Steinway Pianos?

Question

What is the difference between a Hamburg Steinway piano and an American Steinway Piano?

And, which of these is this Steinway piano?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eQpsL_kh6pE

Answer 1

There is only one difference (aside form where they are built).

New York Steinway factory has its own action plant. The Hamburg action plant was destroyed during WWII and never rebuilt, so they contract out to Renner for the action parts. There are folks out there who swear that the Renner hammers have a better sound quality, and the overall action is sweeter.

As far as soundboards, they both use Sitka Spruce grade AAA (no fewer than 11 rings per inch) with the same "diaphragmatic" design , the same maple rims built on identical presses, Roslau strings, Kluge keys etc.

Also, Hamburg Steinway cabinets are finished with polyester rather than the New York's hand rubbed, oil-based lacquer, but of course that is cosmetic and has nothing to do with the sound and operation of the piano. I'm not going to get into an argument over which is better -- my experience is that when you go into a room with 10 New Yorks and 10 Hamburgs, you will have a hard time telling the difference. I have noticed that the Hamburgs are generally brighter fresh out ot the box, but that, of course, can be adjusted with judicious voicing.

Answer 2

Theoretically, the two factories work to identical standards. However, in point of fact, the difference is real. I've played Hamburg Steinways, and there IS a difference. I can't quantify it, really, other than to say the Hamburg Steinway has (to me) a rounder tone, and a better touch.

I'd say that the one in the video is a New York Steinway from the sound of it, but the sound quality of the video itself isn't the greatest, so it's hard to be sure. One thing is certain, though; if I had the money to afford a Hamburg-built grand, I'd go for it!

Answer 3

It's what it says on the box: built in 'Hamburg' or 'New York'. There are two distinct build cultures and some of us prefer one, and some the other. For my purposes, 'Hamburg' suits better than any. As regards your secondary question, I'll tell you when I can clap *hands* on it... :-)