Wilh. Steinberg Pianos

The certificate on each WILH. STEINBERG soundboard is the guarantee of quality and richness of sound. Val'di Fiemme spruce grows very evenly at an altitude of more than 1000 mtrs. Its extraordinary durability is essential for the long-lasting tension of the sound board. This timber is much sought after by piano-builders but the long-standing business relationship with the Ciresa company guarantees that there will be an adequate supply of wood for the WILH. STEINBERG factory in Eisenberg.

CHOC - Le Monde de la Musique. This annual test in Paris in which 300 master piano-builders participate, evaluates pianos from Germany, Europe, Asia and USA and is one of the most important competitions worldwide. WILH. STEINBERG pianos have won the prize three times since 1994 because they have such a delightfully rich tone as well as representing outstanding value for money.

We take special care in the natural forming of the sound boards of WILH. STEINBERG instruments, as this is essential for the rich tone and durability for which they are renowned. This is where the blend between modern production and century-old experience in the piano -building trade becomes clear. In an era where the production of goods is getting more and more dependant upon time-limits and the rapidity of production lines, we give the sound boards (which represent the centre-piece of our instruments) the time they need to acquire their necessary characteristics in a natural way, and we are proud of this traditional, time-honoured method.

Following careful drying in regulated drying rooms, the sound boards are shaved and the ribs, which are also shaved and pointed by hand, are fitted manually. After this procedure the sound boards are left to rest for 3-4 weeks in a carefully regulated environment. The regulated atmosphere, the humidity and the adjusted ribs lead to a natural curvature of the sound board and enable the instrument to take on the pressure of the strings and achieve maximum tonal quality. We place great importance on this professional method "from the good old times", that our piano-builders have perfected. It ensures stability as well as richness of tone. In modern factories this process is usually rushed through with the help of curved presses.

Chrome fittings are an attractive alternative to classical style repolished brass. They give the pianos a unique designer character with a touch if individuality, especially when combined with our very fine high-gloss black cabinets.

All WILH. STEINBERG instruments are fitted with the renowned Renner actions from Stuttgart. They contribute significantly to the beautiful sound and touch of the uprights and grands from Eisenberg.

The hand-shaved wooden sound board ribs are glued to the back of the soundboard asymetrically and additionally plugged 5 times each. This represents an expensive, but very effective method of piano-building which ensures richness of sound in our pianos for years to come.

We are well aware of the careful thought that goes into purchasing a piano, and it is certainly not a decision to be made lightly. A good quality piano which holds its tune well simplifies the task of learning to play and helps to develop a good musical ear. In the long term it pays dividends to invest in a quality piano to start with.

The strings on our grand pianos are fitted after the rims have been glued into position. Although this is a complex and costly method of construction, nevertheless it is well worth it because it helps to improve the final warmth and depth of tone, and it is a method only applied in the worlds finest grands.