Bösendorfer creates first “Artist Series” piano [NAMM12]
January 22, 2012
Bösendorfer has announced its Model 200 SPGK “Klimt”, the first in a new line of “Artist Series” acoustic grand pianos.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt.
This new model features:
- The Klimt model will be limited to a maximum of 25 units
- Each unit will have an individually numbered solid brass plate
- Made in cooperation with the Belvedere Museum, Vienna
- High resolution image of “The Kiss” and through advanced reprographic techniques is on the inside of the lid of our 200 model
- Our craftsmen further customize it by applying additional elements of real gold leaf
Bösendorfer Klimt Artist Series grand piano
That’s all the information we have, but you can see from the picture how special it looks.
A 25 instrument special edition. Bösendorfer. Acoustic grand piano.
How much will it cost? If you have to ask that, you definitely can’t afford it.
Bösendorfer Model 155 SP compact grand piano introduced [NAMM12]
January 22, 2012
Those wanting the amazing acoustic grand piano experience but in a smaller frame size will be interested to here that renowned piano maker Bösendorfer (owned by Yamaha) has revealed its Model 155 SP.
As model numbers reflect the length of the piano in centimetres, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that this grand piano is 155cms (about 5 foot 1 inch) in length.
Before this, Bösendorfers were a minimum of 170cms (5 foot 7 inches) in length.
Bösendorfer Model 155 SP acoustic grand piano
It’s the first new model from Bösendorfer in a decade, featuring the customary single stringing, separately cast screwed–on capo d’astro and the open pin block on the cast iron plate, resonant case principle with no corner joints as per the model 170, and the same key length as models 170-200.
That’s it. That’s all you’re getting for now. Hopefully we’ll get information about availability in due course.
Steve Jobs: Bösendorfer grand piano fan
October 8, 2011
Among all the tributes to Apple’s former CEO, Steve Jobs, came an interesting tidbit from a close friend, Austin technologist Andrew Heller:
After dinner, Steve and I and the baby would sit under the Bösendorfer. When Steve bought the Bösendorfer for Apple, he bought one for himself. So he had two of these nine-foot grands. He would play with the baby under the Bösendorfer when we were working.
It seems that, not just in the field of cutting-edge technology, Steve Jobs had an eye for beauty and function together — something the Bösendorfer encapsulates.
(Via KUT News)
Sound Magic releases Bosendorfer-inspired Imperial Grand software
April 27, 2011
Sound Magic has made a big splash in announcing its new Imperial Grand software and VSTi versions for Windows.
Based on a rich, dark Bosendorfer grand piano, it uses a patented NEO Hybrid Modelling Engine and Artificial Intelligence Assistance Tool in an attempt to go beyond what many digital pianos (both hardware and software based) can offer.
The AI tool is supposed to help pianists to shape the sound and style of piano they want, without using a lot of technical sound engineer jargon that tends to lead to confusion and frustration.
AI tests the connected keyboard, recording its velocity response and pedal support, and then makes suggestions on how the sound can be shaped to the player’s liking.
The Imperial Grand software includes HD Velocity Layers, claiming to be 500 times more sensitive than the 127 velocity steps commonly found on MIDI controller keyboards. It includes features like adding subtle nuances to notes repeated at the same velocity, helping to remove the ‘flat’ feeling sometimes associated with digital pianos. Notes are melded more accurately during legato passages, improving realism.
Other features include the ability to virtually move microphone positions to achieve a different sound. The 264-string Sympathetic Resonance System adds harmonies to pedal up and down notes. True Staccato Mode more accurately reproduces these notes when played, while a built-in professional reverb engine simulates resonances found in a real soundboard.
Here’s the product page. It costs €99 and comes with €50 worth of add-ons.
Piano is ultimate art status symbol
April 27, 2011
Much as I like my digital piano, it’s really only a substitute for the real thing. I love acoustic grand pianos, and it’s only a lack of space and money — yes, only — that’s stopping me from having one.
Naturally I love the sound and feel, and also the look. However, I’m not sure I’d go so far as to have the body customised.
Yet some are using the grand piano to make an artistic statement.
Steinway & Sons recently created a $1.5m art case piano for a Chinese art collector. Bösendorfer works with artists and architects to style a client’s perfect piano.
“The piano is more than a musical instrument. It is a symbol of sophistication, spiritual and financial wealth,” says Tibor Szabo, whose San Francisco firm restores and sells European art case pianos.
