The World's Most Underrated Piano: Blüthner Model 1

Blüthner pianos are rarely mentioned when talking about the top piano brands in the world, and it's rather hard to find them in the United States. But when they are voiced properly, as this one has been, by Knut Blüthner himself, they become a world-class piano that easily rivals any of the top brands that you may be a bit more familiar with.
I found this piano at:
Collora Piano
1451 Wycliff Ave
Dallas, TX
75207

[@ThePianoforever]

If you like music, you might want to check out my second channel "Milan Recording Studios". Feel free to subscribe and hit the bell icon if you want to! kzbin.info/door/u1LrpmWwK1ztTvIayRar9w

[@andraskopf268]

Blüthner was the favorit Brand from Sir Richard Wagner and from the last King of Bavaria, King Ludwig.

[@robertcoleman7047]

Bluthners are reasonably common in the UK, but here they are recognised for the excellent pianos they really are. Mine is an upright and was made in 1899, and still sounds great.

[@solooverland3666]

When I was growing up in Eastern Europe in the 80s, there were plenty of Blüthner and Bechstein pianos around. I was too young and dumb to truly appreciate them... I miss them now. Thanks for the very nice video 👍🏼

[@cgfischer]

That makes pretty much sense as it was/is an East-German brand. I didn’t know that before

[@clydebermingham121]

One of these days I’d like to see you do a blindfold test playing several pianos 🎹 , then after give a remark as to which one was your favorite ...

[@demetriolopezblanco225]

A Blüthner is a Blüthner....the most marvelous sound in the piano world. delicate...powerfull...cristal clear...Y adore them...better than other brands so often found in the market.

[@cdllc1956]

Agreed!!! Blüthner is just best

[@robgrune3284]

Bluthners are the best pianos. build, woods, action, sound - all are best. Great sustain, with no twang in the sound. Clear treble, without the breaking-glass effects of other brands. Deep clear bass, but not harsh.

[@bikemike1118]

Yeah, Germany and Austria really has the world’s best piano manufacturers out there (Blüthner, C.Bechstein …even Hamburg Steinway to some degree, Bösendorfer all really great!) …in addition Fazioli from Italy.

[@davepianist84]

Bluthner is an amazing brand, for some reason those are pretty common in South America, specially in Argentina, I have played a very old one and both the sound and the action were amazing.

[@ThePianoforever]

Interesting that they have made their way down to Argentina! Nice that you have great pianos to play.

[@davepianist84]

@@ThePianoforever thanks a bunch James!

[@Thiago-px9ev]

Here in Brazil its easy to find old Bechsteins. Also Bluthner, Schiedmayer, Grotrian Steinweg and Pleyel pianinos from sec. XIX. Most of them are really old(Later XIX/early XX) because we used to have 3 major national brands, from second war to the end of the century: Essenfelder, Brasil(Brazil) and Fritz Dobbert. Also Schwartzmann, Schneider, A. Schmolz and other less expressive brands. You should definitely try to find an Essenfelder, James! It was created by a Bechstein technician, those built between 1940-1960 are great instruments and they even made a full-size concert grand called Essenfelder Orquestral.

[@leitomuniz]

In Uruguay, in Treinta y Tres a small village of 35.000 inhabitants, we have a Blüthner. Fantastic!

[@sunpathviewer]

My favorite piano I have ever played. Had a chance to buy one from a store owner but that opportunity passed. Thanks for the reminder of the times he let me play the stores only "no touch" piano. Maybe someday one will come to me. Thank you James.

[@AndreasFKipping]

Thanks for sharing this nice instrument. It was manufactured at my Hometone Leipzig / Germany. It`s possible to visit the Blüthner Store every day. It is still in operation today.

[@mupbelchen010701]

For me, the best piano in the world!

[@pookievanderbilt6889]

This is the model that Paul McCartney used to record let it be and the long and winding road which have my all time favorite piano sounds. Thanks for the video

[@Origina1saltine]

by far the best piano ive ever heard you review. just.. beautiful

[@leykeyes3261]

I knew the woman in Los Angeles who owned the Blunter store. She told me Steinway was light years beneath a Bluntner and many famous pianists played Bluntner at home.

