Steinway Piano Comparison Shopping

The most important component of shopping for a restored Steinway grand piano is the quality of the instrument. The use of the best parts, and the best technicians is essential. There are several piano restoration shops that are capable of this in the New York area. Then you must consider the musicality of the instrument.

A piano can be perfectly put together; the action evenly regulated using Hamburg Steinway Parts, and still not be musically appealing. To allow the pianist to be creative the piano must have a range of dynamics and colors which the fine pianist can access effortlessly.  This takes time, knowledge of music, knowledge of pianistic technique, and cooperation over years with concert artists who can define what they want from a piano. This is what separates a good Steinway restoration from a concert quality restoration.  This is what we strive for at Craftsman Piano Co. There are very few other companies that have the knowledge and desire to restore pianos at this level.

For the purpose of this article I have made a chart that compares the prices of new Steinway Pianos, with the prices of the restored Steinways of our two finest competitors, with the prices of the restored pianos at Craftsman Piano Co.

I invite you to come to our new location at 453 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, NY 10709 and sample our pianos. I also invite you to our concert series.  Friday night jazz, and Saturday night classical which are produced in conjunction with Crestwood Music Education Center.

Download the chart here.

Piano Care: How to Clean Piano Keys

Soap and water on a slightly damp sponge or soft cloth works great on cleaning piano keys. You can use a mild dish-washing liquid for the soap, diluted with water.  Just don't use so much liquid that you will get moisture into the keyboard. Wipe the sponge or cloth towards you and not side to side. Clean one octave at a time and dry before moving on to the next octave.

Avoid colored cloths that may bleed and transfer color onto the white keys.

Real ivory isn't used on pianos anymore but if you are lucky enough to have a piano with ivory keys you can follow the advice above and just make sure to wipe off the excessive moisture after you clean the keys. Ivory can warp if it remains wet for too long.

How can you tell if the keys are ivory or plastic? Real ivory keytops are in two pieces. If the keytop is one piece, it is plastic.

During cold and flu season you might want to disinfect your piano keys. Don't use Lysol or similar disinfectants on your piano keys. Instead, clean them with a solution of 3 parts filtered water to 1 part white vinegar using the general cleaning tips above.

If your piano keys are severely stained or yellowed, contact a professional.

2012 YoHoExhibition and Piano Concert in Yonkers, NY

A good time was had by all when David Harewood, a soon to be famous jazz pianist performed at the YoHoArtist Exhibition at 578 Nepperhan Ave. Yonkers, NY.

He played many of his own compositions to lots of applause and appreciation. The concert was sponsored by Craftsman Piano who also provided the Steinway Vintage model B semi concert grand piano.

Piano Tips to Maintain the Life and Quality of Your Piano

Never place your piano near or against a heat source (radiator) or ceiling vent. Maintaining the humidity and keeping the temperature of the home at a constant and moderate level will help keep the piano in tune and in good overall shape. Ideally the piano should not be placed on an outside wall or near a window or door to avoid drafts. If you have no other choice than to place your piano on an outside wall, place it at least 6" away from the wall.

Selecting a Piano for Your Home

Some people purchase a piano to enhance the decor of their home much like purchasing an elegant piece of furniture. A piano can make a home come alive with it's beauty and be the true focus of the room. You may prefer a certain color such as ebony, mahogany, rosewood, teak, cherry, walnut or white. You may also like a high polish, french polish, satin or stain luster finish depending upon your taste. But the single most important factor in selecting your piano is the size of the room where the piano will be placed. The larger the piano, the better it will sound. If you have the room for a grand piano you will be very pleased with the overall sound.



Imagine if you can obtain the piano of your dreams...We can help make that dream come true. Craftsman Piano is part of a nationwide network of piano retailers and wholesalers. Whatever type or style of piano that you desire we can help you locate it.

1886 Rosewood Steinway D Concert Grand Piano in Craftsman Piano Showroom...

Prelude #2 by George Gershwin performed on a Steinway D from 1886. This Rosewood Steinway D is hands down gorgeous. It is one of the most beautiful pianos I have seen in over thirty years in the piano business featuring Victorian flower pot legs, ivory keys, and a cut out rack. It has a hand rubbed satin finish which restores the piano to it's original glory.

