First of all, I want to thank the members of this forum for being so helpful and nice with begginers like myself.

What piano is a better instrument?

a 21 years old small Bechstein upright (114cm/45") or

a 6 years old Zimmermann Z1 (125/49") It is made in the same Bechstein factory, since it is a post-acquisition model.

I'm being offered both of them at around the same price, 6000EUR

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

Which one do you like better? Obviously Bechstein would Stereo-typically be the better choice but, bring a tech and inspect.

45" pianos are often "consoles", with action parts smaller than normal (check the l-shaped "jack" specifically if you can). Ask if that's the case. If so, that might tip the scales towards the newer, larger piano. An extra 4" is a big percentage of the string length, and if you get full-sized action parts as well...

I've never seen a Zimmermann.

--Cy--

The Zimmerman upright is very similar to a Bechstein Academy upright ... I think they have the same plate... the case of the Zimmerman Z1 looks similar (maybe identical) to the US Bechstein Academy A1. There are some subtle differences such as the material of the hammerheads. The sound and the touch of the Zimmerman and the Bechstein Academy are similar - however every piano is different so choose with care...

Regarding the original question ... In general, I would prefer the larger Zimmerman over the smaller C. Bechstein - but it really depends .... play them both and choose the one you like and get an independent tech to check them out....

they are the same piano