Yamaha 5-foot Classic Collection Baby Grand Piano.

  Yamaha pianos have earned a well-deserved reputation for superior quality control and virtually perfect preparation at the factory. They arrive at the dealer in flawless condition. Technicians are enthusiastic about servicing them due to their exceptional engineering and design. They enjoy an avid fan base of customers and a fierce loyalty perhaps greater than any other piano manufacturer.

Many highly respected musicians are Yamaha Artists and endorse these pianos, especially in the pop and jazz genres. Elton John comes to mind, with his bright fire engine red concert grand. One can’t view YouTube musical performances without seeing the ubiquitous Yamaha piano logo in most of them. Incidentally, the logo design is three tuning forks intertwined. They have a crisp, clear tone which is rather pleasing for runs up and down the keyboard. The company also builds excellent digital keyboards, guitars, sound and recording equipment, horns and reed instruments, and much more. Many schools of music have become All-Yamaha Schools as a means to attract students desiring quality musical instruments during their studies and practice. You will find their products nearly everywhere else too: homes, churches, on stage, in the recording studio, and the like.

As always, this piano is sourced locally, per our company policy. It was purchased right here in Albuquerque in 2006 at the local Yamaha piano dealer and has spent its entire life here. So, it is happily acclimated to our unique desert Southwest climate and low relative humidity. It is in excellent condition – structurally and aesthetically and should offer the new owner decades of musical enjoyment. It was played very little so the moving parts in the action have minimal wear. It has always been serviced by competent and knowledgeable technicians. We had only to do our usual dealer prep in our restoration shop and nothing more. That means pitch correction, voicing, tightening action screws, minor action regulation, cleaning inside, etc. It has the classic Yamaha touch; fast, accurate and responsive with an excellent repetition. The tone is classic Yamaha, meaning harmonic-rich and sonorous with an excellent dynamic range. That means the pianist can perform the subtlest pianissimos and most forceful fortissimos. The original bench with storage is included. The finish is a traditional classic polished ebony. Complimentary local first-floor professional delivery is included.

The Yamaha model GB1 grand piano replaced the GA1 model in 2005 with an improved scale design and some plate changes for better tuning stability. This model represents the most cost-friendly option in the lineup and it is the smallest grand piano they build. It was built in Yamaha’s modern factory in Jakarta, Indonesia where labor costs are significantly less than in Japan. With over 10,000 individual cataloged parts in this piano and each tiny part having to be handled by human hands, it makes sense to build it where labor costs are less. Also, there are some features that their more expensive models are equipped with but aren’t necessarily a priority for everyone. For instance, the middle pedal is a bass sustain pedal instead of a costly true Sostenuto. It has a standard scale design and not a Duplex scale. There isn’t a lock and the cabinetry and bench are plainer. It doesn’t have a slow-close fallboard, either. But it still has the legendary Yamaha keyboard touch and tone-quality.

Many schools have become “All Yamaha Schools” as a means of attracting the top students.

Yamaha “Classic Collection” 5’-3” Baby Grand Piano.

  Cheers! A special find so hurry, it won’t last long! This Yamaha model G1 grand piano was purchased here in Albuquerque in 1980 at the authorized Yamaha dealership, Paul Muench Studios on south San Mateo Blvd. SE. As a result, it is happily acclimated and well-adjusted to our unique climate and the piano has had a very stable, serene and peaceful life here in Albuquerque. Pianos that have been moved a lot have more tumultuous lives and it usually shows in their internal anatomy. There is very little wear in the piano’s action and it’s obvious this low mileage piano wasn’t played very much. It is in excellent condition – structurally and aesthetically and the instrument should provide decades of musical pleasure and enjoyment. We will be happy to offer a two-year warranty. The original matching adjustable Artist bench with music storage is included and so is local first-floor delivery.

