Steinway Model C Grand Piano

The Model C is the rarest of the big Steinway grands. At 227cm, or about 7ft 5½in, it sits between the Model B and the full concert Model D. It is sometimes called a half-concert grand. It has the power to fill a small concert hall, yet it will fit in a very large home.

A short history

Steinway introduced the Model C in 1885. New York stopped making it in 1913, so almost every Model C you will find was made in Hamburg. Hamburg has made it on and off ever since. Because far fewer were built than the Model B or D, a good Model C does not come up for sale very often.

How to tell if you have a Model C

Look for the letter C stamped on the cast iron frame or written on the soundboard. Then measure from the front of the keyboard to the tail. If it is about 7ft 5in, you almost certainly have a Model C.

Your serial number will tell you the year it was made.

Who it suits

The Model C suits concert venues, music societies, churches and players with a very large room. Many pianists say it has the most even tone of any Steinway, with a big bass that never feels too much. In a normal living room it would simply be too loud.

What a Model C is worth

Because it is rare and in demand, a good Model C tends to sell near the top of each price band. As a rough guide, a used Steinway grand in the UK sells for:

• £8,000 to £20,000 if it is older and original, needing work
• £20,000 to £40,000 if it is in good original condition or lightly restored
• £35,000 to £70,000 and up if it has been fully rebuilt with genuine Steinway parts
• £40,000 to £90,000 and up if it is less than 20 years old and excellent

See our full guide to used Steinway prices.

What to check

• Soundboard and bridges. Big pianos put a lot of strain on these parts.
• Tuning stability. Ask the tuner how well it holds.
• Rebuild history. Find out who did any work and whether genuine Steinway parts were used.
• Moving. A Model C needs specialist movers. Factor that into any deal.

Thinking of selling your Model C?

We buy Steinway Model C grands from private owners, venues and churches across the UK, in any condition. They are rare, and we are always keen to hear about one.

Send us the serial number, a few photos and your postcode, and we will come back with an honest offer. There is no obligation, and collection is free from a ground floor room.

Related pages

Steinway Model B · Steinway Model D · How much is my Steinway worth? · Selling your Steinway