Rebuilding Legends: The Art & Heart Behind Besbrode’s Steinway Collection
July 10, 2025 by Sophie
As a pianist, you understand the sacred dialogue between your fingers and the keys—the intimate connection where touch meets tone, and craftsmanship meets expression. At Besbrode Pianos in Leeds, this musical communion is cherished and revived through the meticulous restoration of Steinway grand and upright pianos. Each rebuild is not just a technical endeavor but a celebration of heritage and artistry.
"A Steinway can have a strange magic" Martha Argerich
Steinway at the Summit: Tradition, Nuance & Craft
Founded in 1853, Steinway & Sons remains the gold standard of piano making. Trusted by international competitions, conservatories, and concert artists alike, Steinways are revered for their sonic individuality and responsiveness. Whether it's the compact Model S or the majestic Model D, every Steinway has its own voice.
Hamburg vs New York: Two Voices of the Same Legacy
Though built to the same design, Hamburg and New York Steinways offer subtle tonal distinctions:
- Hamburg models are often described as possessing a brilliant, focused projection—favored by pianists such as Mitsuko Uchida, Marc-André Hamelin, and Artur Rubinstein.
- New York Steinways, on the other hand, are known for their warmth and rounded depth, preferred by legendary artists like Vladimir Horowitz.
Vladimir Ashkenazy on Hamburg’s Brilliance vs New York’s Depth
“The Hamburg Steinway had a more brilliant sound while the American piano had a richer bass.”
The New Yorker 1980
Ashkenazy ultimately chose one of each to be used in Carnegie Hall performances, a testament to the unique virtues of both styles.
Touch & Tone
What unites all Steinways—regardless of origin—is their responsive action, allowing for the most nuanced pianissimo and thunderous fortissimo. The instrument becomes a true extension of the artist, reacting effortlessly to intention and emotion.
The Besbrode Approach: Antique Styling, Modern Voice
Step into Besbrode's Steinway showroom, a gallery of grands and upright models — a unique blend of vintage cabinetry and state‑of‑the‑art mechanics.
View our current collection of Steinway pianos
What makes Besbrode’s rebuilds so distinguished?
- Historic aesthetics meets a modern mechnism – many examples showcase antique cabinetry with exotic veneers preserving the charm of a bygone era whilst posessing a brand new action
- 100% Steinway parts – a new action, new bridges, new strings, new agraffes, new pins, new dampers, new felts, a new Klüge keyboard, all fitted by Steinway Academy trained technicians in Germany
- Comprehensive restoration – soundboard, iron frame gilding and cabinet refinishing at Steinway's Inam factory
Why Choose a Besbrode Rebuild?
- Affordability Without Compromise: Experience a new Steinway mechanism at a fraction of the price
- Highest Craftsmanship: Restored by professionals trained to Steinway’s highest standards
- Timeless Character: A perfect marriage of vintage design and modern playability.
- Future‑proof performance: Enhanced longevity ready for concert life or long-term private use
View our current collection of rebuilt Steinway pianos
At Besbrode Pianos, we offer a welcoming, relaxed environment to explore our extensive Steinway collection. With over 25 rebuilt and pre-owned Steinway models in stock at any one time, you can compare pianos from a wide range of manufacturing eras—from antique treasures to modern classics.
Appointments ensure you have space and quiet to test instruments thoroughly—just you and the music.
For pianists seeking an extraordinary instrument with character, precision, and soul, Besbrode’s collection offers an unparalleled selection in the UK.
