Misguided Advice on New Pianos: Why Modern Pianos Are Just Another Option
We are a Kawai and Ritmüller Pearl River dealership with over 100 years of experience in the piano industry.
Older Restored Pianos vs. New Pianos
We have noticed that some dealers primarily promote new pianos, often due to import quotas and storage costs if their showrooms are too small for their excess stock. Consequently, moving new pianos becomes a priority for them. Be cautious of dealers who provide misleading information about older pianos, particularly those made in the 1930s and earlier. For more information on both new and old pianos, please refer to our buying guide.
Premier Brand Pianos from the 1930s and Earlier
Renowned manufacturers like Steinway would not continue to offer restorations on their older models if they believed the timbers in the soundboard and main structure were unreliable. The scaling of old Steinways is neither better nor worse than that of new Steinways and other premier brands; it is simply different, and this difference is often barely noticeable to most piano players.
While it is true that manufacturers like Yamaha and Kawai have moved away from traditional glues and now commonly use synthetic felts, this shift is more about cost efficiency than quality or reliability. In theory, modern pianos designed with CAD (computer-aided design) technology offer greater consistency in touch, sound, and tuning compared to average mid-twentieth-century pianos.
With appropriate humidity control and regular maintenance, a well-cared-for piano can last many lifetimes.
Understanding Piano Restorations
The term “restoration” can mean various things in the piano industry. On our product pages, we specify what aspects have been restored. A full restoration typically involves refinishing the soundboard, reconditioning the plate, and completely restringing the piano. For premier older brands, this usually includes new action parts, which benefit from the consistency that CAD technology provides. When we replace hammers on our premier pianos, we use the best core woods and under-felted Renner hammers, producing a more modern sound due to advancements in felt manufacturing and higher felt tension. This enhances dynamic range and responsiveness, allowing musicians to express nuanced emotions in their performances.
Our bass strings are sourced from the world’s best string makers, Hellerbass in Germany.
Some dealers may claim that older pianos cannot withstand central heating or underfloor heating, but the same is true for new pianos. While the seasoning of woods has adapted to the drier conditions of sealed, heated homes, it is not a cure-all. Sealed, double-glazed heated homes, often with large windows, create challenging conditions for any piano. We have sold many new pianos, and during our 4 to 8-week free tuning, we have already observed pitch collapse due to hot sunshine and heating systems. This can lead to the failure of the pins, each under 180 lbs of pressure.
The existence of numerous old pianos from the early twentieth century of premier brands still being restored to their former glory by independent dealers and manufacturers alike is proof of their enduring quality.
Challenging the Statement: “An Older Piano Cannot Last as Long as a Quality New One”
This statement, found on another dealer’s website, reflects a lack of understanding of piano restoration. Bridges, back bracings, iron plates, and soundboards are designed to withstand the significant tensions involved in piano construction. As any engineer will tell you, both metal and wood have a “memory”; the stress they endure over time shapes their norm. They do not simply buckle under pressure. Defects are usually evident to experienced restorers within a few decades of a piano’s lifespan. As mentioned, many defects arise from poor care and maintenance, with the exception of iron plates, which can develop hairline cracks due to flawed casting, noticeable within the first decade or two of a piano’s life.
Soundboard splits and wood cracks are caused by low humidity, not age.
Thus, the statement “An older piano cannot last as long as a quality new one” is overly simplistic when directed at premier fully restored brands. While modern pianos may produce a different sound, it is not necessarily better. Such judgments are subjective and depend on personal preference. The brain interprets sound differently depending on individual experiences and exposure to various pianos throughout life. Older individuals may have heard the softer, mellower European hammer felts of previous generations, while younger people are often accustomed to the punchier sound of modern hammers used in pianos like Yamaha.
Why We Sell Fewer Older Pianos
The reason we do not sell more older pianos is that it is no longer financially viable. While we could replace action parts and strings on older premier pianos, we cannot charge the prices necessary to remain competitive with pianos produced in Japan and China.
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An argument against the assertion that old pianos are inferior to new instruments can focus on several key points:
- Unique Tonal Qualities: Older pianos often possess distinctive tonal characteristics that many musicians and enthusiasts value. The aging of wood can lead to a warmer, more complex sound that newer pianos may lack. This “vintage” sound is often sought after in certain musical genres and can be difficult to replicate with modern materials and manufacturing techniques.
- Craftsmanship and Heritage: Many older pianos were handcrafted by skilled artisans, often using traditional techniques that prioritize quality over mass production. This craftsmanship can result in a level of artistry and attention to detail that may not be present in modern pianos, which are often produced in factories with a focus on efficiency and cost reduction.
- Restoration Potential: While it’s true that older pianos can face issues due to age, many can be restored to excellent condition with the right care and expertise. A well-restored piano can bring back its original sound quality and performance, offering a unique blend of history and functionality that new instruments cannot provide.
- Sustainability: Choosing an older piano can be seen as a more sustainable option compared to purchasing new instruments, which often require new materials and resources. By restoring and using older pianos, musicians can contribute to reducing waste and promoting the longevity of quality instruments.
- Personal Connection and History: Many musicians have a strong emotional connection to older pianos, whether they are family heirlooms or vintage finds. This personal history can add value that is not quantifiable in terms of performance or materials but enhances the overall experience of playing the instrument.
- Performance Variability: While modern pianos may offer consistency and reliability, some musicians appreciate the variability in playing older pianos. The nuances in touch response and tonal variation can inspire creativity and offer a different playing experience that some may find more engaging.
In summary, while modern pianos have advantages in terms of design and materials, older pianos hold unique values that can make them equally, if not more, desirable for certain musicians and contexts.
So in summary of the statement “An older piano cannot last as long as a quality new one”
The statement “An older piano cannot last as long as a quality new one” can be misleading and requires a nuanced understanding. Here are some points to consider for real-world evidence:
- Build Quality and Materials: Many older pianos, especially those made before the mid-20th century, were constructed with higher-quality materials and craftsmanship. For instance, pianos from renowned manufacturers like Steinway or Bosendorfer have a reputation for durability and longevity. These older instruments can often last for centuries if properly maintained.
- Maintenance: The longevity of a piano, whether old or new, largely depends on how well it has been maintained. An older piano that has been regularly serviced and kept in optimal conditions can outperform a new piano that has not been properly cared for.
- Technological Advancements: While new pianos may incorporate modern technology and materials that can enhance performance and durability, this does not inherently mean they will last longer than some older pianos. Factors like climate control, usage, and care play significant roles in a piano’s lifespan.
- Historical Longevity: There are many examples of older pianos still in use today, often cherished for their unique sound and character. Instruments like the 19th-century Steinway models are still highly sought after and can be as reliable as new pianos when fully restored properly.
- Investment Value: High-quality older pianos can hold in value over time, especially if they are well-maintained. This contrasts with many new pianos, which often depreciate quickly after purchase, for example you always need to calculate the immediate 20% UK VAT tax loss of value.
In summary, while quality new pianos may have advantages in terms of technology and warranty, older pianos can certainly last a long time, especially those of high quality that have received proper care and if purchased from a dealer there is a warranty just like new pianos. The longevity of a piano is not solely determined by its age but by a combination of factors including build quality, maintenance, and usage history.
I hope this has helped your understanding more, if we have missed anything please let us know in the comments or email.
Thank you.