Very high quality pieces can appreciate significantly in value as art itself, though “ordinary” grand pianos, when well looked after, also hold and increase their value after about five years, according to experts.
An art case piano not only is a sublime expression of the musical and visual arts but may be a rewarding personal investment as well, a piece of “living furniture” to be experienced to its fullest (given proper care) even four or five generations from now.
Yamaha intros two new acoustic grand pianos: C3XA, C6XA
April 11, 2011
Yamaha has updated its line of C Series acoustic grand piano with the introduction of the C3XA and C6XA, enhancing the design of the soundboard, the ribs, and the braces.
The two instruments have the following features:
Soundboard and ribs
In order to give shape to the rich reverberation of the XA, Yamaha focused on the soundboard’ s crown. The piano’ s strong ribs have been redesigned and glued to the soundboard, resulting in a perfectly shaped crown with excellent stability.
Braces
In order to integrate the braces perfectly with the soundboard, the ribs, and the instrument as a whole, their design has been totally revamped – for example, the back beam, which is located behind the key bed, is now considerably larger. Thanks to these enhancements, the piano delivers a sound that is solid and sustained, powerful and splendidly resonant.
Music wire
To accentuate the acoustic properties of the instrument as a whole, the XA features a new type of music wire, capable of producing a wonderfully bright, highly present sound.
Music holder
The music holder has been redesigned for the pianist who appreciates the joy of playing just as much as the piano’ s exquisite tone, with a shape that embodies the rich sound and exquisite tone of the XA. Meanwhile, the lamp stand on the right-hand side sports the XA insignia with pride. These, together with a host of other enhancements, conjure up an air of luxury while portraying a visual interpretation of the piano’ s sound.
Pricing of acoustic pianos is notoriously difficult so we’ll leave that to your ingenuity. Availability to be confirmed.
Elton John donates piano to BBC Radio 2
November 25, 2010
Sir Elton John, blessed with more than one piano, has donated his signed Yamaha DC7 to BBC Radio 2.
Marking Sir Elton’s unique contribution to the UK radio industry, it will be used in a series of unique live performances on shows including Weekend Wogan, Radio 2 In Concert, Jamie Cullum’s weekly jazz show and Friday Night Is Music Night. The piano will also be available to artists who perform tracks from The Great British Songbook on Simon Mayo’s Drivetime show.
Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming, Radio 2 and 6 Music, commented, “It’s rare that Radio 2 receives such a generous gift, and we’d like to thank Elton for offering artists who visit the station the opportunity to perform on it and, hopefully, interpret Elton’s own work.”
Yamaha CF Series of handcrafted concert grand pianos introduced
February 8, 2010
Yamaha has announced its new CF Series of handcrafted acoustic grand pianos.
The three models, including the full-size (9 foot) CFX concert grand, the CF4 (6’3″) and CF6 (7′), are based on extensive research and development including play testing with some of the world’s top classical performers.
The new CF Series is unique in that many artists got involved with the design,” said Mark Anderson, marketing director for Yamaha’s Keyboard Division. “Most excelled in all music genres, but the focus was on classical performance. The result is an instrument that will appeal to the world.”
“We compared prototypes on stage in large concert halls against the best our competition had to offer in order to evaluate their positive qualities, as well as their limitations. Using this knowledge, we can now offer players incredible artistic possibilities.”
The CFX replaces Yamaha’s acclaimed CFIIIS concert grand piano.
Full specifications and exact launch date are to be confirmed.
Yamaha C7 grand piano accompanies Star Wars: In Concert
September 17, 2009
The greatest film saga and the greatest film music composed will come together this fall for Star Wars: in Concert, a multi-media touring event that will feature a Yamaha C7 grand piano.
Star Wars: In Concert combines John Williams’ unforgettable music, performed by a live symphony orchestra and chorus, with specially edited footage from all six Star Wars films. Through each musical piece, audiences experience the key themes, characters and story elements of the epic Star Wars saga in a fresh and exciting way.
Live narration by Anthony Daniels, who portrayed C-3PO in all six films, introduces each segment of the two-hour show, guiding audiences on a remarkable journey into the heart of a galaxy far, far away.
In addition to the main event, guests will have access to an exclusive exhibit of Star Wars costumes, props and production work, gathered from the Lucasfilm archives.
