Bechstein is one of the great names of the piano, a German maker as old as Steinway and, to many ears, its equal. We are Yamaha specialists, not a Bechstein dealer, so the guides below are honest and independent. They cover the models, how to date a Bechstein, what a fair price looks like, and how a well-reconditioned Yamaha compares if the budget is tight.
Models
Bechstein Models
Bechstein Models
How to make sense of Bechstein models: the hand-built German C. Bechstein line, the cheaper W. Hoffmann and Academy ranges, and prized older grands.
Bechstein Grand Pianos
A plain guide to Bechstein grand pianos, old and new: the hand-built German C. Bechstein grands, the cheaper lines, prized older grands, and what they cost.
Bechstein Upright Pianos
A guide to Bechstein upright pianos, led by the tall Concert 8: the modern range, older uprights, what they cost, and a far cheaper Yamaha alternative.
Bechstein Model B
The Bechstein Model B, a near seven-foot grand: its size and character, a note on the changing model names, who it suits, and what it costs.
Bechstein A-Series Grands
The Bechstein A-series grands, such as the A190: what they are, who they suit, C. Bechstein versus the cheaper lines, and what they cost.
Bechstein Concert 8
The Bechstein Concert 8, the flagship 131cm upright: its grand-like tone, who it suits, what it costs, and a far cheaper Yamaha alternative.
Bechstein Academy and W. Hoffmann Explained
C. Bechstein, Bechstein Academy and W. Hoffmann explained in plain English: which is the hand-built German flagship, which are the cheaper lines, and why it matters.
Prices
Bechstein Piano Prices
What a Bechstein costs, from hand-built German C. Bechstein grands to the cheaper W. Hoffmann and Academy lines, new and used, with honest ranges.
Buying Guide
Buying a Used Bechstein
An honest guide to buying a used Bechstein: telling a German C. Bechstein from the cheaper lines, what sets the value, and what to check.
Are Bechstein Pianos Good?
Are Bechstein pianos good? Yes, the hand-built German ones are world-class, but it depends which Bechstein. An honest answer with the key caveat.
Used Bechstein Pianos for Sale
An honest guide to buying a used Bechstein: what is on the market, which line and era it is, what to check, and how to judge a fair price.
Serial Numbers
Bechstein Serial Numbers
How to find and read a Bechstein serial number to date your piano, where the number is, and what it does and does not tell you.
Comparisons
Bechstein vs Steinway
Bechstein or Steinway? Two great makers founded in 1853 compared on tone, price and resale, with an honest steer.
Bechstein vs Yamaha
Bechstein or Yamaha grand? How the German maker and its cheaper lines compare with Yamaha on tone and price, with an honest steer.
Bechstein vs Bösendorfer
Bechstein or Bösendorfer? The great German and Viennese makers compared on tone and character, including the Imperial’s extra keys.
History
The History of Bechstein
The story of Bechstein, from Carl Bechstein’s 1853 Berlin workshop to a famous European maker, the wartime destruction, and the firm today.
Restoration
Restoring a Bechstein Piano
What restoring a Bechstein involves, what it costs, and how the parts used affect the value, with honest guidance before you buy a restored one.