Recommendation Report: Steinway vs. Yamaha
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LINK TO PDF VERSION RECOMMENDATION REPORT.docx
Hannah Gordon
8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
11 December 2024
Dr. John Bolin
Associate Professor of Music
Dean, Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
Dear Dr. Bolin
I have attached my recommendation report for you to review. The intent of this report is to recommend new pianos for the Collinsworth School of Performing Arts and remedy the problem of poor piano conditions in the practice rooms and main performance classrooms.
This recommendation report provides a comparative analysis of the two major piano brands on the market: Yamaha and Steinway. Recommendations are made based on analysis and intended use. Additionally, maintenance practices are suggested to ensure the longevity and proper care of the pianos in the practice rooms to ensure piano students have the highest quality instruments possible at their disposal for the improvement of the craft.
Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at 520-310-4178.
Sincerely,
Hannah Gordon
Recommendation Report: Yamaha vs. Steinway Pianos
Prepared by Hannah Gordon
Prepared for Dr. John Bolin
Executive Summary
Overview
The purpose of this report is to recommend better pianos and piano care practices for the Collinsworth School of Performing Arts at California Baptist University. The current state of the pianos is poor. Most of the pianos are dirty, out of tune, or ring when played, making effective practice or performance difficult for the piano performance, piano primary, and piano practicum students at the school. Better pianos and maintenance practices are essential for improving the quality of music for piano students.
The main piano brands being considered for this report are Yamaha and Steinway. While Yamaha is a respected brand, Steinway has a long-standing reputation as the industry standard. Each has its selling points which will be considered in comparative analysis.
Methodology
The research methods for this report are expert opinions from respected piano dealer M. Steinert and Sons, and information from each brand’s official website. The pianos considered for comparison are the Yamaha CF and SX series grand pianos and the Steinway model D and B grand pianos. These pianos were selected since they are considered each brand’s top models. These will best serve the school as long-term investments and provide the students with the best possible pianos to practice and perform on.
The pianos will be compared by brand history, sound quality, maintenance and durability. These criteria were selected as the most important factors for determining which piano is best because brand history, sound quality, maintenance and durability are key indicators of a piano's overall value and suitability for the institution. Brand history reflects the reputation and legacy of craftsmanship, helping to establish trust and reliability. Sound quality is essential as it defines the piano's performance and ability to meet the needs of the musicians at CBU. Maintenance and durability are critical for ensuring the piano's longevity and cost-effectiveness. By evaluating these factors, this report aims to provide a well-rounded comparison that might initiate the purchase of new pianos for the School of Performing Arts. Additionally, piano care practices will be proposed to ensure the ongoing quality of the pianos throughout the School of Performing Arts.
Comparative Analysis
The history and reputation of Yamaha pianos
The Yamaha Corporation was founded by Torakusu Yamaha in 1887. The company began by manufacturing organs and produced its first grand piano in 1902. These pianos were only sold in Japan until the mid-1920’s. [2] These pianos have received critical acclaim from notable artists such as Artur Rubenstien, Leo Sirota, and Wilhelm Kehmpff. The CF and SX series grand pianos feature hand-crafted production and Yamaha sourced materials. Even though they are praised for their craftsmanship, Yamahas are known to have a distinct bright sound and still attempt to imitate the European craftsmanship. [7] [8]
The history and reputation of Steinway pianos
Steinway and Sons was founded by German immigrant Henry E. Steinway in 1853. Their factory in New York set the standard for piano building and the company continues to build upon over a century’s worth of experience. Since 1853, Steinway added 135 additional patents for their pianos establishing them as the piano to beat. Their legacy is unmatched and musical production renowned for being warm and well-balanced. [4]
Sound Quality
Steinways are known for their warm, well-balanced and singing tone.[6] This is due in part to the unique shape of their soundboard which creates unparalleled freedom and richness but also other aspects. According to M. Steinert and Sons “A wide-tail rim shape, cast-iron plate, an all-wood action, low tension scale, and string length all contribute to the purity of the Steinway sound.” [9]
Yamahas are known for their bright clear tone. This is a result of higher string tension, soundboard shape and high-quality hammers. Yamaha offers a variety of wood and soundboard options to meet the sound needs of an individual player. [3]
Maintenance and Durability
Because of the delicate nature of Steinways, Steinway recommends consistent maintenance by their expert technicians. According to the Steinway website, they recommend universities tune their pianos 12 times per year, mechanism regulation once per year, and hammer replacement every 4-7 years.[5]
Yamaha pianos require tuning at least once per year along with regulation, and voicing. [1] Yamaha also emphasizes that pianos remain clean to protect the piano from dust and dirt. Pianos should be wiped with a soft cloth and shined with the appropriate piano polish.
