Bechstein Model C

Notes from Mark & Julie

Summary

• Bechstein Model C Grand Piano for sale
• Original legs, lyre (pedal section), music desk
• See below for photos
• NOW SOLD

Details

Model	Bechstein Model C
Length	7ft 4in
Colour	Ebony
Keys	88 (full size – not ivory)
Year	1903
Serial	63049
Photos	See below

Comments:

I have noticed that this piano sounds great when playing chords. Often when you just hold a chord down you can hear all kinds of harmonic activity going on but with this one it seems very stable. It struck me that playing a chord has almost the same level of “unity” as if you were just playing a single note – there was no sounds of any harmonics fighting with each other to be heard – just a very smooth tone. I would imagine this is a good indication of the acoustic properties of this particular piano. Maybe it’s to do with the soundboard, I’m not sure, but it sounds good.

I actually found myself losing track of time by just playing basic improvisations and enjoying how the piano sounded. The dynamic range is very good – can play very soft and very loud.

I find the bass to be very smooth and it has the tone of a cello at times which I always like to hear in the bass section. There seems to be some unevenness of tone but this could be sorted out with voicing by a technician and isn’t a serious concern. The sustain seems good indicating a good soundboard.

The top octave and a half of the keyboard has quite a thin tone but this is fairly typical of many Bechsteins of this period and drastic improvments can be made by careful voicing. (more info below).

The case is the old “fishtale” design which means this piano isn’t strictly speaking a genuine Model C but is in fact the older equivalent of a Model C. There is a couple of inches difference between this piano and the more modern Model C. I have yet to measure this piano but it is either 7ft 4in or 7ft 6in long.

Many of you are aware that Bechsteins of this era are prone to having cracked plates. I can confirm this Bechstein DOES indeed have a cracked plate. You can see the crack on the final photo below. There are 2 cracks and I have taken a photo showing the worst crack. Musically, this doesn’t tend to affect the sound quality or volume in any detectable way. Visually, you would never even see the crack unless you deliberately looked for it (as I do) so you don’t need to attach too much importance to this crack.

That’s about all I can tell you really. Please see the photos below for extra information:

summary

It comes with a lifetime warranty and if you have an existing acoustic piano we will pay at least £500 in part-exchange. Found a similar piano cheaper? Scroll down for our price promise.

• Year made:
• Serial number:
• Tone:

Sorry, this piano has been sold. Please view the 49 Yamaha pianos for sale in our Manchester and London piano shops.