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BÖSENDORFER 214
Bösendorfer pianos deservedly enjoy a reputation for being special. They are hand-built by master craftsmen in the old tradition, using the finest materials available. The company produces remarkably few instruments each year – somewhere around 300.
Please note that this Bösendorfer was built prior to the company's takeover by the Yamaha Corporation.
Unlike most of the established names in piano manufacture, the all-important timbers are seasoned naturally. Every aspect of a Bösendofer piano exudes quality and tells a story of unhurried care. From start to finish a Bösendorfer piano takes up to 7 years to build.
Prior to the selection of model 45430, a 7 foot grand, considerable research was undertaken, and many instruments were tried. None really got close to the Bösendorfer. This is not to say other makes were bad – some were excellent – but none had the element of “magic”.
Model 45430 was selected as joint favourite from six model 214 pianos. At low volume it shared the subtlety and colour of the others, but quite simply this piano had more “guts” when pushed, making it more versatile.
The bass on this piano sustains for over a minute, and has the “stillness” and depth usually associated with larger concert instruments. As such it is a joy, and is very well matched to the other registers. The tenor and middle registers have a fine singing quality, whilst the upper registers are powerful, resonant and pure.
The action is by Renner, and is a modern and improved version of older actions. It is very low-friction, and comes somewhere between the Yamaha and Steinway actions I have encountered in terms of weight. Many pianists report a feeling of comfort with the action from the outset, finding it predictable and controllable right down to the subtlest nuance.
The piano is tuned prior to each recording session and is regularly voiced for evenness across the registers. Tuning is carried out by expert piano technician Peter Millgate.
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