Should I buy a new or second-hand piano?

If you buy a new piano of good quality, you’ll enjoy a precise action that enables a perfectly controlled attack. Moreover, the tensions are optimized in the acoustic assembly of a new piano, which delivers good sound quality and dynamics. All C. Bechstein uprights and grands come with a five-year warranty. “

Second-hand instruments: what to watch out for

There are countless second-hand pianos available on the market, and some will have suffered more wear and tear than others. It’s not easy to determine the precision of the action, the quality of the sound, nor whether it will be possible to regulate and tune the instrument. Moreover, there may be hidden damage due to storage under inappropriate climatic conditions or inexpert repairs. Especially in the case of vintage pianos, the refurbishing costs may well exceed the purchase price.

Make sure the second-hand piano is covered by warranty

You should buy a second-hand piano only from a dealer who provides the instrument with a warranty. And be sure to choose a piano of impeccable quality.

The advantages of acoustic pianos

An acoustic piano is a must for those who want to enjoy playing and practicing, as such an instrument trains the musical ear best and boosts the creativity. The ability to modulate a natural sound and perfectly control the attack is a significant advantage of acoustic pianos. On the contrary, a digital instrument delivers only a frozen, tinny sound. No one who has played an acoustic piano would ever renounce the unique musical pleasure inherent in such an instrument.

What are the advantages of digital pianos?

Of course, digital pianos also boast certain advantages; for example, they are a good choice for those who favor pop music as well as those who need to transport their instruments easily.

Nonetheless, the sound quality of digital pianos remains limited, although it has improved in recent years: the “voice” of a digital piano is made of sound samples, where only every third tone is recorded from an acoustic piano at just a few different levels, the other tones being simulated by the computer. Thus, despite all technological advances, a digital piano is by no means able to deliver the multifaceted musical experience that you can enjoy when playing an acoustic instrument.

In addition, the similar appearance of the keys on both types of pianos is misleading: the keys of digital pianos are lighter and far less precise to the touch, so that playing a piece on an acoustic piano that you had practiced on a digital instrument can present a problem.

C. Bechstein sound samples

The quality of the sound samples used by digital pianos or mute systems varies considerably from one device to the next. All the samples for the Vario mute, for example, were recorded on a C. Bechstein concert grand piano. That’s why this device is the ideal solution for providing an acoustic C. Bechstein instrument with the advantages of a digital piano.

Always compare the differences in touch and voice of several pianos before buying

Ultimately, the choice between an acoustic and a digital piano depends on your budget, the space available at your home and the intended use of the instrument. Don’t hesitate to compare both types of pianos — and you will most likely come to the conclusion that an acoustic piano boasts decisive advantages.

Moderator and Vario silent system for playing quietly

Moderator for a softer sound

On an acoustic piano, pressing the middle pedal causes a felt bar called the “moderator” to be inserted between the strings and the hammers, so that the piano’s sound is quieter and duller.

Insulated caster cups

The sound of an upright or grand piano is transmitted via the casters through the floor to the walls and then the ceiling. Inserting insulated cups under the casters is a simple way to make a piano quieter.

C. Bechstein Vario silent system

Various types of silent systems have been developed for acoustic upright and grand pianos. They stop the hammerheads and render digitalized sound samples, so that you can play night and day without disturbing anyone. For professional pianists, too, who practice for hours on end, such a device is the optimum accessory.

There are various levels of quality among the silent systems available on the market. Poor quality sensors or an unstable mute rail can impair the touch and generate noise. There are also great differences with regard to ease of use and the sound rendered by the various silent systems.

The C. Bechstein Vario silent system is a top-class mute that provides your acoustic piano with all the advantages of a digital instrument. You continue to enjoy the remarkably precise Bechstein action, but the mute rail stops the hammerheads before they hit the strings.

State-of-the-art optical sensors placed below the keys record all nuances of your play without altering it.

Ultimately, sound samples recorded on a C. Bechstein D 282 concert grand piano render the notes in exquisite quality over a headset.

Rendering of all pedal movements

The C. Bechstein Vario system even renders the movements of all pedals, including the sostenuto pedal on upright pianos.

An intuitive touchscreen within easy reach while you’re playing makes the C. Bechstein Vario system extremely user-friendly. Moreover, the device comes with a wealth of configuration features that can be stored very easily.

Last but not least, the MIDI socket on the C. Bechstein Vario system enables you to control computer or tablet applications while still enjoying the excellent touch delivered by the C. Bechstein action assembly.

Software updates

Electronic devices change every day, while C. Bechstein pianos are made to meet the requirements of several generations of players. That’s why we ensure that you can keep up with the latest developments through updates and upgrades for your C. Bechstein Vario system. The Vario mute is available as an option for all current instruments of the various C. Bechstein brands, either ex factory or as a retrofit.

Upright or grand piano?

Compared to an upright, a grand piano boasts a superior action, a more comfortable touch, a considerably larger sound volume and better sound modulation possibilities.

How large should my piano be?

Both the touch and the sound volume vary according to the piano’s size. The larger the soundboard, the larger the resonance surface. As a consequence, a larger piano boasts a more profound, more vivid, more voluminous and more powerful voice.

Likewise, the size of the action assembly varies according to the height or length of the piano, so that larger instruments boast a better and more precise touch thanks to more advantageous lever ratios. With regard to the footprint, we suggest that you check the dimensions of the various C. Bechstein models on this website or in the downloadable catalogs to determine whether a grand piano would fit in your living room or music room.

A small but high-quality piano might very well provide a better sound than a larger instrument that is less well made. The quality of the materials and their processing, as well as the excellence of the acoustic assembly make all the difference.

In conclusion, we recommend that you make up your mind whether to purchase a grand or an upright piano only after testing the touch and sound of several instruments and consulting with a qualified reseller.

Price and quality

A high-quality piano motivates beginners and advanced players with its good sound and subtle action assembly. The excellence of materials, individually processed with care down to the finest detail, makes it incomparable to any lower-segment instrument. The making of a C. Bechstein grand piano takes more than a year of work hours.

It’s important to us to offer truly good instruments to all piano lovers, whatever their budget. The C. Bechstein group has developed a full range of brands and lines that deliver optimal solutions for all levels of requirements.

With C. Bechstein Concert, C. Bechstein Academy, the three W.Hoffmann lines and the Zimmermann brand, our product range includes a variety of instruments for all budgets.

The Bechstein brands

C. Bechstein Concert – The Sound of Excellence

The C. Bechstein Concert upright and grand pianos are masterpieces handmade in Germany, cultivated musical personalities that meet the highest requirements and satisfy the most discriminating ears. They embody the great tradition of European music: from the very beginning, the distinctive C. Bechstein voice has captivated the greatest composers and pianists. With their endless richness of nuances, the unique clarity of their tone, the perfection of their touch and their balance of dynamic power and lyrical musicality, the C. Bechstein pianos enchant every music lover.

C. Bechstein Academy — The Premium Class

Convincing quality, small-series production using craftsmanship and rational state-of-the-art technology, made in Germany by C. Bechstein of Berlin. C. Bechstein Academy pianos have a noble, colourful, elegant and harmonious voice. Their highly professional touch and distinctive sound profile — warm and pure, rich and full — make them universal, suitable for every musical purpose, whether for performance in private settings or as a working instrument for professionals.

W.Hoffmann – European quality at an affordable price

The W.Hoffmann brand includes three different lines: Professional, Tradition and Vision

W.Hoffmann Professional

High-quality, yet affordable professional pianos that entice you with their musicality, enduring quality, excellent design and impressive sound volume.

W.Hoffmann Tradition

A line of pianos with a distinctive European sound that are rooted in the great German tradition of piano-making. The entire production, including the manual voicing of the hammerheads, is carried out by the Czech piano-makers of C. Bechstein Europe.

W.Hoffmann Vision

Quality pianos made on a highly efficient production line, affordable instruments that stand out for their impeccable, finely nuanced and distinctively European touch.

Zimmermann – Designed by C. Bechstein

Reliable pianos of European quality for beginners in search of a reputable yet reasonably priced instrument for entering the world of piano music.

Sound and touch

Both the touch and sound of C. Bechstein pianos are legendary and many pianists have lauded the vast range of playing possibilities that these instruments offer. Here are eight reasons why:

1. Colorful sound spectrum

The piano is a polyphonic instrument that spans seven and one-quarter octaves. With its ability to generate clearly differentiated sounds, it’s no wonder that it’s sometimes compared to an entire orchestra.

Because they boast a wide dynamic range and an impressively differentiated and colorful sound spectrum, the C. Bechstein pianos provide players with limitless possibilities of interpretation. Playing a C. Bechstein, you can freely stress a certain voice, underscore a certain melody or accentuate a certain chord, and thus make your interpretation more lively and vivid.

2. Hammerheads, felt and voicing

C. Bechstein is the only European piano manufacturer that has its own hammerhead production line. Two layers of a special, long-fiber felt are tightened on the hammerhead core, made of walnut. Afterwards, a technician voices the hammerheads by hand in order to provide the sound with more color and dynamism and harmonize all the tones. Voicing is an art that requires passion, discipline and experience from the technician. At C. Bechstein, it’s exclusively performed by master craftsmen with years of experience as concert technicians who are able to bring out the entire sound potential of the pianos.

3. Keybed, keyframe and keyboard

The keys and their frames are made of carefully selected spruce, a relatively light but stable and elastic wood. The keybed, made of pinewood, forms a solid base for the action. The legs of the grand pianos are inserted in solid bushings made of beech.

4. Action assembly

A piano action assembly has to be precise and reliable. The perfection of the C. Bechstein actions stems from the strict material selection criteria, the accuracy of all measurements and the expertise of the production staff. C. Bechstein action assemblies are made of maple and white beech. The hammers move freely so nothing impairs the creative process. The keys deliver the ideal balance between resistance and fluidity. The action reproduces all the subtlety of the player’s attack precisely, intuitively and effortlessly.

5. Integral concept

A Bechstein piano is designed to deliver a perfect touch that exploits the full potential of the highly complex sound assembly. All action parts undergo an individual quality control procedure, are calibrated to meet strict margins of tolerance, and ultimately assembled to form a masterpiece of technology that can withstand the highest strain. Numerous great pianists have praised the fantastic subtlety and controllability of the breathtaking C. Bechstein action assemblies.

6. Distinctive criteria of a good touch

A good touch is far more than just the good reactivity of the keys. According to the Bechstein approach, it’s the sum of all the impressions that the player experiences while he or she plays the piano.

C. Bechstein perfection

The C. Bechstein touch is like a kid glove to the player’s hand. It adapts instantaneously to any form of play with fantastic precision. Playing a Bechstein is effortless and completely controllable. The action assembly combines just the right amount of resistance for the virtuoso with the elegance that the “everyday” player desires as well. When playing a Bechstein you can forget that piano practice is work. You can concentrate entirely on the music – on making musical inspiration a reality.

The well-measured movements of your attack generate equally well-proportioned movements of the action assembly – so reliably that the sound created corresponds to your musical intention and delights you.

7. Repetition

A good action assembly also enables good and pleasing repetition of any note. In a C. Bechstein piano, the touch is neither too hard nor too soft, spongy or imprecise, giving you excellent control and repetition independently from your attack.

8. The perfection of the whole

First class touch requires a perfect interaction of the keyboard, action, hammerheads and acoustic assembly. The C. Bechstein action offers a touch with all of the characteristics described above, thus enabling both beginners and professionals to express themselves freely.

Making a C. Bechstein grand piano

Why is the sound of a C. Bechstein grand so fantastic? Discover some secrets of the great art of piano-making at C. Bechstein.

Pianos with a legendary sound

The C. Bechstein pianos have a legendary and incomparable sound, warm, colorful, lyrical, singing, clear and pure. They set no limits on your musical creativity and are perfect for both solo performances and chamber musical recitals.

The typical clarity and purity of the C. Bechstein sound provide your interpretation with a distinctive, vivid dimension.

Sound projection

Whether in a pianissimo cantilena or a powerful fortissimo, the C. Bechstein sound radiates majestically and reflects exactly your artistic intention and your sparkling attack.