Findings
Summary of Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Yamaha Strengths:
Bright, clear, and versatile sound quality
Durable and low-maintenance design
Yamaha Weaknesses:
Lacks the signature warmth and richness of Steinway’s tone
Steinway Strengths:
Iconic warm and resonant tone
Handcrafted artistry and premium materials
High value retention and prestige
Steinway Weaknesses:
Expensive upfront and maintenance costs
Requires more frequent servicing
Recommendations
Based off of the research provided above, I have determined that it would be in the school’s best interest to invest in Steinway pianos. The quality of the instruments are unparalleled and it would add prestige to the institution.
In light of the significant investment replacing all the pianos in our institution would be I have other recommendations to improve the conditions of our current Yamaha pianos.
· Consistent tuning of all pianos
· Consistent servicing of all pianos
· Daily cleaning of all pianos including pianos in the practice rooms
· Forbidding food in grand piano practice rooms
· Making hand sanitizer available in grand piano practice rooms
Reinforcing these practices will improve the current conditions of the pianos and may by
pass the need for new ones.
Conclusion
In this report, I highlight the need for improved pianos in the Collinsworth School of Performing Arts. I present the possibility of replacing the current pianos and compare the two leading piano manufacturing brands: Yamaha and Steinway and Sons. I compare each by reputation and history, sound quality, and maintenance. Despite the high maintenance required for Steinway pianos, I recommended them for the unmatched sound quality and recognition as the top piano brand. Because it would be difficult to replace all the pianos, I recommended piano care that may be implemented to improve the conditions of our current pianos. My hope is that these practices may be implemented for an improved situation for the pianists at CBU and investment in higher quality instruments might be considered in the future.
References
1. “Care You Can Do at Home - Yamaha - United States.” n.d. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://usa.yamaha.com/products/contents/musical_instrument_guide/piano/maintenance/index.html.
2. “History - About Us - Yamaha Corporation.” n.d. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://www.yamaha.com/en/about/history/.
3. “Mastering the Melody: Discovering Excellence in Yamaha Grand Pianos - YAMAHA.Den.” 2023. December 12, 2023. https://yamahaden.com/yamaha-grand-pianos/.
4. Lang, Lang, and Steinway Artist. n.d. “Photo: Robert Ascroft, Courtesy Sony Classical.”
5. “Service & Maintenance - Steinway & Sons.” n.d. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.steinway.com/news/features/utilty/service-and-maintenance.
6. Duncan, Liam. 2020. “Steinway Vs Bosendorfer, Which Is The Better Piano Brand? One Man’s View.” Music Industry How To (blog). June 1, 2020. https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/steinway-vs-bosendorfer/.
7. “Steinway vs. Yamaha: What Are the Differences in Their Premium Models?” n.d. Accessed November 22, 2024. https://msteinert.com/blog/steinway-vs-yamaha-what-are-the-differences-in-their-premium-models.
8. Kovarsky, Jerry. 2022. “The History of Yamaha CF Grand Pianos.” Yamaha Music - Blog. March 24, 2022. https://hub.yamaha.com/pianos/p-acoustic/the-history-of-yamaha-cf-grand-pianos/.
9. “What Is Special about the Steinway Sound?” n.d. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://msteinert.com/blog/what-is-special-about-the-steinway-sound.