When you vote, we award 6 points for a first choice , 5 points for a second choice etc ................and 1 point for a sixth choice. We then divide the sum of the scores by the number of votes for each piano to arrive at a statistical preference factor.
The rating as of Jan 2008 is as follows:-
( the theoretical possible top score would be 6 and bottom score 1)
Bosendorfer Phoenix.............................................. 4.2
Steingraeber E 272................................................. 4.0
Bosendorfer Imperial............................................... 3.9
Steingraeber Phoenix............................................. 3.7
Steinway D............................................................ 3.3
Steinway Centennial .............................................. 2.3
Before you draw any conclusions please remember this is a comparison of six of the best pianos in the World. ie those rated by the trade as the exclusive and elite classification"Tier One" makes of instrument. All would excel in public recital.
There is one factor that listening does not measure fully and that is the artist/instrument interface. i.e. does the artist feel comfortable and secure? Steingraeber-Phoenix and then Steinway are voted best in this measure when professional artists are asked after playing them live. In simple language they are easier to control. This seems to be related to the nature of the sound from the first impact of the hammer before a defined frequency has established (immediacy) and the length and intensity of sustain.
The Bosendorfer Imperial is 35% bigger in sound board area than the other pianos and therefore it has a built in advantage for its bass sound..
We have a few results for Stuart and Sons, but do not include it in the test series because the Makers (rightly) judge that some listeners equipment may not always do the piano justice. Stuart and Sons always ranks in the top three.
How to take part
The one minute similar samples of piano performance of "The Lark" on the first six tracks below were taken from recordings played by the same artist on six pianos selected from the World's finest makes of concert grand instruments listed as "Tier One" in Larry Fine's Piano Book. Each piano has been maintained and regulated by one of the UK's top technicians to perform at its best. The conditions of recording were engineered to be as near as possible identical for each instrument. No subsequent adjustment or editing of the recorded sound has been made. No equalisation was used to modify a particular frequency range.
The Test
You are invited to listen to the tracks and list your order of preference. Please consider all matters relevant to piano playing, including:-
Quality and richness of sound.
Range of sound quality as sound intensity changes.
Sustain of the sound.
Immediacy of the sound as the note first strikes
Dynamic range, i.e. range of sound volume
Clarity
Purity
Interpretation the artist achieves and thus his ability to control the piano.
By entering and mailing your selection on the form below and then pressing the "Identify" button, you can display the key identifying the make of piano on each track and your listing will be forwarded to us. If you want to communicate further please go to the "Contact us" section of this site. We will not contact you unless you request it.
Track 7 is a complete performance of "The Lark" by Glinka-Balakirev, played by Anton Lyakhovsky. (You will easily identify which make of piano if you have done the test)
Hints on listening
1. If possible listen to the sound on headphones. This better represents true piano sound than most speakers except electrostatic spoeakers.
2. Listen to the full performance before you hear the sample tracks. This will acquaint you with the style of the piece and make it easier to evaluate the different piano sound quality on each track.
3. Discuss your first opinions with a friend or partner and then listen again before you each decide and register your personal preference. Do not be swayed by other opinions. Others may hear things on which you do not at first focus priority.
