We recently bought a new Grotrian piano. The piano is European and thus has a different feel than a Steinway (previous piano). My wife is complaining that our son will not develop well as he now has it "too easy". That he doesn't have to work to get the sound he seeks. This argument is a little strange to me, but I can see that if I only play my own piano it wouldn't be an issue for me.

I haven't had difficulties playing other pianos yet. But I am old and crusty. Would teachers be concerned about this?

Thanks.

I am not a teacher so forgive me, but I have had lessons for 24 years and played for more.

Because all pianos are different and have different actions (weight-friction) you cannot hope to have one you practice upon, that will positively set you up to easily play all others.
Some may in fact be on the heavy side (Steinway) while others the light (Yamaha - Kawai). Music can be made on each of those though.

I do not consider the Grotrian action to be in any way "light" and cannot think that it would produce a pianist with weak technique or touch. If anything, I find the Grotrian action to feel heavier than most other German actions, and rather closer to the standard Steinway. One must also consider that all Steinway actions do not feel alike, and there is nothing that tell us that that feel and weight are to be the mark acheived.

No worries, your child is in Grotrian's safe hands.

I would be thrilled if a student bought a Grotrian. I used to have a little grand of theirs, but its soundboard collapsed when it was only 5 years old. I still think I benefitted from playing it, as it was a really stimulating instrument. My German Steinway is nice, but does not have nearly as much character.

Just get it really thoroughly checked out before the guarantee runs out.

I want students to have pianos that work properly, and to have even touch, a reliable pedal, and tone colour that responds to pianistic experiment. Good choice!