Or(although I won't go there), which have websites that "need improvement"? Whatever definition of "best" you want, but explaining why you like or dislike a site is more interesting, I think.

One of my favorites is Fazioli. Two things I like are the carefully chosen sound samples in the section where they explain the goals of the Fazioli tone and the part where one can rotate 360 degrees around the piano to see it from all angles. The only thing missing on the site is a contest to win a free piano.

I think that the Kawai Blak site has gorgeous photogrpahy. I think their video about tone is fascinating although not what most would expect. Even though their names are perhpas a litle corny(blak, ninja action, mirror of matoa rims, sen yo hammers), I also find them very intrigueing.

well, it's sure not Gibson/Baldwin. Yamaha's is not the best, Kawai much better. Haven't looked at any other MFG's yet.

pianoloverus,

I agree with you that from a 'design' point of view Fazioli would probably also be my first pick but Italians are good in design anyhow and it is always easier for a nich player to make a fancy website; therefor let me choose something more of 'this world'.

I always liked Petrof's website:
Petrof
It comes in 7 different languages;
Is regularly updated, e.g. in the news section and has a news archive section;
It has a search function;
Shows video samples;
For every model technical details and recommended retail prices are given;
It has a dealer location function;
You can easily download e.g. catalogues;
Has a font size function;
Contains many cross references one can click;
And above all it also is quick to open pages


schwammerl.

Check out the Mason& Hamlin website...very nice...includes news updates etc.

It does appear to be more of a 'living' website than some others. But the scrolling news is weird. There's no way to control it and it scrolls on its own back and forth. Also a bit too busy for me with all the flashing pictures on the right.

Fazioli is a bit pretentious with the splash page etc., but the features are great.

From a pure design perspective, I just love Bechstein's site. The colors, the lines. Also Hamburg Steinway.

Well, this isn't related to websites per se, but I had to take a look at the Fazioli -- The M. Liminal reminds of something that should be in an ultra mod home or maybe in some Sci fi flick. I'm guessing if one has to ask the price, one can't afford it. I do like adding the sound to the website.

Sheepdog (who seems to be addicted to this website)

In terms of just visuals and design, I think the Australian Shigeru Kawai website is gorgeous: http://www.shigerukawai.com.au/ Haven't looked too closely at the information, but there seems to be plenty as well. Also appreciate the background music which I'm assuming was recorded on Shigeru Kawais.

Wow! I think that's my new favorite.

I think that Stuart & Sons, Fazioli, Boesendorfer, Steinway have good websites.

Baldwin's website is not that great...

+1

I love the Australian Shigeru site. The North American one leaves a bit to be desired. I was really excited when I found out that I would get an endorsement as a North American Shigeru artist. One problem is my name is spelled wrong on the site (even after 4 emails to the webmaster)
But I still love their pianos to no end...

I really love THIS on the Grotrian website
http://www.grotrian.de/spiel/e/info.html

If you click on any of the scrolling news items you get a page opening on that specific news item and in the right panel you can then selct 'more news'.
Also if you select 'About us/News' in the top menue you will get all the news pages, including the archived news.

schwammerl.

Yes looks good. Nice background tune. If I click on "watch video" and play the video two tunes play together... And that Shigeru Kawai played by Michael Kieran Harvey sounds terrible.. was their microphone broken ?




That has always puzzled me. Now I love grotrians but what's up with that site?? Why don't they place some good music samples?


Yes they have a lot of good content. Spare parts. Catalogs. Videos, and good sounding videos too. My favourite. Little bit messy though with all the buttons and fields.


Very nice explanation of various sound aspects. Slick webpage fitting their imago. Well done.


Not too impressed.. you can click on an instrument but the image stays small even when you enlargen the window. You can rotate the image.... upside down ??? Who cares about an upside down piano? I want to see the front and the rear! And where can I LISTEN to them?

But the scrolling news is weird. There's no way to control it and it scrolls on its own back and forth.

You're definitely right about the upside down piano. I had to laugh at that when I tried it. But there are nice front, side and rear images of the C. Bechsteins (not of the Academy series, though).

Fazioli seems to have just one picture of each of their pianos, even though the link is to a 'gallery' on each piano. (With the exception of the concert grand.)