This instrument has the classic Yamaha tone-quality that the company has made their well-earned reputation on. It has a wide dynamic range and will play very quietly (pianissimo) through very loudly (fortissimo). The harmonic content (timbre) isn’t too bright nor is it too mellow and it is fairly uniform from section to section. Some Yamaha models are thought to be too bright or harmonic rich but this one has more of an American tone-quality, meaning left of center mellow with a strong bass response and a singing treble. Worn hammers are often the culprit with bright Yamaha’s. That certainly isn’t the case here. The duration of tone (sustain) is substantial which lends itself to classical music and standards. The attack isn’t percussive but more of a rounded one that once again, is more of an American quality. The touch is classic Yamaha, as well, very responsive, balanced and even, that will permit the pianist to play emotively and express themselves in their music. It is a wonderful instrument to sit down, relax and enjoy.

Yamaha pianos are well-known for their excellent engineering and design plus rigid quality controls in manufacturing. The G-series models (G1, G2 and G3) were built in the main factory in Hamamatsu, Japan where their more desirable models are built. Based on sales, this line of pianos is arguably among the most popular in the long history of grand piano building worldwide. The Yamaha piano-action is universally praised by musicians and technicians alike. Artists endorsements are numerous with Elton John coming to mind. Many colleges and universities have become “All-Yamaha Schools” as an attraction to potential students desiring quality pianos to practice and perform on during their studies. Yamaha pianos are well-known for being reliable low maintenance instruments requiring fewer tunings, repairs and regulation. This appeals to music department budgets. Current new Yamaha models have become very expensive for a variety of reasons including rising labor rates, costs of materials and unfavorable currency exchange rates so that makes this piano an excellent value comparatively, with other Japanese-built Yamaha pianos.

Beautiful piano tone-quality in a small 5′-3″ cabinet.

The Yamaha model G1 is built in the main factory in Japan.

Boston – Family of Steinway & Sons Pianos.

5’-4” Baby Grand Piano.

Steinway & Sons officials say that the Boston piano represents an entirely new concept in piano design. They launched their Boston line of pianos in 1992 with the stated goal of providing their dealer network a quality, moderately priced piano for those customers “who were not yet ready for a Steinway”. In keeping with this philosophy, Steinway offers a full trade-up value to upgrade to a new Steinway piano at any time in the future. They are designed by Steinway engineers and built in the main Kawai piano factory in Hamamatsu, Japan. Five models of grand pianos have been available. This Boston model GP-163 II grand piano and the other models are sold only through select Steinway & Sons dealerships. Having them built in Japan, Steinway takes advantage of the efficiency and high technology of the manufacturing process there, while utilizing its own prodigious design skills to build a piano with more musicality than is normally found in that part of the world. There is a natural inclination for consumers to compare the Kawai piano to the Boston, but most listeners believe Boston’s have a bit more tonal color and a warmer, more mellow sound with a little less attack. Though the piano was built to spec by Kawai factory employees the final custom voicing at the factory was done by Boston’s own piano technicians.

The most obvious design element in the Boston is its wide grand piano tail. The bass bridge is permitted to be located closer to the lively, central part of the solid Sitka spruce soundboard. It is larger too, in that area, enhancing the bass response. It also serves to smooth out the break between the bass and tenor/treble strings, which can be noticeable in smaller grands. Like the Steinway, a Boston soundboard is thinner and tapered for a greater freedom of movement. It’s thickness varies from 8mm in the treble to 6mm in the bass. The GP-163 is 5’-4” so it has longer strings (47” – #1 string speaking length) and once again, additional soundboard area (1776 square-inches) than the average baby grand of 5’. The Boston has a low-tension scale design in order to improve its duration of tone or sustain time, and bass clarity. This also permits the “singing treble” that Steinway & Sons pianos are well-known for.

Several design elements are similar or identical to the Steinway piano. Both use beams underneath that have radial bracing to reinforce the rim and contributes to the longevity of the soundboard crown. Their vertically laminated bridges provide better tonal transmission. Boston piano-actions incorporate many of Steinway’s refinements and their patents issued by the US Patent Office. Hammer flanges are rosette-shaped to match the hammer rail in both pianos to promote better hammer spacing, and their duplex-scale design with agraffes that are tuned enhances the treble tone quality. The middle pedal is a true Sostenuto function, another Steinway patent. Boston pianos are used exclusively by a number of prestigious music schools and festivals including Aspen, Bowdoin, Brevard, Ravinia and Tanglewood.

