When faced with the decision to restore an old Steinway piano or purchase a new one, many factors come into play. Both options have their merits, and understanding the differences between vintage Steinways and those manufactured today can help you make a more informed decision.


Buying a New Steinway


Pros:

  • Reliability and Quality: New Steinways are praised for their reliability and the guarantee of quality that comes with purchasing a new instrument. There's little guesswork involved in what you're getting—the latest manufacturing techniques and materials are at work, ensuring you receive a product built to last.
  • Less Upfront Research: Buying new means less homework in terms of assessing the piano's history or condition. You’re starting with a clean slate.

Cons:

  • Price: The main drawback of buying new is the cost. New Steinway grand pianos range from $91,900 on the lower end to $489,000 for top-tier concert grands, which might be prohibitive for many buyers.


Restoring a Steinway


Pros:

  • Cost vs. Value: A properly restored Steinway using genuine parts and expert craftsmanship can offer you a piano that rivals new Steinways at a fraction of the cost.
  • Preservation of Character: Restoring a Steinway allows you to preserve or even enhance the unique character and sound that vintage Steinways are known for.

Cons:

  • Quality Variance: Restoration quality can vary significantly, especially since the piano restoration industry is largely unregulated. It's crucial to choose a reputable restorer like Lindeblad Piano. 


Comparing Craftsmanship


When debating between a Steinway rebuild vs a brand new original, understanding the differences in their manufacture over the years is essential. 


Vintage Steinways, particularly those from the early 20th century, are often revered for their craftsmanship and the quality of materials used. Many aficionados believe that the woods aged for longer periods before use, allowing for a richer sound as the piano aged. Steinway’s "golden age" typically refers to a period from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, a time when many argue that the craftsmanship in general, was at its peak. Steinway was crafting their plates and harps in-house, ensuring unmatched quality and artistry. Some pianists and technicians believe that the harps made during the golden age produce a warmer, more resonant sound. 


However, modern Steinways benefit from advancements in precision engineering and materials science, resulting in more consistent and reliable instruments. The choice often boils down to personal preference for the sound and feel of older versus newer instruments and whether the buyer values the history and character of a vintage piano over the perfection and reliability of a new one.




Art Case Designs VS Traditional Styles


The cabinets of vintage Steinway pianos, especially those with art case designs, indeed offer a unique allure that modern Steinways often do not match. This appeal stems from both the craftsmanship and the historical significance of these decorative pianos.

During Steinway’s “golden age” and continuing into the early 20th century, Steinway produced a variety of art case pianos adorned with elaborate decorative features inspired by various artistic styles, including Louis XV, Victorian, Queen Anne, and others. These pianos were often crafted with intricate wood carvings, inlaid marquetry, and ornate paint finishes, making each piano not just a musical instrument but also a significant piece of decorative art.

Steinway has largely moved away from regularly producing such elaborately designed pianos in contemporary production lines, and therefore, the older art case models have become rarer and more sought after. This scarcity adds to their allure, making them highly collectible and often quite valuable. From an interior design perspective, these pianos can serve as the centerpiece of a room, providing not just musical enjoyment but also a strong visual statement. They blend the worlds of music and visual art in ways that modern pianos, which are typically more traditional in design, often do not.




Myths and Misconceptions About Restoring a Steinway Piano

When considering the purchase of a Steinway or deciding to restore one, several myths may influence your decision. Addressing these can clarify the benefits of restoration, particularly by a specialized company like Lindeblad Piano, which prides itself on quality and authenticity.

Myth 1: "If It Doesn't Have 12,116 Genuine Steinway Parts, It Isn't a Steinway"

Reality: While Steinway’s claim emphasizes the uniqueness of their parts, it's important to note that not all parts need to be brand-new from Steinway to maintain the piano's authenticity. Lindeblad Piano uses parts that meet or exceed Steinway's own standards, ensuring the restored piano retains its value and genuine Steinway character. The true essence of a Steinway comes not just from the parts but from the craftsmanship, the precise dimensions of the parts, and their quality. View our Piano Restoration 101 page to learn more about the parts we use when restoring your piano.

Myth 2: "The Steinway Soundboard Is Impossible to Replicate"

Reality: Lindeblad has mastered the art of soundboard restoration. Their craftsman, a former Steinway specialist with 30 years of experience, uses the same high-quality Alaskan Sitka Spruce and adheres to Steinway's traditional hand-crafted methods. This ensures that the soundboards are not just replicated but restored to their original glory, sometimes using the very same wood sourced for Steinway's own pianos. View our Custom Soundboard page to learn more about our soundboard process, Galo Torres (our Senior Soundboard Craftsman), and our soundboard warranty.

Myth 3: "Steinway's Pinblock Performs the Best"

Reality: The pinblock, essential for maintaining the piano's tuning stability, does not need to be a brand-new Steinway part to be effective. Lindeblad uses historically accurate, high-quality pinblocks that match or exceed the performance of original Steinway parts. This attention to detail ensures that the restoration maintains the piano's original integrity and performance.

Myth 4: "Steinway's 'Accelerated Action' is Faster Than Their Original Action Design"

Reality: This term is more of a marketing strategy than a technological advancement. Lindeblad restores Steinway actions to their original specifications, using either New York Steinway or Renner parts (the latter is used in Hamburg Steinways), ensuring optimal performance without unnecessary modifications.


Deciding whether to restore a vintage Steinway or invest in a new one involves weighing the emotional and historical value of a vintage instrument against the reliability and advanced technology of a new one. Consider your budget, the importance of the piano's history to you, and the practical aspects such as the intended use of the piano and long-term maintenance costs. 


Whether you choose to restore a beloved family heirloom or invest in a brand-new Steinway, both paths offer a route to owning one of the finest musical instruments made today.


Contact Us


If your piano requires restoration or looking for a used Steinway grand piano for sale, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. We're eager to explore your options and help determine the best course of action for your cherished instrument. With over 180+ pianos in our inventory, Lindeblad Piano is one of the best places to buy a used Steinway or to restore your cherished heirloom.


Phone: 888-896-1582 // Email: info@lindebladpiano.com
Website: www.lindebladpiano.com