I am trying to provide some piano purchase guidance to my son's piano teacher. She wishes to find an old salvage grand of high quality for complete rebuilding (she wants a piano that is as good as or better than new, but does not cost as much) - ideally, a Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Bechstein, etc. She is looking for the piano of her dreams - one that she will play for the rest of her life - or there abouts. Now I know (or think I know) that in general, within a particular piano quality/type range, bigger is better. This piano will be used in a small home studio (a small living room - about 12' x 20' - no concert halls there). I know of some people that prefer a smaller piano in their home - I remember Randy Potter told me that he traded his Steinway B in for a model M because the B was too big for his home - or he preferred the M for some reason (the way is sounded or played - and not just becuase of the furniture thing). A couple pianos she is considering buying is an old 1920 M&H model A (5' 8") and a 1900 Bechstein (5' 11"). Both pianos are perfect for complete rebuilding because they have bad boards, etc., but from a salvage perspective are in good original condition. But she could find a bigger Bechstein, a bigger M&H, or a Steinway A III or B. I also know it does not cost significantly more to rebuild a 7-foot piano than it does a 5' 8" piano. So there is the question. I don't play piano, so I don't have very good direct input/thoughts on the subject. Is bigger necessarily better (similar pianos otherwise), i.e. is a M&H BB a lot nicer piano than a model A for a home studio use? She is a good player and continuing to take lessons - her desire is to obtain a piano that sounds good and has an action, etc. that will not limit her (and her student's) playing development. Any thoughts?
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