The piano is also a fabulous Steinway concert grand. It has been restored with a beautiful sitka spruce soundboard, Hamburg Steinway hammers and shanks, Renner wippens, Arledge Bass strings. In other words no expense has been spared in the restoration if this piano. The touch is even and fast. The tone rivals any Steinway D anywhere. At this level of piano restoration the best is a matter of opinion. That being said, this piano is up there with the best of the best.

Emmanuel Ax used this piano in a concert on Oct.15 to benefit Project Literacy US.


You can view more photos here.

Please note that when we originally shot this video the retail price of the piano was $120,000. The retail price is now $125,000 but our wholesale price is $105,000.

Joseph Hanerfeld

Craftsman Piano

Yonkers, New York

www.craftsmanpiano.net

The Value of Refurbishing A Grand Piano

We are often asked if it is wise to fix an old piano or just buy a new one. With a grand piano it is almost always wiser to restore, refinish or refurbish your existing one.

Older pianos, specifically the ones built in the late part of the 19th century are some of the highest quality pianos ever built. If you happen to have one of those beauties sitting in your living room, it would be a shame to do anything but restore it. Today you will not be able to find any piano for sale that will match the quality and design of these older pianos.

Majority of the older pianos were built from the finest woods of their time, but they were also constructed entirely by hand. These qualities allow older pianos to be superior to newer pianos in terms of how they were built and how long they will last. This should come as no surprise as things today, pianos included, are often manufactured in other countries in mass quantities in some kind of manufacturing plant, all in terms of lowering the prices. Restoring an older piano increases the lifespan; it can then be passed on for generations!

Steinway Victorian A 2 Grand Piano

This piano is a vintage Victorian A 2 with Ice Cream Cone Legs, and Banjo Lyre. It is a historical piano as well because it is one of the first A 2 pianos, and it is one of the only A 2’s with the Ice Cream Cone Legs.

This piano has been fully restored. It has a Cereza Board, a Renner action with new Steinway underlevers, and Genuine Hamburg Steinway hammers. The result is a responsive piano with a sound that can run the gamut from barely audible to thunderous.

The piano has been refinished to a high gloss mahogany finish. The pictures do not do it justice.

Action Parts: Renner / Hamburg Steinway Hammers
Sound Board: New Cereza Sound Board

Year: 1898

Size: 6' 1"

Serial #: 91939

see more photos and pricing information for this beautiful vintage Steinway piano.

Piano Plate Welding Demonstration at Craftsman Piano in Yonkers, NY

Master piano plate welder, Victor Apuango, demostrates his craft as Joe Hanerfeld, of Craftsman Piano, speaks about plate welding at his Yonkers, NY piano showroom.

We use the world's finest parts which are used in the best pianos such as the Hamburg Steinways, Bosendorfers and Mason & Hamlins, with all of our piano restorations. Our technicians take pride in paying attention to every detail and are truly dedicated to doing the job as if it were their own piano. The piano restoration process takes approximately 12-16 weeks from the time your piano is picked up, and we guarantee our grand pianos for five years on all parts and labor and three years for uprights.

PianoDisc Digital Player Piano Demonstration at Craftsman Piano

Joe Hanerfeld of Craftsman Piano speaks about the new PianoDisc digital player piano system at his Yonkers, NY piano showroom.

These pianos are often used in private homes for parties, and for people that enjoy the sound of a piano playing in their home, but don't know how to play one themselves. You can also find these pianos in hotels, restaurants, movie theaters and a host of other places bringing the joy of live music to anyone who hears them.

The catalog of music available for these pianos will please music lovers who appreciate all styles of music from classical to country, jazz, latin, sacred, ragtime, christmas, adult contemporary and more.

Vintage Grand and Upright Piano Sales – Making Sure You Get the Right One

Are you seriously considering purchasing a piano? Before you head out to the local music store for their grand piano sales, you will want to know what to look for when choosing a piano. Unfortunately buying a piano is not a simple process, you do not simply walk in and say you want a piano. Here are some things to consider in your quest for the right grand or upright piano for you.

1: What are your requirements for the piano? Are you buying the piano for your child to begin taking lessons on, or are you an accomplished pianist in need of a fine instrument? The answer to this question will determine the type of upright or grand piano you should buy.

2: What are your size requirements for the piano? Is your room big enough for a grand piano, or is an upright piano indicated?

3: What is your budget?

