…Steinway Parts, It Isn’t A Steinway!
“Used, vintage, and restored Steinway pianos are often prized for their unique beauty and enduring value. However, for years, non- Steinway dealers and unauthorized piano rebuilders have created a great deal of confusion in the piano industry. Many piano rebuilders use inferior non- Steinway parts, seriously compromising an instrument’s performance and investment value.”- from A grand guide to buying a used Steinway piano, pamphlet.
One of the easiest analogies to compare this issue is, the auto repair industry. We often hear commercials that admonish us not to just trust any auto repair shop to do repairs if they do not use OEM parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer.) Those of us who have had any repair to our automobiles with an authorized OEM shop who truly practice this ethical business practice are completely surprised as to how much the repair is when we see the bill! The same can be said of Steinway rebuilds using genuine parts!
Built For A Steinway Piano
For more that 161 years, Steinway & Sons has been on a continued quest to improve the Steinway piano. Continuous improvement means finding the perfect balance of the many thousands of parts which make up a Steinway piano. When a Steinway piano is rebuilt it is imperative that Steinway parts be used in the process if the piano is to play and sound as a Steinway should play and sound.
A Steinway piano is designed to use genuine Steinway parts, and it performs its best when these parts are used . If the parts are not 100% Steinway, then the piano is not 100% Steinway and its performance and investment value will be compromised.
Why Do Some Rebuilders Use Non-Steinway Parts?
Non- Steinway replacement parts used in the rebuilding of a Steinway piano are purchased for one reason only: They are cheaper , both in price and in quality. There is no other reason. Below is a comparison of genuine Steinway parts vs. non- Steinway parts for a Steinway Model O (5’10”) grand piano.
Price Comparison
Steinway vs Non- Steinway Parts
Hammers
Steinway & Sons $540
Abel “Lite” $275
Abel “Standard” $310
Abel “Select” $ 425
Imadegawa $225
Repetitions (Whippens)
Steinway & Sons $1,250
Tokiwa “Steinway Style” $875
Wrestplank (Pinblock)
Steinway & Sons $819
Generic “Single” $445
Hammershanks with Flanges
Steinway & Sons $650
Abel “Steinway Style” $419
Tokiwa “Standard” $425
Backchecks with Wires
Steinway & Sons $255
Tokiwa “Steinway Style” $195
Soundboard
Steinway & Sons Not for Sale
Generic Soundboard $695
Generic Pre-Crowned Ribbed Soundboard $2,170
As you can see, there is a significant cost difference between genuine Steinway parts and non- Steinway or “Steinway style” parts and this is the reason why there is such a great deal of confusion when shopping for a used Steinway piano.
The pre-owned or used Steinways for purchase at Michelle’s Pianos are either in original shape or have a verifiable “Steinway & Sons Parts Carton” Our pre-owned Steinways will have received meticulous inspections of parts-they are cleaned, lubed and regulated. Some voicing, needling the hammer heads, may be done. Further voicing might be done at the request of the future customer. Case work and cleaning is essential in making the piano “showroom ready. When purchasing a used or pre-owned Steinway your safest, most confident and most satisfied peace of mind is with your local authorized Steinway representative.