Bösendorfer vs Steinway
Bösendorfer and Steinway are two of the great names, and among the few pianos spoken of in the same breath.
The makers
Bösendorfer has built pianos in Vienna since 1828 and is now owned by Yamaha, which keeps it as a separate hand-built marque. Steinway builds in New York and Hamburg. Both are top-end, hand-made and expensive.
Tone
The classic difference is character. Bösendorfer is known for a warm, mellow, singing Viennese tone, transparent and vocal, prized for classical and chamber music. Steinway is more powerful and brilliant, with a bigger projection for the concert platform. Many pianists choose by repertoire.
The Imperial
Bösendorfer’s Imperial adds extra keys at the bass end, below the normal bottom note, for extra resonance and the handful of pieces that use them. It is one of a kind.