Here are my recommendations:

1. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished pianist it is important to get a good quality instrument. This will allow you to experience how a piano should really feel and sound. A good upright piano should be at least 42 in. high. If you are purchasing your upright piano from a piano dealer you should expect the price of an upright piano to range from $2,500.00. Examples of well respected brands of upright pianos are Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway, Steinberg, Bechstein and Bosendorfer. The Yamaha and Kawai pianos are much less expensive, and still allow the pianist to experience very fine quality. Some Korean pianos such as Young Chang and Sammick can also be acceptable. Take your piano technician with you when you purchase a piano. He or she can save you from making costly mistakes.

A good grand piano should be at least 5 ft. long. Any piano shorter than that is little better than a toy. There are many examples of fine vintage or used grand pianos. Know your budget. It is unrealistic to purchase a serviceable grand piano from a dealer for less than $7,500.00. If you are not comfortable spending that much you would be better advised to consider an upright piano. You will be much better off with a serviceable upright than a grand piano that cannot be played properly.

Examples of fine brands of vintage and used grand pianos are Steinway, Mason and Hamlin, Yamaha, Kawai, Knabe, Hardman, Chickering, etc. Any properly restored vintage grand piano should be serviceable. When you go to purchase your vintage grand piano you should take your piano technician with you. The world of vintage grand piano restorations is complex. Unless you really know what to look for your piano technician can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Last but not least. Do not fall into the trap of over analyzing your vintage piano purchase. Talk to a knowledgeable piano technician first. Let him point you to shops in which he has confidence. Get a feel for the prices and competence of piano restorers in your area. Pick a budget that you feel comfortable with. Know the amount of space you have, and have your pianist try out the piano. Then have your technician check the piano out. Once these steps have been taken, you can buy your piano with confidence.

Joe Hanerfeld

Craftsman Piano Sales and Service

Facts About Piano Restoration

Do you have an old piano sitting in your living room? Are you considering getting rid of your piano because it is an eye sore? If so, why not look into piano restoration. Piano restoration is a great way to restore the original beauty to your piano, but it also gives so much more.

One of the great things about pianos is how well they retain their value. Even better is that the older your piano is the more it is going to be worth. However, like with all other products the condition of the piano is going to affect how much value it retains. Piano restoration allows you to rebuild the piano to all its original glory, which also means an increase in the value. Once you have it restored in order to maintain its value make sure you take proper care of it!

Older pianos, specifically the ones built in the late part of the 19^th century are some of the highest quality pianos ever built. If you happen to have one of those beauties sitting in your living room, it would be a shame to do anything but restore it. Today you will not be able to find any piano for sale that will match the quality and design of these older pianos.

One thing that people often overlook when it comes to piano restoration is that it will breathe new life into an old piano. Majority of the older pianos were built from the finest woods of their time, but they were also constructed entirely by hand. These qualities allow older pianos to be superior to newer pianos in terms of how they were built and how long they will last. This should come as no surprise as things today, pianos included, are often manufactured in other countries in mass quantities in some kind of manufacturing plant, all in terms of lowering the prices. Restoring an older piano increases the lifespan; it can then be passed on for generations!

Perhaps the biggest reason that piano restoration is so popular is because the piano being restored can be passed on through generations. In many cases parents pass down pianos to their children, the better the piano is built the longer it can be passed down from generation to generation. So that old beaten up piano sitting in your front room that was given to you by your mother is probably what one would consider a family heirloom, who knows how many generations it passed through before it got to you! Not only do these older pianos have an investment value, but they also have sentimental value, imagine sitting down and playing on a piano that has been in your family for a hundred years or even playing the same piano that your great grandmother played. Piano restoration makes all that possible, it is just like gaining back a lifelong friend!

Piano Restoration Experts – Going About Finding The Perfect One

Do you have an old, dirty, broken piano sitting in your front room? Are you thinking about purchasing a used piano that needs some TLC? If so, you are soon going to be in the market for accompany specializing in piano restoration. Finding the right company for the job can be a bit intimidating. After all you want a restoration house that will do your piano justice. Here is how to go about separating the piano restoration experts men from the boys.

1. Spend the time to get a tour of the prospective restoration shop.

2. If you like what you see ask for references.

3. Compare the quality of the restorations of the various restoration shops.

4. Compare the pricelists of the various shops.

5. Visit the shop with a qualified piano technician for an expert opinion on the quality of the restorations relative to the price.

