101 Piano and Strings

The Steingraeber E-272 Concert Grand Piano was newly constructed between 1997-2002.  Since then, many pianists rate it as one of the most outstanding, distinctive instruments available.

Unique features include:  the unusual shape of the sound-reflecting rims, the combined star-shaped and half-timbered braces, and the “incredibly agreeable”(Cyprien Katsaris) touch.  The most uncommon feature, however, is the shape of the soundboard in the treble.  The resonating space was newly reconstructed, based on the classical relationship between [short] string length and resonating space.  Steingraeber strings have 27% less wood mass to penetrate than comparable instruments by other piano builders!  The result is a tone that is present and singing, even in softer passages.

Thus, Steingraeber piano builders have succeeded in producing a new sound quality that is perfect for the performance of 18th and early 19th-century music, while also being suited to the percussive requirements of the 20th and 21st centuries.  This distinguishes the E-272 from outstanding concert grands by other manufacturers.

The new Steingraeber & Sons D-232, the “little brother” of the E-272 concert grand, was introduced at the 2008 Music Exhibitions in California, Frankfurt and Paris. The family resemblance is immediately apparent in the shape of the outer rim. Both the D and E models include the same excellent acoustic features, such as the symmetrically shaped rim with a sound reflection zone at the rear, unique plate design which eliminates forward cross-braces and precisely limited sounding board area – the result is a tone that is present and singing.

Upon second glance, extraordinary features become apparent:

– the D-232 has the lightest top lid of any grand piano, up to 33% lighter than industrially manufactured lids, which contributes extra overtones to the core sound.

– the capo d’astro bar extends across forty-six unisons to just above the middle of the keyboard, thereby encompassing the largest pitch range of any piano. This concept is unique to Steingraeber and is offered nowhere else in the world. Only forty-two unisons pass through agraffes!

Clearly, the goal of Steingraeber’s piano builders is to give even greater brilliance and reverberation to the wonderfully singing tone for which Steingraeber pianos are already famous! It goes without saying that the “7-foot-7” (as the D-232 is called in America) also comes with a well-known Steingraeber specialty, the drilled capo d’astro bar. This creates little bridges between every tone from the bar to the plate, adding structural stability and contribute to the exceptionally long sustain.

Thanks to twenty to twenty-five grams of upweight with a downweight of 48g in the treble and 52g in the bass, playing has never been more enjoyable, lightning fast, or controllable down to the softest pianissimo.

Synthetic ivory key tops, based on slightly hygroscopic mineral material, and solid ebony keys complete the great feel of this piano. Mammoth ivory is also available as an option on Steingraeber pianos.

The D-232 is a classic, professional concert grand piano through and through. Special features, including rolling knuckles and the innovative Phoenix system of patented bridge agraffes for efficient energy transmission, will soon be available for this new model, just as they are for other Steingraeber grand pianos.

We don’t consider our Salon Grand Piano A-170 to be a “baby grand,” because it impresses one as much larger than its 170 cm (5’7”) would suggest.  Its projection and volume are truly surprising for an instrument of its size.  In physical terms, this phenomenon is based upon its unusually wide tail, which results in very long bass strings.  The bass bridge also manages to do without bridgework, just like large grand pianos!  The sophisticated, action mechanism, built to the highest specifications, makes it a truly professional instrument.