One Family, Two Pianos: New York vs. Hamburg Steinways

When we hear the name Steinway, we think of the superior quality instrument to which all other pianos compare. However, few pianists consider that the famous brand has two distinct production arms- one in New York City and one in Hamburg, Germany. Indeed, these pianos resemble siblings who share the same family but have distinctive attributes and personalities.

Making The Round-Trip

The New York Steinway piano factory was founded in 1853 by the instrument maker Henry Engelhard Steinway, who emigrated from Germany to the United States to escape political turmoil in his country. He and his sons settled in New York City, continuing to develop the piano-making skills and expertise they acquired in Germany. Before long, Steinway pianos developed a reputation for their superior construction and compared with other pianos.

As the demand for Steinway pianos grew internationally and the piano received numerous awards, the family opened a second factory in the less-volatile German city of Hamburg in 1880. This decision facilitated the distribution of pianos throughout Europe while eliminating high import tariffs.

The distance between the two factories is mainly responsible for the unique characteristics of the pianos that each produces to this day.

Most pianists who play Steinways in the United States play the pianos produced by the New York Steinway factory; however, many who have experience playing the pianos built by the Hamburg Steinway factory prefer playing those instruments. Although the factories are moving toward standardizing their productions, there are distinct differences between the pianos produced by the two factories.

Manufacturing Differences

Pianists point to the tonal quality as the distinguishing factor between New York and Hamburg Steinways. The New York Steinway tone may be described as bold and complex, whereas the Hamburg Steinway would be clear and crisp. The difference is primarily due to these factors:

• Hammers. The New York factory makes the action parts, including low-compression hammers, for the pianos it produces. The hammers require the strategic use of lacquer or other hardening solutions to create the tone for which the pianos are known. Alternatively, Hamburg pianos have Renner action parts, including high-compression hammers made by the renowned German action manufacturer Renner. These hammers require needling to achieve the desired tone. The Golden-Era New York Steinways of the early 20th century used a hammer with similar qualities. (Steinway acquired the Renner company in 2019).

• Rims. The wood used for each piano also contributes to tonal differences. For example, New York Steinways use dense hard-rock maple, and Hamburg Steinways use a more porous beech wood or mahogany.

• Soundboard. Although both pianos use spruce soundboards, they derive from different tree species, producing inherently different resonances. Additionally, the Hamburg pianos' soundboards are thicker than those of the New York pianos (except for the New York model D concert grand), contributing to their characteristic sound quality.

• Arm shape. The rim extends to either side of the keyboard, becoming a piano's arms. The arms are round on the Hamburg pianos and square on the New York pianos.

• Finish. Upon first glance, it is possible to distinguish a New York Steinway from a Hamburg Steinway by the finish. Polyester coatings give Hamburg pianos their characteristically shiny finishes. On the other hand, New York pianos are more likely to have satin and sometimes semi-gloss finishes.

Choosing Between New York and Hamburg Steinway Pianos

At Cantabile Harrison Pianos, our mission is to offer you the best possible restored Steinway pianos. Whether you prefer an American or German Steinway, we rely on a vast network worldwide to locate prime New York and Hamburg Steinways to offer you a choice between these two distinct personalities.

Our restoration artists restore each instrument, hand-selecting every part and applying the state-of-the-art techniques pioneered during a long history of rebuilding pianos for the most discerning pianists and piano dealers in the nation and abroad. As a result, we guarantee to provide you with the superior quality and service you expect from us.

No two Steinway pianos are the same, regardless of their factory of origin. Each requires a unique approach to showcase its inherent beauty. We know what contributes to your preference and will work with you to find the piano you love to play.

Contact us to discuss restoring your Steinway piano or choosing an instrument from our extensive collection.