BECHSTEIN PIANOS
Merriam Pianos is extremely proud to present Bechstein as our premium piano supplier. Bechstein brings to our customers a combination of qualities that, to us, made it the singular choice.
They offer a wide range of price points and qualities that offer the very best selection to the mid and high-end markets in a way that no other manufacturer does. While brands such as Steinway offer multiple brands which are out-sourced, Bechstein manufacturers every single one of their pianos themselves.
Their exacting design and substantial investment into the highest-grade CNC machinery and wood processing facilities results in a consistent, efficient, powerful, and singing instrument that performs perfectly every single time.
And most interestingly, they continue to be the most desired manufacturer to work for as a piano builder or technician. Bechstein counts amongst its ranks more master-builders from other European factories than every other company.
Bechstein presently manufactures five lines of pianos in Europe: W. Hoffmann Vision, W. Hoffmann Tradition, W. Hoffmann Professional, Bechstein, and C. Bechstein. They also sell Zimmermann, which utilizes both Asian and European manufacturing.
The History of BECHSTEIN Pianos
Founded in 1853, Bechstein is one of the world’s oldest companies. It has also been, from it’s founding, considered one of the top 3 piano manufacturers in the world: only Steinway and Bosendorfer have ever occupied a similar level reverence in the European music society.
It quickly became a concert hall favorite in the late 1800’s, and by the start of World War I, was the preeminent builder in Europe. The pianos were known for their astounding build quality, their use of the latest technology and design innovations, and their pure singing tone.
Although the company survived the ravages of WWI, the second great war was devastating, including a targeted bombing in 1945. It would be decades, and the fall of the Berlin Wall, before Bechstein would rise again.
Since 1986, Bechstein has been on a steady path of investment, and is now a wholly-owned German company. They are now considered leading innovators in piano design, retail, and manufacturing.
And they are, once again, the #1 volume provider of high-quality pianos in Europe, and amongst the top 3 in the world.
MANUFACTURING OF BECHSTEIN PIANOS
BECHSTEIN Upright PIANO MODELS
BECHSTEIN – 112 “MODERN”
The smallest in the Bechstein Premium line, the 112 is a fitting entryway into the world of high-end German pianos.
Learn MoreBECHSTEIN – 116 “ACCENT / CLASSIC”
The 116 Bechstein is the quintessential European apartment piano. A reasonable size (46″), clear bass, fantastic control, and the name the world’s trusted for 150 years.
Learn MoreBECHSTEIN – 120 “SELECT”
For buyers focused on long-term value, quality, and an exquisite musical experience, for about 50% more than a Japanese equivalent, you could have the finest German hand-crafted piano sitting in your living room.
Learn MoreBECHSTEIN – 124 “STYLE / IMPOSANT”
The top of the line from the famed Bechstein Premium line. At a commanding 50″, and built to the most demanding specs in the industry, this piano stands shoulder-to-shoulder with any upright in the world.
Learn MoreMANUFACTURER | UPRIGHT PIANO MODEL | LENGTH | WIDTH | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | MSRP (USD) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bechstein 112 "Modern" | 22.6" (57 cm) | 59" (149 cm) | 45" (112 cm) | 507 lbs (230 kg) | $32,000 | $32,000 | |
Bechstein 116 "Accent / Compact" | 23" (59 cm) | 59" (151 cm) | 45.5" (116 cm) | 525 lbs (238 kg) | $33,067 | $33,067 | |
Bechstein 120 "Select" | 24" (61 cm) | 59" (150 cm) | 47.5" (120 cm) | 536 lbs (243 kg) | $34,193 | $34,193 | |
Bechstein 124 "Style / Imposant" | 24.5 " (62 cm) | 59" (151 cm) | 49" (124 cm) | 562 lbs (262 kg) | $36,267 | $36,267 |
BECHSTEIN GRAND PIANO MODELS
BECHSTEIN-B 160
The Bechstein b160 baby grand is, in a word, surprising. It’s amongst the smallest premium baby grand on the market, yet close your eyes and you’d swear you were hearing bass tone from a 5’10″ or even 6′ piano.
Learn MoreBECHSTEIN-B 175
The b175 is Bechstein’s small institutional grand offering. at 5’9″, the piano aptly competes with Kawai GX2 or Yamaha C2X…but with an entirely different level of finesse and control.
Learn MoreBECHSTEIN-B 190
The b190 is a legend on it’s own right. Developed and built entirely in Germany by C. Bechstein, it utilizes the very best design and construction available in the piano industry.
Learn MoreBECHSTEIN-B 208
The b208 is a beautiful instrument for fine homes, small recital halls, houses of worship, or even recording studios. At 6’8″ the piano has a commanding tone without overpowering either itself or the space.
Learn MoreBECHSTEIN-B 228
One of the finest small-hall semi-concert grands in the world, period. Developed by C. Bechstein’s famed research division in Berlin, the instrument shares many qualities with the ultra-premium C.
Learn MoreMANUFACTURER | GRAND PIANO MODEL | LENGTH | WIDTH | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | MSRP (USD) | PIANO BUYER PRICE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5'3 (160 cm) | 59" (151 cm) | 40" (102 cm) | 688 lbs (312 kg) | $82,667 | $82,667 | ||
5'9 (175 cm) | 60" (152 cm) | 40" (102 cm) | 701 lbs (388 kg) | $91,467 | $91,467 | ||
6'3 (190 cm) | 60" (153 cm) | 40 ' (102 cm) | 774 lbs (351 kg) | $97,333 | $97,333 | ||
6'8 (208 cm) | 60" (153 cm) | 40" (102 cm) | 836 lbs (379 kg) | $112,267 | $112,267 | ||
7'5 (228 cm) | 60" (153 cm) | 40" (102 cm) | 922 lbs (418 kg) | $126,933 | $126,933 |
BECHSTEIN - PREMIUM CLASS PIANOS
Bechstein pianos offer institutions, performers, and enthusiasts the chance to own the finest in German piano building. They are produced at the same factory as the C. Bechstein pianos, but at a price point that makes them accessible to many buyers.
By applying exactly the same manufacturing precision, hand-craftsmanship, and pure drive for performance as the C. Bechstein receives, but to a more conventional design, a stunning piano is achieved at a very attractive price.
Bechstein’s also take advantage of their own hammer making, which has added an additional layer of character normally reserved for the very highest German pianos.
Bechstein Pianos features & Specifications
Precision Agraffe / Duplex
Bechstein’s access to the very best CNC equipment in the world is widely known. Their continued investment in this grade of equipment gives them enormous advantages when it comes to some of the more precise parts of piano building.
Precision Agraffe and Duplex are two of them. By being able to terminate (agraffes) and augment resonating lengths (duplex) at exactly the right place, distortion is all but eliminated, and sustain times increase.
Ultra-precise Bridge Notching
Like the C. Bechstein, the precision of the bridge manufacturing is unparalleled. Using Bechstein’s special bridge CNC machinery, perfect contact between string, bridge, and soundboard are achieved, maximizing power and resonance in the instrument.
Premium Hammers
Bechstein is one of the few builders in the world to manufacture their own hammers. Steinway, Yamaha, and Kawai are the only other three.
This offers a much higher level of control over the hammers characteristics, something Bechstein was unable to get from any of the premium hammer makers.
Finest Polyester and Finishing
Bechstein pianos feature exactly the same quality of brass, veneering, and polyester as the C. Bechstein pianos. (The polyester is the black high-gloss finish on the outside of the piano)