We have been extremely fortunate to receive some excellent pianos here at The Piano Shop Bath, giving customers the full range of pianos to base their decision on. At the top of our range we have the Steinway Model B, and now we are very excited to be adding a Bösendorfer 170 to our range. Bösendorfer have a very limited manufacturing output, making any model a particular luxury to play on. They have been feted by some of the top pianists of times past and present, from Franz Lizst to Oscar Peterson, to Valentina Lisitsa.
Bösendorfer are unusual in that they also produce pianos with 97 and 92 keys, as opposed to the standard 88 keys. These are bass extensions and on the flagship Bösendorfer 290 ‘Imperial’ model, the lowest note of C below the standard A gives the pianist a full 8 octaves to play with! Bösendorfer’s pianos have been described as being darker and richer in tone than other similar level pianos, with a more full bodied sound.
The Bösendorfer 170 at the Piano Shop Bath definitely has this quality. In particular, the bass area of the piano is harmonically rich; forte sections of music seem to have a deeper quality, something which on other pianos is usually just made up of increased volume. The action is very responsive and can handle the finest of playing, as well as the fastest! Repeated notes come out very easily and go some way to demonstrate Bösendorfer’s years of expertise being channelled through this piano. Interestingly, this Bösendorfer holds up quite well to our other great piano, the Steinway Model B. Although the Steinway is a larger piano that would easily perform well in a recital hall, the Bösendorfer offers just as much in terms of overall tone and playing response. Different tones, but equally good in their own ways.
The Bösendorfer 170 at the Piano Shop Bath has the standard 88 keys and measures up as a small boudoir room grand, approximately 5′ 8″. This is ideal for anyone wanting a professional level piano but with limited room space. It was manufactured in 1924 and underwent a complete restoration by Bösendorfer technicians. This is an absolute bonus and over the many years this instrument has hardly been played. Pictures to come, stay tuned!
Price on asking, please call us for a quote.
Bosendorfer 170