The worldwide concert tour begins Oct. 1 in Anaheim, CA at the Honda Center and plans to hit 50 North American cities before embarking on a global jaunt. To purchase tickets and see the full tour schedule, visit www.StarWarsInConcert.com.
31 Brilliant Piano Photographs
June 24, 2009
Here are thirty-one really cool photos of upright and grand pianos, their innards and their surroundings, arty and close-ups.
Click on any of the photos to go to the original Flickr photostream and to view them in larger sizes — many benefit from being seen in much greater detail, particularly those of the insides of pianos.
Enjoy.
1. Grand Piano by Spojení
I love the perspective and colours on this grand piano. Spojení describes it as a “lousy picture” but I really like it.
2. Grand Piano by Kentfield
Yes, really is made out of LEGO. Ironic that this Grand Piano is in fact a tiny model.
3. Grand Piano by crabchick
Another grand piano’s inside here, again with lovely colouring. I love the patterns formed by the strings and how plush everything looks.
4. Grand Piano by unforth
A lovely ornate 19th grand piano, so decorative.
5. Miro Grand Piano by codepo8
Just love the colours and sense of fun of this Schimmel grand piano. Definitely one for the kids… of all ages.
6. Grand Piano by pajp
OK, it’s a really blurry and grainy shot but I still see something artistic in this piano.
7. Under the Hood by warrenski
Yes, another grand piano’s innards. More subtle colours to the previous photos.
8. The Piano by Arjun01
The interior of a baby grand piano, in black and white. Definitely click through to the full size image as the lines of the hammers and strings is pretty special.
9. Ivories by Jono Rotten
Photo of a weathered piano, dirtied keys, fading and bronzing of the ebony.
10. The Piano’s Been Drinking by Hryck.
A close up of damaged keys, this piano’s not in a happy state at all but it’s definitely artistic even if it would be uncomfortable to play.
11. Torley on Piano – awesomelicious art by Wynter Bracken
Just love the colouring on this art composition.
12. Piano Tombstone by NatalieMaynor
Definitely an original gravestone, this.
13. Piano Keys by mararie
These types of shots are very common, but I love the light falling on these keys and the texturing that comes out from them.
14. Piano by MaltaGirl
Lovely black and white shot of an upright piano.
15. Fats Domino’s Piano, Post Katrina by delgaudm
“In the Cabildo in Jackson SQuare, there is a small room with artifacts that will be included in a Katrina Exhibit. One of the items on display is Fats Domino’s piano. This was a practice piano of his, and is pictured on one of his album covers.”
16. Piano Keys by Gog Llundain
Another close-up of piano keys — F, F# and G — with texturing.
17. Dirty Piano Keys by eflon
Shouldn’t let a piano get into this state, but it’s a great shot nonetheless.
18. Piano Strings by easement
More lovely colours and geometry.
19. Chickering piano by ktylerconk
Close-up of the logo of this Chickering piano.
20. Hammer of Piano by Hoder Slanger
Close-up of a piano hammer mechanism.
21. 2 Remaining Pianos by Luiza
Graffiti on these pianos which have been placed outside. Very interesting shot.
22. Moo Piano by Frostey
Definitely decorated as a cow, this upright piano in the meeting house of Friends Camp, South China, Maine.
23. Piano by t.spang
Another piano in house surroundings, with great reflections coming from the polished body and lovely shadow effects.
24. Piano Keys by isaac bowen
A really clean shot of this keys close-up.
25. 2.16.09: ivory by Team Dalog
I really love the colouring, out of focus photo. “A set of keys that haven’t been tickled in a while, I must say. You can see middle C is a little lower than the rest of ‘em, and the reason for this is that it gets stuck all the damn time.”
26. My Love Affair With the Piano by cristina.m
Piano keys trailing into the distance. Lovely perspective and colouring here. The structure of the foreground keys is great.
27. Abandoned by eflon
This is probably the piano that yielded its dirty piano keys. Definitely abandoned. Great shot though.
28. A better class of busker? (mono) by Mrs Logic
This amazing photo definitely needs a closer look. Wonderful composition, bizarre setting.
29. Hammers and Brass by chelseagirl
Another really cool piano innards shot, golds and oranges.
30. The Pink Octave by active metabolite
Just love how this photo has been composed. Great colour.
31. Chords by sanbeiji
Superb close up of the piano strings.