When you have completed these steps you should have necessary information to make a decision. Remember that the least expensive option is frequently not the best option. Once you have hired expert help, in the form of a piano tech, it is usually best to actually follow their advice. Best of luck to you and your piano.

Steinway C Grand Piano

Totally restored Steinway C from 1898 with all original case parts, and perfect ivory keys. Manageable power describes this piano. It is a musicians dream piano, and an interior decorator’s delight.

Renner Action Parts and Cereza Sound Board. View more photos and pricing here

Steinway O Grand Piano - Priced to Sell Quickly

This is a beautiful rebuilt Steinway O. The case has been French polished. The action has been regulated, the hammers have been voiced. The result is a piano that is responsive to play, with a big colorful sound. This piano has been priced to sell quickly. However, there is no sacrifice in quality. Original Sound Board and Steinway Action Parts.

View more photos and pricing on www.craftsmanpiano.net

Craftsman Piano: Steinway M Grand Piano

Steinway M with very refined action and voicing. Powerful for an M, but responsive.

This piano has been refinished, and rebuilt with a new action. Everything has been done to make this a fine instrument in every way.

You can see more images and get more information at our website.

Mason and Hamlin Queen Anne Baby Grand

This is a full warm sounding baby grand piano. The mahogany moldings in the Renner Purple Hammers are what makes the difference in a small piano. The action is responsive. The sound is beautiful. The Queen Anne case has been hand rubbed to a polished luster. The effect is quite pleasing.

You can see more images and get more information at our website.

New Upright Pianos and Consoles for Sale

We have just listed two new pianos for sale that might be of interetst to those in the market for an upright or console.

Steinway Ebony Upright Piano

Steinway Louis XV Console Piano

Definition of a Vintage Piano

By Joseph Hanerfeld of Craftsman Piano

A vintage piano is not simply an old piano. A vintage piano must have a real value. A Wurlitzer piano made in the early 1900’s is simply an old piano, while a Steinway piano of the same era would be considered vintage. What is the difference? The answer is simply quality and value. The vintage piano is valuable primarily because it’s potential for beautiful sound and appearance, and secondarily because of the name Steinway. The value of the vintage piano is enhanced by the retention of the original case parts and ivory keys. This is especially true if the piano has a unique case. Examples of this would be a Louis XV case, or a Centennial D with serpentine legs, original ivories, and a cut out music rack. However, a straight legged Steinway from the 1940’s would also be considered a vintage piano, albeit of lesser value, solely for the potential beauty of the sound and simple elegance of the case.

Vintage pianos: Potential value versus realization of potential.

To illustrate this topic I will use the example of a Steinway rosewood A with flower pot legs, cut out music rack, and original ivory keys. This is a vintage piano in un-playable condition.



This piano has a lot of potential value because the rosewood veneer is salvageable; the piano has all its original parts, and has potential for being a marvelous musical instrument. To fully realize this potential, the piano must be fully restored to its original condition.

In the example (below) of this Steinway A the original sound board, pin block and action are un-usable and must be replaced. If this is not done the full potential value of this vintage piano could never be realized because the piano would never play correctly. At the same time, the case of the piano would need to be restored with the original parts to realize the full potential value of the piano.




The Soul of a Vintage Piano
There is a difference between a properly restored vintage Steinway and a factory produced piano of any brand. Again I will illustrate this with an example. Picture a Yamaha C7 (7 ft. 5 in.) and a restored vintage Steinway B (6 ft. 11 in.) sitting side by side in a room with good acoustics. You sit down to play the C 7, and it is a marvelous piano. You move over to the Steinway B to compare the sound and touch. As you play you realize that there is a subtle difference in the sound. The Steinway has a warmer, more resonant and responsive sound and touch. You realize that the sound of this piano is truly unique. It cannot be duplicated exactly no matter how hard you might try. Here are the reasons. The Yamaha has been built in a factory. Each part of the assembly of the piano has been mechanized as much as possible. The screws are all tightened exactly the same. The tolerances of the bridge notches and pins are exact. The result is a wonderful mass produced piano. In comparison the restored vintage Steinway is stripped down by hand, refinished by hand, the raw finish is rubbed by hand in a process that takes weeks. The best color for the finish is chosen specifically for that piano. Next, the sound board, pin block and bridge caps are replaced. The sound board is crowned on a belly table made by the belly man. Each table has different characteristics. Each belly man works in his own way, and all of his pianos have qualities recognizable as his work. Next, the action is stripped, cleaned, re felted, reassembled, regulated, and voiced in a process that takes weeks. The best action parts are considered specifically for the character of the sound that is desired for that piano. Once the piano is strung and tuned the tone regulation begins. Again this work proceeds with the purpose of bringing out the character of that one particular piano. The result is a piano that has something more than the sum of its parts. It is unique in touch and sound. It has the individual stamp of everyone that has worked on it. It has a unique history going back though the years to the craftsman who originally created the piano sometimes more than a hundred years ago through the restoration process which is totally individual to this piano.

