocalise of the playing, although definitely not in an objectionable manner. That O has the heart of a D inside! Still love the purity of the B and its rich deep bass.

[@ericastier1646]

@@SouloftheTroll You got it ! I can hear the difference but was not able to pin it down. If sound was a shapes on paper then the O had the edge strong and the inside recessed and the B had a more progressive transition from edge to fill. But it's exactly what you said, the decay after the initial attack is much steeper on the O. It's be interesting to know the sounboard differences. I vaguely remember but could be incorrect that the A is the first model with the floating soundboard than can give the full grand sound which means the O is not.

[@Oparacletos]

@@SouloftheTroll - exactly!

[@thespian200]

I prefer the model B over the model O in this comparison. The B is voiced more uniformly, and its tones are purer. Also, the B has a longer tone sustainability in mid high register which makes those beautiful melodies in Schumann and Chopin pieces more touching!

[@fishchrome1332]

Love that model O!

[@aryazandi7070]

Hi. Thanks for the video. I'm not an expert. But judging by my own experience, I find model B much richer in sound characteristics, although model O sounds definitely louder in the video. But model B has a sweet, pure, and long-sustaining characteristic in the upper register, which is exactly what I would seek in a Steinway piano. The sound quality seems much more uniformly distributed to me in model B rather than the other one. In contrast, model O seems to be boosting frequencies between 250Hz and 500Hz, which makes its sound quality uneven.

[@Oparacletos]

The fact that the O was rarely played, I believe is key to that distinction- and would agree with you in that basis. I believe that “in person” we would be more acutely aware of their different voices... the B is of course much more mature in comparison to the “shrill” (too harsh a word, I know) voice of the O.

[@davidcunningham7330]

I'm afraid you can't really tell the difference in resonance and the deep sound of the 'B' over the 'O' without hearing them both in person. Computer speakers aren't meant for that.

[@BFHPET]

exactly there is a big difference in real life.

[@paulstremple5296]

I could hear the difference in tone. The B is very fine.

[@watchtheskies]

The Model O has to be the best small grand made today, it sounds like a much larger instrument

[@maestrobruno3121]

Yes that O was one of the best I have heard. I just got in a M from 1995. It is one of the strongest ones I have hear in a long time.

[@wawacool9147]

Try Steingraeber, is the best under 180

[@scoopis4]

Vintage Mason Hamlin A

[@qiangdaxs]

I think the difference is mainly from the year they are made. The sound of model O is more like Hamburg made Steinway since the company begin to unify their appearance and regulation. The model b sound very typical NY Steinway, warm soft and rich sound.

[@myboibill]

I have an O in tip top order and the hammers are not fully seasoned. I like it quite a lot BUT, if I had more space to me the B is steinways most engaging and most enduring model. One day I will trade up.

[@evgenygervis4910]

Some of the difference in sound that folks are commenting on may be attributable to model O hammers not having been fully played in yet. In my experience that can make a big difference. So not a completely fair comparison in that respect.

[@shanhuawang360]

Model O have more volant sound, this sound flying more high(in compare with sound model B),and model O have more rich "sounds wave". Model B have more brilliant tone,but more chamber(in compare with model O). Model B -good for classic style of music, model O-for romantic style

[@maestrobruno3121]

Thank you. Most model O do not have this big of a sound. That is why we compared this one with a B. Also the Model O has a Wider back then the B so you have a sweeter tone where the B has more power.

[@maestrobruno3121]

Very good observation

[@kangaroo5383]

This is a perfect description. I have the O and actually loved it for this quality. I haven’t quite found the words, it brings me chills tbh, it sounds more “emotionally rich” and the sound really take up space

[@mickmccaskill5709]

I was just playing this piece

[@kathyoberle9093]

I see a vintage jukebox there. You sell jukeboxes too?

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

Model O most definitely! Sounds a LOT like my Boston!

[@alexmagor]

The O sounds more like a Model D with the more pure tone but I've always preffered the edgier tone of the B which I don't think the recording is capturing perfectly and making the piano sound thinner than it really does. Also I think the professionally restored golden age B's sound better than the new ones.

[@lastbornrelic3430]

I see

[@geuros]

I have Essex-173 at my flat, and after few months and few hundreds of hours of practise, I am really amazed, how great does it sound. Steinway made right decision with Essex (and Boston, but they're more expensive) - first I thought it won't be really close, but surprise, Essex albeit cheaper copy of Steinway, apart from wood selection and not being hand-made, still inspected for quality in Hamburg, it sounds like 90% Steinway while being half the price (of comparable model, M or O). When choosing it, I had chance to compare it with about 3 different model B grands, 2 A grands, and yes, I preferred the feeling of the model B, but where I live, it's my room that bottlenecks the sound a bit. Model B not only would cost me 4 times the price, it would also make me deaf :D For people searching for really good piano for much lower than Steinway prices, don't be afraid of Essex, it's great. Recommendation for future comparison from my side - if you have the chance to compare Essex EGP-173 vs Steinway Model M vs Steinway Model O, that could be really interesting.

