Bechstein Grand Pianos
Bechstein grand pianos have been among the most admired in the world since the 1850s. Here is a plain guide to the range, old and new, and how to choose.
The modern C. Bechstein grands
The hand-built German grands run from a small grand of around 1.9 metres, through the popular home grands, up to the full concert grand of around 2.8 metres. The larger the piano, the fuller the bass and the bigger the sound, and the more room it needs. All share the refined, singing Bechstein tone.
The cheaper Bechstein-branded grands
Bechstein also sells grands under its W. Hoffmann and Academy lines, designed in Germany but built partly abroad to reach a lower price. Good pianos, but not the hand-built C. Bechstein, so always check which you are looking at. See our models guide.
Older Bechstein grands
On the used market you will find Bechstein grands going back over a century, and the pre-war German ones in particular are prized. A well-restored older Bechstein grand can be lovely, but condition and any rebuild work matter far more than age. See our buying guide.