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This is my very first post at piano world, the best place to help me solve my dilemma.Here goes:

With Christmas drawing near, we have finally made the decision (and saved up the funds) to buy a grand piano.

We have pretty much narrowed our choices down to Mason Hamlin AA (6'4") ebony Satin Vs. Schimmel Classic C189 (6'3") ebony polished

They virtually cost the same from the dealers we have here.

There are no accomplished piano players (yet, hopefully) in our household. So we are making our decisions mostly basing on the legacy and value of each piano.

Which one would be a better choice? We don't foresee upgrading the piano any time soon if ever.

Thanks everyone

If you have friends that play reasonably well or know a piano teacher you could ask them to play each piano for you. Or you could hire a tech to help you evaluate the pluses and minuses/tonal characteristics of each instrument. If the piano dealers are knowledgeable you could ask them to help you compare the tone and touch.

I don't think the legacy of each piano is the best way to make a decision. Mason Hamlin has certainly changed a lot of the years and my guess it's the same for Schimmel.

The one you like better is the one you should buy. It is as simple as that.

Quality wise they're both top notch. The idea that Schimmel and Mason and Hamlin have of sound is very very different though. I won't try to describe them because
1. My experience with M&H is very limited and
2. I could influence your decision with very subjective terms. One might prefer the idea of a term such as Dark or Warm or whatever whilst what YOU hear could be totally different..

As pianoloverus and BDB say, go for the sound and touch you love!

These are both potentially VERY nice pianos and are considered fairly closely matched in performance potential. They will sound and feel different - even if you don't play, you can ask for someone to demonstrate the piano for you.

I find I like the tone of one more than the other, but I find the finish quality of the other from the factory to be better. Some of this is personal preference, and other issues could be alleviated with thorough dealer prep, so I won't say which is which... Both brands have undergone recent price increases.

With a particularly well-sorted example and good maintenance, a high-level professional pianist would probably be proud to own either one of these pianos.

Great posts so far and everything stated is "spot on".

This does not take away from Mason & Hamlin pianos, but I recently had an issue with a Schimmel concert grand piano that had been out on a concert rental. When it returned one of the lid hinges had cracked! This is a very strange thing to happen and an unusual part to need. I was prepared to wait several weeks for the new hinge.

I got it the next day overnighted from Braunscheig, Germany. I was impressed.

Good luck in your decision. You could be very happy with either piano.

I recently shopped and compared the two brands, including the sizes you are considering and larger. Quite different sound and feel. I had a clear preference, but it's individual I'm sure. I think only you can decide. Both should be great. Good luck and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy the sweetness of this holiday shopping dilemma and treasure the outcome for many musical years!

Back for the update:

We took another month shopping around and finally made the decision to bring home a lovely Schimmel Konzert. The piano sounds absolutely amazing. As far as looks go, at 6'5", it didn't look too big for the living room at all, turned out to be a great decision going for the slightly bigger piano.

So much thanks to everyone for these great advice.

Congratulations!! Enjoy!

Glad you went for something with a bit of length.

Pictures?

Excellent choice. Enjoy!!


P.S. Start preparing now for all the piano salons you will be hosting. Comfortable seats, buffet tables, etc.

Wonderful choice.

Congrats!