Robert Estrin - piano expert

Steinway VS Baldwin: Listening Test!

Listen to the difference between these two great pianos

In this video, Robert shows you the difference between Steinway and Baldwin. Which one is best?

Released on February 22, 2023

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DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.

Video Transcription

Hi, this is Robert Estrin here at livingpianos.com, your online piano resource with a piano test drive of two of the great American semi-concert grands, Steinway and Baldwin. In the day, concert artists had a choice because Baldwin supported concert pianists around the world with their concert instruments. Of course, Steinway won the marketing war, and it is really the only de facto choice for touring artists because putting concert grands in every major city in the world is a very daunting task.

But in the day, Baldwin was making amazing pianos. So I'm going to play a brief excerpt of the Chopin G-minor Ballade on first the Steinway Model B from 1981, and then this Baldwin SF 7-foot semi-concert grand from 1967.

Oh.

Beautiful fluid action. Let's hear how the Baldwin compares now with the same musical excerpt.

Also a beautifully refined action. I'm really interested in your opinions here at livingpianos.com and YouTube. Leave your comments and your impressions of these two magnificent American semi-concert grands. Again, I'm Robert Estrin. This is livingpianos.com. Thanks so much for joining me.
Find the original source of this video at this link: https://livingpianos.com/steinway-vs-baldwin-listening-test/
Automatic video-to-text transcription by DaDaScribe.com
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Comments, Questions, Requests:

susan v on March 15, 2023 @9:56 am PST
Dear Robert, I so appreciate your content and skill. RE: Baldwin vs Steinway, I found the Baldwin much brighter compared to the muddier Steinway. While the playing action may be equally fluid, the sound is not as clear. KIndly do not post comment from here to end. Please forgive this final comment The higher notes in your program's final flourish seem out of tune and tinny. What do you think? I still appreciate your expertise, but often end the video before the flourish ends.. I hope this last part is just a private note. Most sincerely, Susan
Alice * VSM MEMBER * on February 26, 2023 @1:02 pm PST
I vote for the Baldwin…but I may be prejudiced since I own a Baldwin Acrosonic. And I love it!
reply
Robert - host, on February 27, 2023 @8:31 am PST
For a spinet, the Acrosonics were nice pianos!
Alice Chiappetta * VSM MEMBER * on February 27, 2023 @10:27 am PST
Mine is an upright! The top can be raised on an angle from the right side to provide crisper quality sound.
Julie * VSM MEMBER * on February 23, 2023 @1:06 pm PST
I thought the Baldwin was much nicer.
reply
Robert - host, on February 23, 2023 @3:10 pm PST
It is a great piano!
Douglas Johnson * VSM MEMBER * on February 23, 2023 @6:30 am PST
A good question.

I have deteriorating hearing. Maybe more than moderate. I have to take out my hearing aids when I practice on the piano. I listed to your demonstration and I really can't tell the difference.

I am 96 years old and enjoygin listening and seeing your videos.
Try to put some of them into my practical use.
reply
Robert - host, on February 23, 2023 @10:11 am PST
Beethoven created some of the world's great masterpieces when he had lost his hearing. So you have the benefit of technology to allow for the enjoyment of music that even Beethoven didn't have!
Ronald Verwer * VSM MEMBER * on February 23, 2023 @4:25 am PST
Give me a Baldwin any time of the day: day or night!!!
It has a clearer sound and crisper tone.
KATHLEEN * VSM MEMBER * on February 22, 2023 @9:05 pm PST
I really likes the Baldwin Concert Grand better. The sound was richer to my ear. Thanks for playing them both.
NATHAN * REGISTERED USER * on February 22, 2023 @7:25 pm PST
The distance from the camera was different, so the Baldwin was louder, and it was harder to compare. For me, it's hard to tell. I grew up playing my Mom's new 1979 5'8" Baldwin though, and it still sounds amazing more than 40 years later. But I love my 1970 Yamaha U3!
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Robert - host, on February 22, 2023 @9:51 pm PST
The camera position has nothing to do with the audio on the video. Both pianos had the exact same microphones inside them set at precisely the same levels. So the only difference in sound was due to the pianos.
Alcide FERAGNOLI on February 22, 2023 @3:28 pm PST
The Baldwin piano seemed to sound better to me
reply
Robert Estrin - host, on February 22, 2023 @9:53 pm PST
Both pianos offer compelling qualities. There are people who have preferred each of the pianos. However, there seems to be quite a number of people who are surprised to prefer the Baldwin.
Howard * VSM MEMBER * on February 22, 2023 @3:02 pm PST
Hi, Robert. The Baldwin, for sure.

I know you previously posted a comparison using the Steinway B and it still sounds somewhat muted (I know you are using the exact same mics and positioning). Guess I'd have to hear it in person.
Tosh * VSM MEMBER * on February 22, 2023 @2:11 pm PST
It's like comparing one type of apple to a different one. Depends on ones's individual tastes I believe. For me, being a violinist, it's like comparing a
Stradivarius to a Guarnerius...the latter sounding more masculine and robust, at least to me...but both sounding beautiful in their own way. Similarly the Baldwin sounds more robust and masculine than the Steinway.
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