The C. Bechstein concert grand pianos are powerful instruments that boast a stunning dynamism and assertiveness.

Where does such excellence come from?

C. Bechstein’s incomparable sound spectrum is the result of a comprehensive piano-making philosophy. In all production steps, the years of experience and in-depth knowledge of our piano-makers and specialists make sure that nothing is left to chance. Discover the mysterious world and the great art of the C. Bechstein approach to piano-making.

Soundboard

The soul of every piano, the soundboard is made of carefully selected tonewood: mountain spruce grown slowly at altitudes of more than one thousand meters, boasting very narrow annual rings. The wood undergoes a strict quality check and is subsequently dried, first traditionally in the open air and then in a long-term climatic chamber. Once it is shaped, the soundboard is provided with ribs with tapered ends in order to generate a perfectly controlled tension. Moreover, the edge of the soundboard is also slightly tapered to further improve the vibration properties.

Soundboard ribs

The ribs of the soundboard are also made of mountain spruce. They compensate the tension of the strings and contribute to transfer their vibrations — via the bridge — to the entire surface of the board. The tapered ends of the ribs fit perfectly in the notches milled into the board’s frame (see below). Once glued onto the soundboard, the ribs generate a perfectly controlled tension that optimizes the board’s vibrations. The traditional C. Bechstein “main rib” improves the soundboard’s elasticity when the bass strings vibrate.

Bridge

The bridge makes the connection between the strings and the ensemble composed of the soundboard and its ribs. Thanks to special manufacturing processes, the C. Bechstein bridge transfers the vibrations of the strings integrally and without attenuation to the soundboard. The bridge of a C. Bechstein grand piano is made of several layers of European maple glued together vertically, the layers being topped by a massive white beech part on which the strings rest. In a Bechstein piano, the bridge is made of massive red beech.

Soundboard frame

The frame of the soundboard is made of massive horizontal mahogany and red beech layers. It forms the periphery of the back frame and its braces and improves the transfer of vibrations. The ensemble composed of the soundboard, its ribs and the bridge rests for a certain amount of time until its crown has stabilized under the effect of carefully controlled tensions. Subsequently, this ensemble is inserted and glued into the frame, which is then adapted so that it supports the board’s crown. This complex procedure also contributes to optimization of the soundboard’s resonance.

Solid case

The case is made of several vertical and horizontal beech layers that are glued together and shaped to achieve optimum solidity. The material is carefully selected to ensure that the case remains highly stable, and perfectly frames the soundboard.

Braces

Massive braces visible on the underside of a grand piano compose the stabilizing back frame. They are made of carefully selected pinewood. On C. Bechstein instruments, the braces are affixed to the frame using dovetail joints and massive wooden dowels. The braces run together at a point on the main rail that is reinforced with an iron part that also supports the cast-iron frame. This particular design complements the energy cycle within the acoustic assembly.

Cast-iron frame

The cast-iron frame decisively contributes to the exquisite sound of a C. Bechstein grand piano. It is cast in a sand mould, a complex and expensive process that delivers better results than vacuum casting technology. The use of special sand guarantees a cast-iron frame with high-precision measurements and an optimum cross-sectional profile.

All C. Bechstein upright and grand pianos have cast-iron frames with high sound propagation velocity. A metal part joins the back and cast-iron frames, thus closing the energy cycle within the acoustic assembly.

Treble resonator

On the C. Bechstein grand pianos of the B, C and D lines, a metallic resonator harmonizes the tension of the cast-iron frame and that of the soundboard frame, enabling precise regulation of the tension of the board below the treble strings.

Acoustic assembly

According to C. Bechstein, the acoustic assembly includes the back frame (the solid “backbone” of the piano, made up of the braces, the rim and the main rail), the strings, the soundboard and the cast-iron frame.

Once they are glued together, the frame and the rim rest and dry for six months to allow the tensions to stabilize slowly. This rest period is observed in the making of all C. Bechstein instruments.

Once the frame, the braces and the main rail are glued together, all these parts are in turn glued into the rim. The soundboard is then fitted with precision into this ensemble and glued to ensure stable positioning.