[@ryanswint6026]

I tend to find that when I listen to piano comparisons and guitar comparisons on KZbin, it's difficult to hear much difference between instruments. But I can honestly say, I heard a big difference in the sound of that piano in comparison to other videos I've watched. Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for posting.

[@PaperClipFlip]

Great review! Thanks for doing this. I'm in love with Blüthner pianos now!

[@The_Smith]

Nice job of that new test piece, looking forward to hearing a full version of it!

[@lostinbeauty7129]

Outstanding! My goodness, you keep coming up with these amazing instruments. "Warm, soft, and pillowy" indeed. Almost otherworldly. I would love to see you do a video on voicing and regulation. I don't fully understand either term. Enjoyed the new test piece, too.

[@Bauer2sPro]

Great review! Here in Holland Bluthner is considered of equal (and for me superior) quality as Steinway. I have the Jubelee model 6. Looks and sounds tremendous.

[@JB-ru2zb]

This is one precise sounding piano. The most beautiful grand so far

[@enochonguru5483]

I love the sound so much! Everything in moderation.

[@takeomack2782]

Fantastic piano! 🙂 Thank you sir for sharing this experience!!! WONDERFUL, 👍👍❤️❤️

[@Jose_Miguel_1971]

I don't usually comment on the videos but this time I couldn't stand it. Probably the best sound of a piano i've ever heard. I just bought a 1942 upright Blüthner in Chile and it has a beautiful sound too.

[@oliviapereira364]

It's so amazing that the sound has such an even tone, just one register that goes from high to low notes, evenly, with no "passaggio". That opens so many possibilities...

[@TarukaiSamurai]

This piano is so relaxing and pleasing to the ears.

[@uh7385]

Seems that Debussy is one of your favourite composers. 😉 Applause, Applause Maestro. 👏Thanks for the Video - well done. 👍

[@amakrid]

Bluthner - the sound of bliss. Bach sounds as if listening to an organ.

[@billbright1755]

There are no coincidences in a Blüthner. Every nuance in that sound board has been tested and designed for its tone. The entire piano is a work of art. Precision escapement mechanism unsurpassed in delivering proper feed back to pianist finger pressure. Only the finest hand selected materials throughout.

[@giles8373]

The first one that has done it for me. Thanks best sound

[@frederickchao]

What a beautiful rich sound. This piano has got to be one of my favorite pianos that I have heard you play. I would buy this piano.

[@shopbruce]

Enjoyed your new piece - thanks for sharing

[@ThePianoforever]

Glad you liked it!

[@eyesontheprize6637]

That's beautiful! Yes, please expand on it James, if you haven't already.

[@Deeznutsmynamejeff21]

Bluthners are criminally underrated, I love the tone more than any Steinway and yet they are so much cheaper. I am getting a 6’3” bluthner from the early 20th century which was a fantastic deal for the sound and quality. There is nothing like the warm tone of a bluthner

[@McOuroborosBurger]

Burnt orange would be an awesome felt color for a piano.

[@aldito7586]

Hey !!! Isin't that a Stanley Kubrick movie ???

[@aldito7586]

Hey !!! Isin't that a Stanley Kubrick movie ???

[@rogerdsmith]

The other unique design element of Bluthner’s pianos is how they form the “crown” in the soundboard. They have a “ball” type arch. That is also part of their unique sound.

[@dapro2848]

Very Impressive piano. Until two weeks ago I had never heard of Bluthner or Fazioli (I am very new at this piano thing). Am learning a lot from watching your videos and bought my first digital piano 8 months ago. I was very happy with it until I played a Steinway M at a local music store. My Casio CGP 700 will be just fine though as I can't afford much more. Thank you for the Videos.

[@klavierspielerin1956]

Blüthner has a beautiful sound and especially very even touch, absolutely perfect!

[@paulallenMacca]

The Beatles used the Bluthner Model One in the Let It Be film in songs Let It Be and The Long And Winding Road.

