Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Who prefers the Steingreaber 205 over the 212?

I'm trying to decide between purchasing a used 205 now or waiting until I can find a used 212. The 205 sounds amazing but haven't played a 212. Thanks in advance.

Finding a used Steingraeber is kind of like winning the lottery in that you could be waiting a long time. If you're serious, I'd get the 205 and call it a day.

Depends on a lot of factors, including the differences in the instrument designs, space it's in, maintenance and prep work. If the 205 sounds amazing, there would be very little reason to pass it unless there is a serious flaw, but it is only ten years old, quite very young really. I have't played any Steingraeber, to be honest. You may be waiting for a substantial amount of time before finding any other used Steingraeber. Satisfy yourself.

Finding a used Steingraeber 212 that is in the same price range as the 10 yrs old 205 that was mentioned is vitually impossible as the model 212 was merly introduced in 2009.

Finding a used Steingreaber 212 alltogether is as beethoven986 says 'like winning the lottery' view it was only intorduced in 2009 and view the fact Steingraeber's output is less tha 100 grands (for all 5 models together) annually worldwide.

schwammerl.

So in other words, buy it? Yes indeed, it seems.

The 205 was considered a fantastic instrument while it was being made. It is the foundation for the design of the 212.

To me, the issue would be less one of 205 vs 212 than whether the 205 you've found checks out well under the examination of a very good piano technician. If it does and the price seems fair, I don't see the case for waiting around for a used 212.

All things being equal, a 212 is better than a 205. However, a seasoned and well prepped 205 will sound better than a less well prepped 212. The 212 has superior bass potential.
We have many clients with Steingraeber 205s and they are generally delighted with the piano as are our 212 clients. We have not had a 205 client express any interest in trading up to a 212, or express any regret that they don't have a 212.
We have had 205 clients trade up to concert grands. We have also had clients who traded in their concert grands on 205s and 212s!
We have a 2005 mdl 205 Steingraeber that just came in from a client who is moving out of the country and it is an absolutely delightful piano. It had been thoroughly prepped by PianoCraft and the client also has had us keep it in great shape with regular maintenance since they bought it. After receiving it again and tweaking it out again, well, I love this particular piano.

Steingraebers do have a unique voice, and it is not to everyone's taste although I think it is less exotic and strange sounding to American ears than some of the other European pianos.

You should go spend a few hours playing the Steingraeber you are considering. If you love it after that, and a qualified tech signs off on it, buy it.

If it's not being too nosy, how much are they asking?

In addition to the voice, Steingraebers also have -- at least to me -- a very distinctive action and touch. That's part of what I love about them. My guess is that, with similar prep work, the action and touch on a 205 should be nearly indistinguishable from the 212.

I decided to purchase the 205. It sounds amazing and is in excellent condition (2007 model). I want to thank Brian at Atlantic Music Center for making the purchase a smooth and easy transaction. He is a pro. Thanks for everyone's input. I'll post pics as soon as it is delivered on Tuesday.

Congratulations! I'm betting you'll look back on this years from now as the smartest purchase you ever made.

Just wondering....where will you be buying the pianos from? Is there a particular store that carries both used? Thanks

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That is a nice looking piano. Why for sale.

Acerostone,

Congrats on your 205. I purchased a new 205 from Hurstwood Farm Pianos last August. It was the last one they had. Of course since the 212 replaced it they don't anticipate having any more.

I have a 5-part series on my blog about the process of picking it. And why I chose the 205 over a great many other pianos.

http://www.polishookstudio.com/2013/12/on-picking-piano-part-5.html

It'd so easy to find wonderful qualities in the instrument. After having it for four months, I haven't thought once about any of the other pianos I looked at during my piano search. And I looked at A LOT of pianos! In the US and in the UK!

Here are a bunch of videos of my playing the 205.

http://www.youtube.com/user/MarkPolishookStudio

Actually, it's a 205 Phoenix with a spruce (rather than carbon fibre) soundboard.

Anyway, would love to hear more about your experience with your 205. When it's due for delivery?

Does anyone realize that this thread is almost two years old?

Marty, thanks for pointing that out. I can see now that some stuff got posted that was removed and, well, that re-activated the thread to some extent and that was that.

Good call

Just purchased a 15 year old 205 and love it. (Only delivered 6 days ago). Hope you are enjoying yours.