Kawai Piano US – Proudly Made in America.

  Voted “Acoustic Piano Line of the Year” five times by the industry magazine MMR, (Musical Merchandise Review). Renowned for their expressive tone and dynamic range that allow pianists to communicate with ease, this Kawai piano plays expressively, accurately and smoothly – like a warm knife through butter. The tone of the Kawai model 601-T console piano is European-inspired and mellow; not nearly as bright as some other Japanese manufacturers, though this model was built in their US factory in California. Many classical musicians own a Kawai piano as a low-cost alternative to an expensive Steinway & Sons or European model. A growing number of colleges and universities are becoming All Kawai schools, including our own New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Having quality instruments to play in their studies is a strong selling point for most music students and in the competition between schools, this helps increase that school’s enrollment. Low-maintenance pianos like the Kawai are also an incentive for a school with an eye on their Music Department’s budget and its recurring costs.

This piano is an economical well-built instrument that will offer decades of reliable enjoyment. Structurally it is sound and aesthetically in very good condition. Its condition is attributable to the modest amount of playing time it has received. It has lived here in Albuquerque for its entire life, so it is happily acclimated and well-adjusted to our unique climate. The Kawai model 601-T console piano is well-regarded and known to be reliable and virtually maintenance free. We had to do very little in the way of service in our piano restoration shop, tightening of the action screws, setting the strings, some minor regulating and then a concert tuning. The finish is a traditional American style satin lacquer American walnut finish. The cabinet style is Italian Provincial and features carved and fluted legs. The music rack is stylish and there is a sturdy music desk designed for heavy music books or long musical scores. The middle pedal is a mute rail for quiet play or practice. The original matching bench with storage is included. We also include professional first-floor, local delivery.

Playing this keyboard is as smooth as a warm knife through butter.

Carved and detailed Italian Provincial legs with fluting.

Built in the Kawai US factory in the Los Angeles, California area.

Steinway & Sons Living Room Grand Piano.

  A Steinway is built to be your last piano or an excellent reason to buy your last piano first. Few things you will buy in your lifetime will serve you so long, give you so much pleasure and at the same time maintain its value. A Steinway is a lasting investment. The Steinway model L ebony grand piano is a piano that offers abundant volume yet needs little more space than the smaller models. This instrument was purchased originally in 1982 at the Albuquerque Steinway & Sons authorized dealership, Riedling Music. It lived in a lovely home in Santa Fe surrounded by fine art and furnishings for many years, then came to us eight years ago and we placed it in another lovely home. The second owner is relocating now and sadly, can’t take the piano with them to the east coast so we are offering it for sale. Alexander Boggs is the owner of 88 Keys Piano Warehouse. He is a Steinway & Sons certified technician and has trained at the factory in New York twice and has also been the sole tech to service this piano for well over a decade. Alexander would be honored to continue his service with the next owner after the complimentary home tuning takes place. It is in excellent condition – structurally and aesthetically, and we will be happy to offer a two-year warranty. Because it has lived its entire life in this unique climate it is happily acclimated and well-adjusted. The new owner will enjoy decades of musical joy and gratification with this stately Steinway & Sons piano.

“Strive always to improve the piano.” Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg

This model L features the classic “Steinway sound”, having a strong, singing treble with a clear bell-like tone, a resonant tenor mid-range and a robust bass, rich in high harmonics. It radiates plenty of tonal cover with richness, depth and power. It is due to their combination of harmonics that distinguishes a Steinway from other piano makers. The duration of tone (sustain time) is lengthy, enabling legato phrases to be performed more musically. The dynamic range of volume is wide, allowing the pianist to play more expressively and emotively with feeling. The tone quality (timbre) is neither overly mellow and dull or overly bright and tinny. The mid-treble where most of the melodies are played is lively and “sings”, and doesn’t disappear under the background of an accompaniment. It has the raw power that most pianos aspire to but not the brash “loudness” that often results. And these are, above all, the reasons why only a Steinway sounds and performs like a Steinway.