Vintage pianos: Real value in a practical world
It is very well to talk of the beauty of the piano and its marvelous sound, and its soul. What does this all mean in the real world?
Vintage Steinway pianos as an investment
Your primary investment in the purchase of a vintage piano is in the satisfaction that you get from playing, and looking at the piano. This is the intrinsic value of the piano and is completely subjective. The monetary value of the piano can be identified by comparison shopping. First we will consider vintage Steinways in as is condition. This means that full restoration is needed. Here are realistic wholesale prices that a dealer would typically pay for each model of piano needing full restoration.
Steinway S, 5 ft 1 in. $4,500.00
Steinway M, 5 ft. 7 in. $5,500.00
Steinway O, L, 5 ft 10 ½ in. up to $8,500.00
Steinway A1, 6 ft. 2 in. up to $9,500.00
Steinway A2, 6 ft. 1 in. up to $9,500.00
Steinway A3, 6 ft. 4 in. up to $11,000.00
Steinway B, 6 ft 11 in. up to $14,000.00
Steinway C, 7 ft. 5 in. up to$17,000.00
Steinway D 8 ft. 11 in. up to $22,000.00
These are wholesale prices for ebony pianos with straight legs. Dealers would usually pay a premium for wood tone pianos with ornate or art case styles. A premium is sometime paid for usable ivories.
Here is a spreadsheet giving the retail prices for most common models and styles of restored Steinway vintage grand pianos. This can be verified by comparison shopping.


Now that you know more than you ever wanted to about vintage Steinway pianos I will include some pictures depicting the various styles of legs ie. Flower Pot Ice Cream Cone, Tulip, Serpentine, Louis XV.


Flower pot legs on upturned Steinway D


Louis XV Mahogany A


Mahogany Steinway M with Modern Steinway Legs


Victorian Steinway B with window pane legs
Another name for the legs is tiffany


Mahogany O with window pane legs


Victorian A with Ice cream cone legs


Serpentine Legged Cut Down Centennial D


Tulip Leg Steinway Mahogany B

Other makes of valuable vintage pianos

There are several other brands of piano that have value as vintage pianos. They are Mason and Hamlin, Bechstein, Bosendorfer, Bluthner, etc. These pianos can be extremely satisfying to play, but do not have the investment value of Steinway pianos. Furthermore they are harder and more expensive to restore properly.
If you have read up to this point you will have the basic knowledge of what a vintage Steinway Piano is. You will also have a good idea of what an as is Steinway grand piano in need of restoration should cost as well as what a vintage restored Steinway piano should cost.

Remember that no search for a vintage restored piano is complete without a trip to Craftsman Piano Sales and Service.

Joe Hanerfeld
Craftsman Piano Co.
www.craftsmanpiano.net

Craftsman Piano Co. becomes distributor for Northwest Specialty Woods Sound Boards

Joe Hanerfeld, owner of Craftsman Piano, Yonkers, NY, has announced that starting immediately, his company will distribute Northwest Specialty Woods sound boards and use them in his own piano restorations as well. “Because I wanted to make the sitka boards from Northwest Specialty the primary sound board we use, I asked them if we could become a distributor. They said yes. Northwest Specialty has promised to send me at least a dozen sound boards by the end of October. I am in the process of setting up a room in which to cure these boards so they will be ready for immediate use. They will be available locally to piano restorers one at a time or in bulk,” said Hanerfeld.

"After much side by side comparison I feel that the Northwest Specialty sound boards produce the best sound of any that I have tried. Properly cured, they have proved to be durable over the years. Not even one of our boards has ever cracked .Craftsman Piano Co. is looking forward to working with the people at Northwest Specialty Woods, local piano restorers, and my own clients to produce the highest quality restored pianos possible."