Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Tuner-Technicians Forum Differences between NY and Hamburg Steinways

I recently played a rebuilt Hamburg Steinway O. I was surprised that the piano seemed very bright or even strident (at least to my ears). The rebuilder said that Hamburg Steinways tend to be brighter but they also tend to be much clearer with less overtones (more like other famous German makes than NY Steinways are). He also said that the Hamburg Steinways still use the same design as in the 1880's whereas NY Steinways have added many small changes over the years. Do the rebuilder's comments agree with your experience and knowledge? Why are Hamburg Steinways often considered superior to NY Steinways?

Overseas as in Sidney opera House they only consider using Hamburg Steinways for concert instruments. But i have a feeling that is changing.. However i have some experience with both types ans the Hamburg Modlels do not include the inovations that NY Steinway is supposed to be famous for. But if the dound of the instrument you heard was too (Strident) for you, consider reading the article named (Piano too big?) on the other forum.... A lot can be done .

Thomas: What improvements do the New York
models have over the Hamburg ones?