Tension and durability

The controlled tensions that exist between all parts of the acoustic assembly are intended to maximize the vibration of the soundboard. This contributes decisively to the profound and richly colored sound of every C. Bechstein grand piano. To prevent any loss of the vibration energy within the acoustic assembly, the edge of the C. Bechstein soundboard boasts a special profile, while the notches that receive the ribs are milled using CNC technology to ensure maximum precision. The careful selection of the wood, the various rest periods and the use of state-of-the-art technology ensure that the precise tensions that are generated during the manufacturing process will endure for decades.

Pedals

The pedals change the piano’s sound. Using them properly is an art that enables you to give a personal touch to every composition. Discover the functions of the various pedals.

Right pedal

The right pedal, sometimes called the damper or sustaining pedal, raises all the dampers off the strings, so that they continue vibrating after the key has been released. Furthermore, the vibrations of the strings in question cause other strings to vibrate, so that further overtones complement the original tone. The damper pedal thus generates a rich tonal quality.

Left pedal

The left pedal of a grand piano shifts the entire action to the right, so that the hammer strikes only two strings or even only one in the case of the bass strings, which changes the color of the sound and makes it somewhat softer. On an upright piano, the left pedal moves the hammers closer to the strings, which likewise reduces the sound volume.

Middle pedal

The middle pedal of a grand piano is a “tone-sustaining” device, and is also called the sostenuto pedal. When it is depressed, the last note played continues to sound while all the other notes are damped. The sostenuto pedal is even available as an option on the C. Bechstein Concert 8 upright, as it is required for interpreting certain demanding compositions.

Form and style

The C. Bechstein R&D department is a facility unique the world over, constantly achieving advances in the areas of materials, case design and sound optimization. Thanks to its expertise, the R&D department develops models with tailored stylistic features or even bronze, silver or gold ornaments made using traditional craftsmanship. Every year, C. Bechstein thus makes a spectacular replica of a particularly precious vintage grand piano.

Piano fashion

Although piano design doesn’t change as frequently as other fashions, there are clear differences between an average case and a carefully designed model. The aesthetic excellence of all pianos made by the C. Bechstein group is another quality criterion, as confirmed by the many design prizes awarded to the company.

Traditional or modern?

A wealth of models with attractive case designs is available among the C. Bechstein and Bechstein brands, as well as the three W.Hoffmann lines. A modern upright doesn’t have legs under the keyboard. Several C. Bechstein and Bechstein “modern” pianos that sell very well were awarded the Good Design Award for their excellent case design.

Curves or straight lines?

Several C. Bechstein and Bechstein uprights are provided with the same acoustic assembly, but two different cases, one with elegant curves, the other with clear straight lines.

Casters or runners?

The choice between casters and runners for your upright piano is purely an aesthetic one – the stability of the instrument is the same in either case. The primary factor in the decision is your own personal taste.

Art case gallery

The C. Bechstein manufacturing processes are very flexible and can easily adapt to your personal requirements. Ask your authorized dealer about the customization options available, and especially about our special veneers. Are you considering a case with marquetry, chrome or brass fittings? You’re in search of a color that matches your interior decoration? Your dealer is there to help and advise you. Moreover, C. Bechstein has the expertise to make replicas of the most sophisticated vintage pianos. We collaborate with painters, woodcarvers and veneer specialists who can make a masterpiece of fine art out of your piano’s case.

Discover some of our special models in the art case gallery. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions on the customization options for the case of your upright or grand piano:

Piano bench

A quality piano bench must be functional and provide a comfortable sitting position, so that you can maintain good posture and play without getting stiff muscles. A well-balanced sitting position facilitates the learning of piano-relevant motor activities.

Stability and upholstery are the main quality criteria when it comes to choosing a piano bench. Moreover, the bench’s height should be easily adjustable, as the ideal height for a given player can vary from one day to the next.

Please note that a swivel chair is not an alternative as it is not stable enough. You should also avoid three-legged stools, for the same reason. A four-legged piano stool is definitively the best solution, all the more so as there are special models for those who suffer backache. Our product range includes piano stools in styles and finishes matching the various C. Bechstein uprights and grands.