Bechstein vs Bösendorfer
Two of the great European makers, and a natural pair to compare if you are looking at the very top of the market.
The makers
Bechstein is the great German maker, founded in Berlin in 1853. Bösendorfer is the great Viennese maker, founded in 1828 and now owned by Yamaha. Both are hand-built, top-tier and expensive.
Tone
Bechstein is known for a refined, clear, singing tone with lovely colour and detail. Bösendorfer is known for a warm, mellow, transparent Viennese sound, especially loved for classical and chamber music. Both are more about character than raw power. Which you prefer is taste.
The Bösendorfer Imperial
One point of difference. Bösendorfer’s Imperial adds extra bass keys below the normal bottom note, for extra resonance and a handful of pieces. Bechstein has no direct equivalent.