[@HichemEllouze18]

I prefer the model O

[@maestrobruno3121]

We compared this O because it had a Bigger sound compared to other O's we have had in the past. Most model O's would not sound like this one.

[@UraniumEnergyAAA]

It depends on the room size, if yo put model B in a small room, pianist could have hearing loss overtime... Model B is good for a small-med recital hall & model O is for an average living room.

[@ProgRockKeys]

I have a Model A, so i am in between. In this video I greatly prefer the B. But, I am listening on a phone, which is ridiculous :)

[@maestrobruno3121]

Hi John, I have 3 Model A III love them. Have them custom rebuilt in London. 1 is back in stock and the other 2 in process. Which model A do you have. Very warm sound with the A. Steinway stopped the A III because it was starting to sell better than the B. So in 1937 they stopped making them and then started with the Regular A in 2005 same as the Hamburg size

[@maestrobruno3121]

Hi John, To tell if it is a Hamburg look at the 2 arms. The Arms are at the end of the keys or the end of the piano. If the arms are at a 90 degree angle then the piano is made in NYC If the Arm is rounded then it is made in Hamburg. Except for earlier NYC Steinway's some of them had rounded arms.

[@maestrobruno3121]

Hi John. Love the A. Especially the A III. Just sold one that was custom rebuilt from 1914. Steinway Stopped the model A III because it started to take away sales from the B. Hamburg has always made the A. They never made a A III.

[@zdogg8]

Your volume level of recording is much greater for the "O" - which gives, all things equal, the often misleading perception of better sound.

[@clavier4612]

Who is the pianist who is playing them so beautifully, if I may ask??

[@ji94552]

Steinway has been improving their pianos. The latest models are even better.

[@stevenreed5786]

Except for the Teflon action era, I thought Steinway had been producing the exact same products for the last 120 years.

[@gospelsoulman]

That B is fabulous!!! Yes I agree that the model O sounds nice but I think it's more of a subliminal placebo affect when one considers all of the factors and differences between to the two pianos. I believe we're all hoping for the model O to live up to the challenge, especially considering the price differences as well. I would take that model O any day! But I must say I can definitely tell when I hear the model B, it sounds just like what it is, "a miniature Steinway D classic tone" for a lack of a better description! The tone is warmer, fully embodied with richness and lots of subtle goodies like the percussive effects in the striking of the keys and soundboard effects. I absolutely love and prefer the B and have always believed that it actually can stand up to a D any given day!!!

[@maestrobruno3121]

usually I would not compare an O to a B. BUT, this O had a lot more power than most I have had. Will never compare to a B. But this one was closer than most.

[@ttrons2]

The B has always been my favorite piano I had to settle for a 1980 Yamaha C-5. When I bought it Steinway was still using those dreadful plastic bushings that rattle and sometimes the dampers would hang up. The greedy years of acquisition and cost cutting to maximize profits.

[@maestrobruno3121]

Hi Tom, Yes Steinway used Teflon from 1963 to 1982.5. BUT my first B was Teflon. During the 70's it was more the heavy Down Weight that today slows the sales of the Grands made during that time. But the Teflon was actually a good material, problem is it depends on the part of the country you live. In moist parts of the country we did not experience a lot of issues. But in Dry areas more so. In the end if Steinway had done more field testing with 1 to 2 years placing about 100 grands in the field to see how to perfect the Teflon it could have been a better material especially in institutional settings. Those settings play a piano 1,750 hours per yr. on average and the felt bushings are the first things to wear along with the Hammers. Thank you for your comment. Bruno

[@Oparacletos]

@@maestrobruno3121 - it is my understanding that TODAY, (post 1983) and especially with all Steinway refurbished pianos, that carbon is used instead of Teflon?

[@martinvegas1327]

You can get the model b in white with spirio r. That's what sold it ior me!

[@hastensavoir7782]

I hAve heard both in person multiple Times. Model O is Warm and Soft; Model B is Mellow. There is a Difference between Mellow and Warm. I prefer Model A

[@pnoman316]

I have an L and it is a very powerful piano for any home, unless you prefer another.

[@musiclover4311]

I wish comparison could be playing more challenging repertoire with a better pianist. Both pianos are great, what is there to compare??

[@frazzledude]

Are these pianos made in New York or Hamburg, Germany? There is a difference. Steinway pianos are wonderful instruments. I own a New York B, serial number 397112, that was made in 1966. It has an original factory Teflon action. It still plays very well and has a quick responsive feel. I also own a New York D that has the Spirio recorder/reproducer. It, too, is a marvelous instrument. The B in this video sounds very good.

[@maestrobruno3121]

Both of them are NYC. Love the 1960's. I have 2 of them 1960 and 1968. BIG sound. And the Down Weight is lighter than the 68 to 73 grams in the 70's. How do you like your D ?? Just sold a 2016 D. When you look at a Steinway if the front Arms are round it is a Hamburg. If they are Square it is a Hamburg. That is from 1912 and newer. Some of the older NYC Grands did have rounded arms. Had a 1909 B with them. But that is a way to tell

[@frazzledude]

@@maestrobruno3121 Yes, I like my new D very much. It has a wonderful light touch, and the sound is just amazing. My new D is from the New York factory, but it has the rounded arms. Steinway is now unifying the appearance and build of all their pianos from New York and Germany as of 2019. Also, starting next year all of their larger grand pianos will have a soft close fall board. I have some videos on my channel of my New York D playing Spirio recordings. In those videos you can also see my B in the background. There are also a couple of videos of Paolo Fazioli playing my Fazioli 10 foot concert grand piano.

[@jamescamil]

Starts at 1:01

[@tonymckenna4685]

B better than O, also O voiced a little too bright.

[@chloed8897]

Really wonderful B!! Is this B for sale?

[@saras1487]

I prefer the B sound. Richer, more mellow and round.

[@juliasmith2683]

What pieces are being played please?

[@Andy_a7]

how did you record the sound? using built-in smartphone microphone? Sounds like cheap digital keyboard

[@christopherbain3172]

That B, not even close. It was divine

[@cremersalex]

Model B sounds closer to an upright compared to the Model O, which almost sounds like a Model D.

[@davedave5787]

Idk ill take both of them!! 😂😂

[@paulallenMacca]

John Lennon’s White Baby Grand was a Model O.

[@SandraMartinez-oy3sk]

Model B

[@ApprendreLePianoEnLigne]

I prefer the B

[@maestrobruno3121]

This B is a 1986. The lady that owned it took very good care of it. She played her last concert at 91. Everyone that plays this one loves it.

[@pablousa100]

I like the O model better.

[@cybergate]

B211 has much more clear sound.

[@airlinepilotlife3232]

What was the first song he played? Sorry I’m a bit uncultured lol.

[@billy5566]

AirlinePilotLife it’s a nocturne of chopin, i don’t know what is the numbers but I think it’s the first or second nocturne, sorry if my english is bad, i’ m french

[@billy5566]

AirlinePilotLife nocturne in e flat major op9no2*

[@airlinepilotlife3232]

Nogelyax2 [AbonnéMystère] thank you very much, and don’t worry good sir, my English is sometimes bad too. Thank you 🙏!

[@Joshzfwig77]

The pianist is just wonderfully brilliant, especially sitting at the model B playing the Schumann piece.

[@Isuzu81]

O sounds warmer in the midrange

[@Evelyn.Motmag]

Model B is bigger and wider, so a sounding board with a bigger sound. But that's not what the video is showing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Model B....FOREVER....🎹💖🎹💖🎹💖🎹💖🎹💖🎹💖🎹💖

[@tg9479]

Model B sounds absolutely amazing, much better and crisper than O

[@jacquelynh1564]

I cannot tell anything on the Mac

[@randykern1842]

The O is much more resonant than the B.

[@fdwyersd]

O

[@sympiamao3ziaime]

Comparer 2 piano avec 1 micro bas de gamme... Et 1 seul s'il vous plait ... Impossible de faire son idée.

[@51Dss]

I am not a musician (unless being a 68 yo novice guitar player counts) and I can hear the difference between these two pianos is significant - to put it mildly. The "O" is much fuller and richer than the "B". I would venture to guess the "O" demands a significantly higher price than the "B". I suppose if budget were a consideration to a buyer and if that budget minded buyer had never heard the two pianos compared side by side he might be satisfied with the "B". Having heard the "O" I think if I were that budget minded buyer I might just go back home and save up a few more pennies and come back when I had enough money to buy the "O"

[@SouloftheTroll]

Uh, ahem, NO! Did you get these two mixed up? The B is decidedly fuller and warmer. It is a very good O, but stretches to play the same volume at cost of becoming tin-like brighter, particularly in the near rattle of the bass. Our performer can be heard playing the O on the low strings quite carefully so as to not set off the tin parade down there. The B is the piano on the left with over a foot more length to handle the power and resonance. Yes, this O is an anomaly compared to most O models, but if you listen carefully you can hear the quicker decay of each tone thus letting the overtone series from other undampened strings to flood the gates. The B is just so pure and steadfastly strong with no effort from the player. IMHO.

[@ericastier1646]

You got it all wrong. Perfect example of volume bias.

[@TF2Starlight]

Model B is so much better than O O feels like model B if it was singing while squeezing their nose

[@bradeywalter7973]

pffffft....... Asians....

[@markrobinson-xp7ui]

Model B