They were much longer and wider that the more typical CC made from 1910 – 1984. The first two made in the very early 1900’s are quite rare. However, the fact that most concert halls and concert pianists choose the Steinway D speaks volumes. There are many fine pianos such as Fazioli, Bosendorfer, Bechstein, Mason and Hamlin, Steingraber, etc. Whether it is the best piano in the world is a matter of subjective opinion. This is the piano of choice for concert halls.
However, in my experience, whatever the criteria of the pianist, their preference will be immediate and conclusive. The choice between a properly restored Mason BB and a Steinway B is totally subjective. There is a significant cult following for the BB. It is much more difficult to voice the BB than many other pianos, but with patience and time it can be done. It has the potential to overpower the rest of the piano. The bass section of the BB is hugely powerful. The Mason BB is a magnificent piano, but it has very different characteristics than the Steinway B.
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The more capable the pianist, the more important is the size of the piano and the quality of the restoration, for full realization of the performance. This allows the pianist to express himself more fully with a wider range of color that can be extracted from the piano. The model B Steinway properly restored has more potential for power, dynamic range, and clarity than the smaller pianos. The price is significantly lower without sacrificing the quality of the touch, dynamic range, power or clarity of tone. pianos it would be unwise to overlook the Mason AA. A properly restored Mason AA has the potential to play every bit as well as a Steinway A. The Mason AA is the most underappreciated fine piano in the market place. However, I know from experience that it can be done. In fact the hook bridge in the tenor section with the bass supplement is harder to voice evenly than the later evolutions of the Steinway A. Many pianists have a prejudice against the A 1 which is the earliest model in the evolution of the Steinway Model A. Properly restored these pianos can be magnificent. These are the models that start to appeal to musicians that are not limited by physical space or budget constraints. There is no comparably sized Mason and Hamlin piano. Because of the larger case there is the potential for more power, and more clarity in the bass. These models properly restored have more potential than either the Steinway M or Mason A. It is a mistake not to compare these two models before you choose which piano to purchase. The price of this piano is significantly lower than the Steinway M while the potential quality of the piano is the same. Properly restored the Mason A is the equal of the Steinway M. This is the second most under-appreciated piano in the high quality piano market. Properly restored this model Steinway can have a lush romantic sound that can’t be matched by other brands of good pianos such as Yamaha Kawai, Estonia, etc. This is definitely the most popular piano model amongst discriminating pianists who are limited by the space that is available for their piano. Properly prepared this piano is at least the equal of the Steinway S. Many clients are totally unaware of this gem.
A properly restored Steinway S with the proper crown and down bearing, Steinway hammers, and high quality bass strings, properly voiced can have a rich powerful bass. Many clients will not consider this piano irrespective of the evidence to the contrary. This model has a reputation for having a weak bass.
Fully restored means new sound board, new action and refinished case. I am comparing pianos with straight legs and satin finishes. In determining the price range I will concentrate on the various pianistic characteristics of the pianos without regard to the many different furniture styles and finishes. Both have distinctive characteristics, but which is a better piano? The answer is that there are advantages to both. The two best quality American piano manufacturers are Steinway and Mason and Hamlin.