• Click here to see photos of this piano
• Bechstein Model E Concert Grand Piano for sale
• Plays well. Sounds great.
• Ivory keys
• Case needs attention

Mark’s summary of this piano
(see end of page for full description)

Despite some obvious cosmetic shortcomings this is definately an impressive instrument. The action feels great and the sound is of a high quality. Whilst work on the action is recommended this piano should be seen as a great opportunity for a piano lover to acquire a superb instrument with loads of potential to improve over time. The price for such a buyer should be seen as very reasonable indeed. Alternatively, this piano could be bought buy someone in the piano trade who is prepared to invest time and money in getting the piano up to showroom standard.

Details

Comments:

The case of this piano is best described as “fair” condition with a couple of major bits of damage (only cosmetic, not structural) and other more moderate/mild scratches and scrapes. The original lyre is retained in very good condition. The original legs are retained and are also in good condition. However, the castors have been removed and the legs have been shortened slightly so that it could fit on the A-Frame at its previous location (it is still on the A-Frame here).

The keys are ivory. Most of them are original but some of them are replacements. Of the original ones that remain they are in remarkably good condition (see photos). All ebonies appear to be original and intact.

The music desk is probably not original as I’ve never seen that particular design before. But it is still very attractive and could even be original.

The front 2 corners of this Bechstein concert grand piano have some nice, intricate carving work that look very “grand”. The right corner has some moderate damage but the left one has serious damage (again it is only cosmetic, not structural) so that the cheak (as they are known) would need some rebuilding work.

All of the brasswork appears to be original and in very good condition throughout. The metal frame has no cracks that I could find and the soundboard seems to be in great condition. I like to judge soundboards by the sound they produce and this one passes with flying colours in that respect. The top of the soundboard is quite dusty at present which made it tricky to see if there were any signs of cracks but from what I could see the soundboard appears (and sounds) to be in 1st class condition for its age.

The action is really nice to play. It feels like a very high quality piano (which it is of course). The tone is very rich and quite mellow. The bass region has a distinct sound of a cello. The treble section would benefit from some voicing work to soften the tone a little. In fact, all the hammers are due for voicing work to get the most out of this piano.