Hamburg/ New York

Avery Todd atodd@UH.EDU
Mon, 04 Nov 2002 11:38:35 -0600


Dennis,

We have a Hamburg D here that's app. 16 yrs. old. In the 10 yrs. I've
been here, I've noticed no real differences in stability, etc. It seemed
to survive the extremely high humidity it was subjected to for a couple
of days before I was able to get it moved after the flood we had here
summer before last, just as well as the New York.

Some seem to think it's a "little" bit lighter action (because of 
slight differences in action geometry) and doesn't have quite as much 
"oomph"
in the low bass as the New York in the same hall. It's predominately
used for accompanying and Chamber Music.

Many of our Oriental pianists, especially small females, tend to prefer
it but most prefer the other for piano recitals, concerto competitions,
etc. One comment, though. The New York dates from 1959 and has been
rebuilt with a new keyboard, Renner action parts, etc., so it isn't
original New York.

 From what I've heard over the years, Hamburgs usually aren't the
"powerhouse" type of instrument that the New York can be because
they're basically designed for smaller halls than some of the "barns"
we tend to have in this country. However, whether that's still true
or not, I don't know.

Hope this helps a little.

Avery
University of Houston

>Our department is considering the purchase of a new concert instrument and
>in process of deciding different directions to go.  Right now there is
>discussion about choosing between New York or Hamburg and they asked me for
>imput from other schools which happen to own a Hamburg Steinway for concert
>use.  I could go either way, but the variety might be worth a little more
>expense. In short, is that the impression over time?  I presume they do
>just as well here but some people seem concerned about that too.  The hall
>is climate controlled anyway.   How much difference is there really between
>a Hamburg C and D?  Not very specific questions, but I know they will
>appreciate any comments.
>
>thanks,
>
>Dennis Johnson
>
>_______________________________________________
>caut list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives


This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC