Gebraucht, Steingraeber & Söhne, 205

This model of the legendary Steingraeber & Sohne 205 comes from the year 2008, the last year of its manufacture before the 212 was released in 2009. The 212 is a direct descendant of the 205 which was first manufactured in 1873, particularly for the composer/pianist Franz Liszt , and it is said to be one of the finest pianos ever built. It has a legendary status , being admired by the likes of R. Wagner, R. Strauss, and more recently, D Barenboim ,N. Mariner, among many others. The newer 212 is slightly larger than the 205 and has an enhanced base with more volume, but much has remained unchanged - the manufacturers have preserved the chamber music appeal of the 205 and notes 36-88 are identical in both pianos. The 205 undoubtedly still has great appeal, made more so by its increasing rarity. In addition to giving pleasure as a personal instrument, it lends itself admirably to lieder recitals, and for use in recording studios and music conservatories.

All Steingraeber & Sohne pianos are hand crafted in Bayreuth, Germany, using the time honoured traditions of piano building and are among the finest instruments, in the world. Only 80 grand pianos are produced each year which says everything you need to know about the quality of these instruments. The name, Steingraeber & Sohne is not as widely known as Steinway because S and S do not manufacture nearly as many instruments or market them so heavily, but make no mistake, the 205 is in the same league, and in the opinion of some, superior to the Steinway. My own tuner says that in his opinion, my piano is equivalent to the Hamburg Steinway ( regarded as superior to the New York Steinway). Larry Fine, in his Piano Book, says that S and S pianos are one of the world’s best kept secrets; he places them in the top tier and rates them as one of the top 3 grand pianos in the world. For the past 20 years, the company has received more awards than any other piano company for excellence, including the Paris Piano “Best of the Very Best” award. They have a unique sound with an extensive tonal palette derived from a mixture of clarity and warmth. For more information go to www.steingraeber.de

This piano has been lightly used and carefully maintained with regular tuning. It was purchased in 2008, the year it was made, from the S and S representative in Los Angeles, USA, and had been used only for several concerts in the showroom, before I purchased it. The case, which is in excellent condition, is polished ebony. Included in the purchase is a custom made S and S piano cover.

The availability of this piano presents a great opportunity to own a very fine instrument which will give you many years of pleasure and satisfaction. A very regretful sale, made necessary by increasing problems with arthritis in my hands. It is now time to pass this much loved piano on to a new life with someone who appreciates what it so richly offers.

I would be happy to help you organise international transportation.