2022 model O MSRP – $95,800.

2021 model O MSRP – $90,300.

2020 model O MSRP – $87,600.

The instrument of the Immortals.

All models of Steinway and Sons grand pianos offer a Diaphragmatic Soundboard™ (Patented 1936) where during manufacturing, far more fine Sitka spruce is left on the floor than actually makes it into the soundboard. The craftsmen expertly locate the very best cuts and discard the rest. The Steinway wood-buyer travels across the country to the mills and with an expert eye, selects the very best lumber himself. The soundboard is considered to be the soul of the piano. They also feature the Hexagrip Pinblock™ (Patented 1963). They are constructed by laminating seven layers of Canadian hardrock maple in a staggered grain formation. Each subsequent layer of the lamination offsets the grain angle by 45 to 90 degrees. The result is an even distribution of grain direction throughout the pinblock. This ensures that at least one layer has its grain directly in line with the stress acting on the pin. This technique allows the tuner to place the pin in the exact optimal location for a true “Concert Tuning”. That is the secret to how Steinway’s are able to maintain their world-renowned sound far beyond their last tuning.

The grands also feature the Steinway patented Accelerated Action™ (Patented 1936), enhancing the action to respond to the touch instead of being forced into action. Laboratory tests have proven that the keys on a Steinway can repeat 13% more quickly than any other piano. The same features that allow this faster repeat also provide a much more sensitive, responsive keyboard, an aspect that can be appreciated even by beginning pianists. The keys are made of Bavarian spruce. The quarter-sawn maple action parts are mounted on a Steinway Metallic Action Frame™ (Patented 1868 and 1875), which consists of a seamless brass tube with rosette-shaped contours, force fitted with maple dowels and brass hangers to assure the stability of the regulation. The Steinway grand also features the true Sostenuto™ pedal (Patented 1874). It is the middle pedal and it allows the pianists to determine which keys they want to resonate and sound, and those they want to dampen and not sound.

The early history of Steinway & Sons is fascinating and is intimately connected to the history of New York City.

Kawai 5’-10” Living Room Grand Piano.

  A pleasing fusion of clarity and complexity, European-inspired and mellow. This is undoubtedly why Steinway & Sons chose this factory to build their high-end Boston line of pianos. Renowned for their expressive tone and dynamic range that allow pianists to communicate with ease, this Kawai model KG-2C Grand Piano plays expressively, accurately and smoothly – like a warm knife through butter. The KG-series of pianos were immensely popular for Kawai here in the US and Canada. They were built in the main factory in Hamamatsu, Japan. The KG-series was re-branded to the RX-series later on and those were also a big hit. The inevitable comparison to Yamaha pianos discloses that the Kawai usually provides more piano for the money. They are normally 2-inches longer for the same model in the line. For instance, in this case the comparable model of Yamaha is only 5′-8″ in length. The additional length enhances the deep bass response and builds a little more foundation.

Since 1992, Steinway & Sons has had the Kawai factory in Japan build their very fine Boston line of pianos.

This piano was purchased new in Albuquerque at the long-time Kawai and Steinway & Sons representative, Riedling Music in 1977. It is in excellent condition; structurally and aesthetically. The cabinetry is a warm walnut with a traditional satin finish. We had to do very little in the way of service – mainly a concert tuning and some minor regulating. The previous owner had loved this piano, and they had serviced it faithfully, but they couldn’t take it with them in a move. The original duet bench with storage is included. The middle pedal has a true Sostenuto function. Local first-floor delivery is included.

The tone is European-inspired and mellow; not nearly as bright as some other Japanese manufactured models. Many serious pianists purchase the Kawai KG-series because of their tonal similarities to vastly more expensive Steinway models and the inability to afford them. It has a warmth that is very pleasant. The duration of tone is lengthy and lends itself to classical music. The treble has a nice singing quality. The bass response is excellent given the size of the scale. The overall tone quality is balanced across the compass of the keyboard.

The KG-2C was one of the largest selling pianos in the US at the time.