[@rafaelferreyra8224]

means nothing for the excellence of a Bluthner

[@mndance165]

One of the world’s greatest musical groups liked the sound enough to use this instrument to play some of their most acclaimed songs...that might mean more than nothing...

[@Screaming-Trees]

Bluthner Model 1, what a rare treat. This and the 290 Bosendorfer are my all time favourites. If I had to pick though it would be the Bluthner. Rachmaninoff tends to agree with me here. What was it that he said? Something like "all I took with me to America was my wife and my precious Bluthner" or something to that effect (supposedly he said this when he emigrated). Great video.

[@hisamif5590]

I have just dropped by. What a sweet gentle sound. I wish I could hear some day.

[@LIVingDreams1984]

LOve your Videos. Seen a lot of them. :)

[@burpo]

Wow. Beautiful, buttery sound.

[@xray111xxx]

Excellent really enjoyed this. Beautiful piano.

[@thepocketboy]

Love the new base piece

[@stefandejong8545]

Very lovely sound to this piano, I used to sell these alongside Bösendorfers as well as other great brands. Its amongst my favourite brands.

[@patstokes3615]

Really lovely sound.

[@flamenco0604]

the sound is impressive amazing

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

Bluthner is perfect if you want the big piano feel with a medium sized piano sound. You can go loud with a Bluthner, but in most cases the sound isn't overwhelming, so it's perfect for a smaller room.

[@MatthijsvS]

Wow I’ve heard you play those Bach pieces on several instruments. But I never liked it as much as I do on this video. What a lovely instrument!

[@mcoram3486]

Dreamy sounding love it

[@fredrodnick2881]

I'm a guitarist,but I've always prided myself on having an ear for tone, and I think mid-range tones in general often contain a little small amount of distortion, but the mid-range in the first piece you played was so amazing and pure. I like the selections you usually play especially the Eric Sate I think. It was in the movie Amile which was shot in France which is beautiful movie to look at with an interesting story.

[@melonenstrauch1306]

This is such a warm sound, just beautiful! Debussy was a perfect fit for this instrument!

[@kyzersniper]

I'm impressed...Interesting, indeed

[@mupbelchen010701]

Hi, James👋 I found it! Thank you. 🙏👍😉

[@mmbmbmbmb]

Thank you for this delicious appetizer !

[@antoniomaccagnan7200]

Beautiful sound.

[@michaelsmith697]

This piano certainly sounds extremely warm and resonant. I just love the bass of a concert Grand! Even so, the Bluthner has a warm rich sound in the midrange as well - that’s something really special too.

[@Drewster58]

The new test etude is good, should be allowed to live and grow and be added to. This piano sounds really good listening on my iPad. It is wonderful to hear you try out these instruments. You make me wish I had become a pianist way back in the day.

[@rwsmith7638]

Gorgeous. Sounds like a music box. First time I saw one was an old Beatles session they had one in the studio, I think 'Let It Be' was played on it. I've never seen on in the US. They probably exist if you go online, but I can't have an example of every piano I like. I'm holding out for a Bosendorfer, even if it's not an 'Imperial'. I was just asking what 'Clair de Lune' sounded like and you brought it up!!! Perfect piano for that.

[@ivanigorpollick6690]

beautifull,melodyc sound

[@radiorexandy]

Totally. Yes, indeed! The sound caresses you like a nice soft eiderdown pillow. And the bass! It purrs like a kitten but you know there's power there, as well if needed.

[@Rollinglenn]

Beautifully even tone throughout. I wish you would play a bit of Rachmaninov to display the power these pianos are capable as well as the gentler tones.

[@moldenburg909]

Beautiful piano. I like your new piece. It gives a calmness and a beauty to the wonderful deep sound of the piano. O maybe a little difficult to explain. But anyway I like the warm deep sound of the piano.

[@hellothom]

Outstanding video, top notch! For me, the tone and richness of this is better than the Steinway concert grands. That said, I've always loved playing on the Steinways because of the well-roundedness of the tone, action, etc. I'd have to play on one of these to be able to accurately compare myself, but in your video, to me, the Blüthner wins out on tone. Absolute perfection.

[@amascia8327]

Nice of JS to write that beautiful test piece for you. 👍🏼🤠 12:12 JPS test piece: good to hear the bass test. Perhaps add a few more hi treble bits? PS: the anonymous techie gets lots of credit. Good. They are make or break.

[@tejasb1239]

Love the bluthner. Grand looks, and a very beautiful warm sound, ideal for playing very soft, mellow piano pieces. Despite me being an ardent Yamaha fan, I'm literally speechless after hearing the bluthner mod.1! Mr. Shawcross, you must do a comparison between Yamaha and Bluthner!

[@williamstgeorge7289]

beautiful clear last piece was very fine and romantic please continue with it caused me to think of Russia between the two world wars elegiac

[@seguragabry3l]

Is perfect to me, i need that piano!

[@domodepiano]

Collora piano really is tops and well run, truly a great place to visit and do business with and for such a high end dealer they are not stuffy and access to the collection is really great I've had a great time playing and comparing various beauties there in the past,glad to see you got to visit them, agreed w your assessment of the Bluthner , I havent gone in a while but have played a full c grand estonia they had and it was marvelous , I hope the get 1 or two of the Charles Walter grands I want to get a stronger idea of their sound I only played 1 example at the steinway shop on the other end of town. but it blew me away

[@ThePianoforever]

We went to the Steinway shop as well, but they didn't want me to film any Steinways without consent from New York. So I went to Collora Piano instead, and spend a long time there as they indeed had a great selection. As my channel has increased in size, I do find that certain brands are a little skittish about me comparing their pianos to others. I would presently rank Steinway 5th or 6th in the world today for new pianos, just my honest opinion.

[@ThePianoforever]

I played a couple of Charles Walter Pianos over the years and really loved the 6'4" with the Renner action. I will include a link to a video I did four years ago. I almost bought one for my practice piano here at the studio, one of the best for it's size from any maker. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHvLm2aVebN5htk

[@HichemEllouze18]

Your Piece is just beautiful, awesome, excellent... ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@stuboyer1901]

Very nice James. I'd love to hear it with like a Rach prelude and good strong bass.

[@richardwarren4031]

As I mentioned in connection with one of your other reviews, James, the teacher I had from my second year until I moved to the Conservatorium had a Bluthner concert grand that her father bought for her around a hundred years ago. And this review has brought back to me the fact that it also had a softer sound. Some pianos suffer from a contrast between the notes in the lower range and the higher ones, because the higher notes don't have the volume to compete, and anyway, they sound almost tinny by comparison. The strings of the Bluthner don't - there's a pleasant harmony of sounds across the full range.

[@ThePianoforever]

I have always thought that Bluthners were a great piano, but just recently I have started finding Bluthners that really rival the World's greatest pianos. I am becoming a great fan of Bluthner pianos for sure.

[@antoniogranozio7066]

Sei molto bravo. Le tue valutazioni sono sempre puntuali... tuttavia soggettive. Il più delle volte, concordano con le mie. Buon Lavoro. ;)

[@AnnaKhomichkoPianist]

Really interesting video!

[@rikspector]

James, This may be one of the best "Debussy" pianos for Claire DE Lune you've played on. The balance and clarity is outstanding. Keep working on your new test composition ,it has potential. Cheers, Rik Spector

[@mariaurquhart5388]

Frederick Spector the Blürhner was actually Debussy's brand of choice and his compositions sound best on these pianos 😉🤜🏻🤛🌹👍🏻🌈

[@lieibabronstein2584]

Blüthner is THE BEST!!! It's my LOVE from firs touch. FOREVER!

[@davidemarchi6366]

I put first like! Beautiful piano, not overpowering music.

[@rche9131]

Waoh! Quel son! Superbe!

[@studiosnch]

Yep, you said Leipzig just right. :) And Blüthners are just... something else. Even though I'm using the Pianoteq version of Model 1 I just swear by it, especially with softer hammers and a nice miking. I think the real deal even sounds better than ever.

