STAFF PIANO PICKS: August 2021
Welcome to our August staff picks! The last month of summer is here and we’re excited to welcome back our students from vacation. Here is a list of pianos we recommend as you prepare for the upcoming academic year, a fresh start at work post-summer, or move into your new apartment in the city.
Our sales staff of pianists/piano teachers (Beethoven Pianos in Manhattan, Absolute Piano in Brooklyn) will offer monthly staff piano picks to assist you in choosing the perfect piano for your home/studio.
Please visit our website to view our full inventory:
Jo’s pick: YAMAHA Continental Console $100/month, $4,200
YAMAHA Continental Console $100/month, $4,200
Are you looking for a small upright piano but don’t want to back down on the quality of the instrument? This Yamaha Continental style console, located at Absolute Piano, stands at 45” in height and is highly recommended as a perfect addition to your home. The piano suited for pianists of all levels and ages, the deep satin walnut finish complimenting many home-interior aesthetics.
We often come across customers that live in walkup NYC apartments with narrow staircases and turns that don't allow for the delivery of a 48”+ upright or wide spinets/consoles. This piano can be easily delivered and moved to you if you are in this situation!
The Yamaha brand has been a long-time cherished and respected brand for acoustic pianos and is of great and reliable quality. As the largest piano manufacturer in the world, their pianos are purchased by some of the best classical, pop, and jazz pianists around the globe. The tone of this piano in particular is very warm in comparison to what we expect from Yamahas, a brighter and crisper tone. The medium action of the piano is great for the beginner and young pianists.
Dimensions: Bottom-top 45”; L-R 59”, Back-front 22.5”
Another Yamaha: Grand Piano, Uplight Piano
Kaoru’s Pick: Sauter Pure
This month my pick is the Sauter Pure upright.
I am a big fan of the Sauter Peter Maly series. They have an elegant appearance and great workmanship. As a musical instrument it is superb and of the highest quality. It has a beautiful European mellow sound, even action, and responsive keys. “Sauter” is the oldest piano manufacturer that is still in business in the world, founded in 1819 in southern Germany. With more than two centuries of experience cultivating a deep mastery of their craft, Sauter continues to put out some of the finest handmade instruments in the world today. For reference Steinway was established in1853.
They are still a family-owned manufacturer which is quite rare these days. This Peter Maly series was introduced in 2000, and because these pianos are hand built they can only produce limited numbers per year. Since it is a popular model the wait time for arrival after placing an order is 2-6 months. We are one of the few Sauter dealers available in the US. Visit our showroom at Beethoven Pianos where we have 5 Sauter upright and grand pianos displayed! At this moment, there are three Sauter Peter Maly series at the store.
I believe this piano will make a great centerpiece of your living room.
Joshua’s Pick: Grotrian Concertino (Polished Ebony)
Grotrian Concertino (Polished Ebony)
The Grotrian Concertino is a professional, full-sized upright, hand-made in Germany by the Grotrian piano company. Grotrian has been a renowned, well respected name in the piano industry since as early as the 1860’s. Formerly Grotrian-Steinweg, the Grotrian piano company, to this day, persists to be one of the leading manufacturers of pianos in the world. This Concertino is a unique and wondrous sounding upright piano, engineered and designed to play like a concert grand. Grotrian has garnered respect in the industry after centuries of tradition and constant refinement in the piano-making craft. The instrument has a classic, warm, rounded sound profile which, in the right hands, has the potential to excel at both the softest and most sensitive of musical passages as well as those riveting intense that require a certain extra “oomph”. At the top of their game, this Grotrian upright has magnificent acoustic properties, making it a coveted instrument by professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Tomoko’s Pick: Yamaha MC301(1985) $5,900
My pick for this month is a beautifully refurbished Yamaha MC301, made in Japan and equivalent to Yamaha’s one of the most popular professional pianos U1 (48”). If you’re looking for a professional upright piano, this is for you.
I personally LOVE Yamaha pianos. It’s because I’ve grown up with their pianos, and love their prominent bright tones with clarity and very responsive action. Their reliable quality and craftsmanship are irreplaceable.
This Yamaha MC301 has light action, and I have no doubt that you can enjoy playing for hours tirelessly. The tone is clear, bright yet warm, and everything is mixed perfectly so that you can enjoy playing a wide variety of music on this piano. The height is 48”, and it is a smaller professional upright piano; however, you can easily control your desired tones and expressions. It is a great choice for intermediate to advanced and professional musicians.