While the new Steinways can be gorgeous pianos, their price makes them unaffordable for most people. Of course there is the second hand Steinway market, but in all second hand purchases the buyer must be wary.
As an alternative to Steinway and the other expensive European pianos, there is Shigeru Kawai which are making glorious pianos. The Shigeru 3 would be an equivalent sized piano to the Steinway B and at under half the new cost of the Steinway B it is a most competitive alternative.

Robert.

Robert,

The SK3 is 6'1" so just a tad shorter than a Steinway A, whereas the SK6 at 7' (212cm) would be the equivalent (in size terms) of a Steinway B. (211cm). Shigeru Kawais are indeed very fine pianos; I've played quite a few of different sizes, mostly SK5 and SK6.

-Michael B.

Michael,
Thank you for that correction.
I have played the full size concert grand Shigeru Kawai, but not the other models.

Thank you for your supportive comments.

Robert.