[@correasilvio2010]

Speracular piano sound!

[@stevepetergal]

Surprised you didn't mention that Debussy's piano of choice was a Bluthner.

[@wehnever7636]

Marvin Hamlisch chose a Bluthner for Scott Joplin's ragtime in the movie Sting. He says in the comments that he did it for the mellower tone.

[@Savartarus]

You have to come try my SEILER 208 right outside of Dallas! It’s he best piano I’ve ever heard!

[@carlosmagno1112]

Belo piano ! Lindo som !

[@cldavis33]

Thank you for playing that amazing instrument - musically and not just mashing keys with no variation. The only thing you did wrong was to stop playing Clair De Lune - I was melting and you stopped. Beautiful playing.

[@gepinomus]

This is an amazing and truly treasure ! Thanks for sharing

[@schlohann9515]

I was in the original blütner Fabrik in Leipzig

[@stydras3380]

First of all your pronounciation of Leipzig is practicially spot on :P the z is normally pronounced a bit harder. As for the sympathetic resonance of bigger pianos: I guess that longer strings overall have more mass and thus by conservation of energy have a smaller amplitude when excited by another sound. Smaller amplitude then of course means less force on the soundboard and a quieter sound is produced. As for striking the strings directly the effect also should be much less notable as the energy compared to sympathetic resonance is much greater.

[@matthewashley2924]

Is that coming from just the mic in the room? Sounds great!

[@yanivsh16]

Bluthners are great pianos. Probably my favorite

[@amaymankad121]

Beautifully played James - I wish you would give us the price/cost of these pianos :D

[@mcinshadley]

Your composition reminded me of Arvo Part. I'd like to hear where you take it

[@stephenhunt8756]

Thank you.....fascinating. NOW, please could you find and test a great , say 1920s-1930s piano that's still playable. The Bluthner has something of the sound qualities of that era.

[@pianodreamsmotherson5053]

I LOVE your testpeace!! And ohhhhh my good the base sound is sooooo beautiful ❤️ the base notes sounds a bit like a bösendorfer....

[@ThePianoforever]

Glad you liked it!

[@ZestyLemonBoi]

Блестящий!

[@bleedblue0324]

We definitely need a tutorial of your improvisation piece.

[@cannedmusic]

James, that piano is truly remarkable! I do have a question, though. I am guessing the test piece you have composed to test the full range of any piano you test has been copyrighted by you. I notice the beautiful flowing quality of it. It reminds me of if Bach got together with Rachmaninoff. Would you be able or willing to incorporate it into a full first movement, use aspects of it in the third movement and maybe make a 4 movement classic piece out of it? I know it's asking quite a bit, but, I love listening to it, and it's much too short. I think it would be very popular.

[@ThePianoforever]

I definitely want to do something with it in the future, and I was debating whether to use a pop song format or a classical format on it. It sounds nice with orchestral instruments, but I could also imagine it as a pop ballad! I'll have to see what happens with it.

[@cannedmusic]

@@ThePianoforever I can't wait to hear it, whatever you do with it.

[@Rhythmmical]

This piano would play a Chopin nocturne beautifully. Chopin preferred a softer tone so I think he would like this piano.

[@DerrickBoundsMusic]

I thought you looked familiar. Namm 2020 at the 1935 rebuilt Stienway. I too was very impressed with that particular Bluethner. I put it in the top 3.

[@ThePianoforever]

Yeah, that was at the Meyer booth! Steinway wishes they could rebuild Steinways as well as Meyer can, lol. It was nice meeting you!

[@DerrickBoundsMusic]

@@ThePianoforever Nice meeting you as well! See you next time!

[@HodGabriel]

"Blüthner pianos are rarely mentioned when talking about the top piano brands in the world" What? hell no, they are ALWAYS mentioned in any TOP 10

[@Mr_Jingle]

7:40 I’m sorry if he said what the name of this piece was but I would like to know the name I absolutely adore it