Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Tuner-Technicians Forum steinway A construction (old vs new)

Hi everyone,
Just wondering if there is a significant difference between a new steinway A (6'2)
And a "golden age" A2 (6'2) complete rebuild. I've read that the long A (6'4.5) was the best design of the A's. Yet when steinway brought the model back it's the 6'2 size.

Thanks

The "big" A is another level better than the older designs. Many pianists find them nearly as satisfying as a model B. All model A's can benefit from a set of wound strings designed with a more even elongation than the factory specs. The result is clear tone to the bottom note and less hoots when you play loudly.

Steinway didn't so much "bring back" the Model A as bring it over. It has been produced in Hamburg right along

The long A is a much better piano but it is too close to the B to be comfortable.

ddf

Del,

What do you mean by to close to the B to make it comfortable?

Jonathan

It was a shorter piano therefore it had to be priced lower than a B. But its performance was very close to that of the B.

ddf

That makes sense but just recently I visited the steinway dealer here in Canada (toronto) and the list price for a new A and B were the same. The salesman said that there was very little diference between the two in terms of the soundboard. The shape of the A being wide at the back. He didn't say anything about the string length though

I've never seen a new A priced higher than a new B. What prices were you quoted and what is the name of this dealer? OR was the A case a fancy wood one?

Hi Ed, this store is called steinway gallery, it'S THE AUTHORIZED DEALER here. Both pianos were standard black 90,000 for A or B

There are similarities between the old, longer Model A (out of production for years) and the Model B. The differences between the current Model A and the Model B are substantial. I would suggest the salesman was not being entirely forthright.

ddf

Either this was simply a mistake on the part of the representative, or there is an issue related to the finish. It is true that our published New York retail price on the model "A" in certain natural wood finishes is higher than that of a model "B" in the standard satin ebony finish.

But if both were in the same finish, then this was a mistake.

I would not infer improper intent. I think it is safe to assume that this salesperson - like so many - simply does not know of what he speaks.
"Our" price? Are you a Steinway dealer? If so, please abide by the recognized rules here and identify your self as an industry professional in your signature line. Thanks.

Sorry about that, everyone - the "anonymous" nature of my earlier post was not intentional. I thought I was posting as "Bob S" - which is the only way I have posted now for several years. Clearly the logon and password info is too similar!

When I first joined pianoworld quite a few years ago, I did so as simply a person who loves pianos because I felt (correctly) that my identity would do nothing but make it impossible for many people to interact with me objectively. But - after a brief amount of time, I made the easy decision to join as myself - which is the only way I've posted now for the past several years (feel free to do a search if you are skeptical).

I have always tried to be reasoned and objective in my posts, and will generally stay out of the fray when things get intense. Frankly, it is difficult at times because the other forum in particular has such a profoundly institutionalized anti-Steinway bias. But - I choose to not enter the arena when the mud starts flying around. I do not spend much time at all in this forum, because I am not a technician; the reason I came today is that it showed up on my alerts... so I thought it would be a very easy item for which I could provide objective, verifiable information.

So - no, I am not a dealer. I am a Steinway & Sons employee, beginning my 32nd year of association with the company. That's the reason I used the word "our" in reference to the published New York Retail price list.

There are several folks here who know me personally - and who, I believe, will confirm that I am someone who does not play games.

so there you have it!

In the meantime, I did contact the manager of the Toronto store; he is puzzled by what was said as to the B vs. A pricing as well, as this does not reflect the store's pricing on the two instruments.

Bottom line, in equal finishes, the A has a retail price that is less than the B !

Fully confident that this is much more of an answer than just about any of you wanted, I wish you all my best!

Thanks for the excellent clarification of the various questions!

I do not know where you are on Vancouver Island - but one of my happiest summers ever was on a little island across from Campbell River - - Quadra Island - 45 years ago. This is, without any doubt, one of the most beautiful spots on this planet.

Yes, we like to think we are living very close to God's country here. Thanks.
To see my story about tuning a piano on a remote island on the west coast check out my tuning website under stories.
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