C. Bechstein grand and upright pianos are true artists. They open a world of color, an array of nuances. They enchant musicians by their distinctive transparency, the perfect touch, the balance between dynamic power and a singing, lyric voice. Below is a list of the Grand Pianos in their long and distinctive history.
Up to around 1902, Bechstein built 5 sizes of grand; these were known as models I to V (‘roman’ 1-5). The largest was the Model ‘I’ which was 9ft (275cm) long; Bechstein’s Concert Grand.
- The Model ‘II’ was 8ft 4in (254cm) long;
- The Model ‘III’ was 7ft 8in (234cm) long;
- The Model ‘IV’ was 7ft 2in (218cm) long;
- The Model ‘V’ – the shortest and most frequently built – was 6ft 7in (200cm) long.
In most instruments (not the earlier models) the identifying number is cast in the
iron frame near the far end underneath the bass strings.
In 1902, Bechstein changed the styles and lengths of all grands made, and 5 new
models were introduced – E to A.
- The Model E replaced the ‘I’ above – same length but revised style;
- The Model D was 8ft 2in (250cm) long;
- The Model C was 7ft 4in (225cm) long;
- The Model B was 6ft 8in (203cm) long;
- The Model A was 5ft 11in (182cm) long, but had 85 notes (not 88).
Footnote:
The models ‘V’ & ‘B’ are often confused as they are the same length, the ‘V’, like all earlier grands always had a ‘fish-tail’ style cabinet, whereas the ‘B’ – built after 1902 – did not.
During the 1920s demand increased for smaller grand pianos, and in common with most other manufacturers, Bechstein introduced 4 more (smaller) sizes, the K, L, M & S. The models B-E continued to be built.
- The Model M was 5ft 10in (178cm) long, and replaced the model A, but with 88 notes;
- The Model L was 5ft 6in (168cm) long, also known as ‘Lilliput’ model;
- The Model K was 5ft 1in (155cm) long;
- The Model S was 4ft 7in (140cm) long.
Footnote:
The smaller grand pianos L & M were good sounding, well-built instruments, but the baby grand sizes K &
suffered from the loss of string-length, and are considered by some to be slightly disappointing in terms of tone quality.
