🎹C Bechstein Concert 8 Upright Piano Review and Demo - C. Bechstein Concert Series🎹
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
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#CBechsteinConcert8 #CBechstein #UprightPiano
Introduction:
In this piano review video, Stu Harrison of Merriam Pianos guides takes an in-depth look at C. Bechstein’s ultimate upright piano, the legendary Concert 8 Upright Piano. The piano is widely regarded as the finest upright piano money can buy, and for good reason. Virtually every best-practice in piano building (grand or upright) is found on the instrument, from full agraffes, vertically-laminated bridges, tapered Val Di’ Fiemme red spruce soundboard, fanatically balanced and regulated action, and bass response similar to that of a 6’ grand.
Bechstein likes to crow about this model, but it’s hard to blame them after having played the instrument for several hours...it really is a mind-blowing piano that removes virtually all of the musical advantages that a similarly priced grand might have held otherwise.
The Sound:
The tone of the C. Bechstein Concert 8 is complex, sustaining, and clear. Each note produces a vast array of well-balanced harmonics, and the soundboard is responsive enough to maintain the clarity of every tone even when pushed with thick chords at high volumes. The treble is strong with a beautiful singing attack with very low hammer noise, and the mid-range is lush with plenty of tonal palette to play with. The bass is warm without being overly resonant, and the transition to the bass from the tenor is barely detectable, like a fantastic 6’ grand.
The bell-tones on the attack overall produce a shimmer that gives a visceral effect on a player, and the delicate details at low volumes makes it a sheer delight to explore on...these are aural artifacts and ‘easter eggs’ that most upright pianos simply can’t produce.
At the heart of this magical tone of course is the Italian Red Spruce soundboard, from the famed Val Di’ Fiemme. THe very same source of spruce that Stradivarius used for his violins.
Action:
Just like the other Concert-series Grand Pianos from Bechstein, the Concert 8 is equipped with Bechstein’s Gold Action, which is their top design combined with hundreds of hours of refinement. They feature matured hardwood materials, dark walnut hammer crowns, double-felting, super-premium felt, and of course voiced and regulated to the max. As a result, C. Bechstein Concert Actions (Gold Action) are near perfect out of the box. Perfectly balanced, beautifully fluid, and capable of the most subtle nuance without being lightly weighted or timid when pushed.
Other Features:
The Concert 8 has agraffes bottom to top, a “double duplex” stringing technique, and a fully integrated frame and plate structure for maximum sympathetic resonance. The entire frame of the instrument is designed to amplify the tone, much in the way a grand is, while deadening the less ‘attractive’ resonating components within the instrument.
Conclusions:
As much as one must marvel at the high price tag for this instrument, at over $70,000, you must also pose the question: even in a grand piano, could you purchase an instrument with finer tone for less money? The answer of course is no. I’ve played the occasional Shigeru Kawai that may come very close, but by and large most customers would, on average, need to spend 100k+ to achieve this level of finish and detail in a piano.
The Concert 8 is as deserving of the claim “Finest Upright In The World” in 2019 as it was 50 or 100 years ago, and every bit worth a try if you can find one.
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Man!... this channel is like the show 'Top Gear' but for pianos! Love it!
If Stu reviews a terrible piano, will a Morris Marina inexplicably fall on it?
@@MathsYknow : hahaha!
Just played one today and my mind has not recovered. It's actually the best piano I've heard up close and it's easily the best I've played in all respects. Oddly, IT'S AN UPRIGHT.
After playing a Steinway D on a concert hall stage last summer, I decided that I need an acoustic piano in my life again, so I started educating myself on piano buying. I don't have room for a grand, so I focused on uprights. Stu's videos were my primary source of information, and watching them over several months really helped me. I boiled my research down to the Kawai K800 and the Bechstein C8. A brand new Kawai was in my budget, but not a new Bechstein. In the end, I bought a used Bechstein C8 in excellent condition for about 30% of today's list price. After polishing the case and the brass bits, it's hardly distinguishable from a new piano.
After 3 months and 2 tunings, I can't believe what a wonderful piano this is. I have some problems with 2 buzzing bass strings, but my piano technician says he can fix that.
Another problem we had was that the booming sound of the C8 was just too big for our house. The solution was to order a piece of 4cm think foam, cut to the size of the back of the piano. The foam sits between the piano and the wall - no need to attach it to anything. The result feels like the grandiose sound is being attenuated by about 15 dB, bringing it down to a comfortable level for my family and guests.
Thanks to Stu for making all these videos all these years!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for sharing your story and congratulations on finding what sounds to be an exceptional deal on a Bechstein Concert 8! It is widely regarded as the best upright piano on the planet and, personally, I tend to agree. I know it will serve you well musically for many years to come. And thank you for tuning in and supporting our channel. We appreciate it! :)
You can't hide how much you like playing on this piano...
Thanks so much for your great video!!!
I played a C. Bechstein Concert 8 today. What a great piano. I am almost sorry that I tried it. It will spoil me for other pianos.
I just played the smallest C Bechstein Millenium/K116. Hell even this small piano blew my mind!!! 🤯
Stewart, this review made my fingers tickle. I spent the last weeks strolling through the piano shops. I played Seiler, Blüthner, August Förster, Grotrian-Steinweg. The Grotrian-Steinweg and Blüthner were particularly beautiful. Then I accidentally found myself in the Bechstein showroom on a rainy Saturday afternoon and played three different Concert 8 pianos. I was amazed how different they all sounded, each instrument being a unique piece of craftsmanship. The sales clerk ask: Did you try our Concert 6? So I did, and it blew my mind. It had a wonderful dark, melodious character and a perfectly balanced sound. The quality of the action was like nothing I had ever played before.
So I think the important note here is that with the Concert 6, the Concert 8 has a little brother that is made by exactly the same standards, from exactly the same materials, only to a slightly smaller size (and slightly smaller hole in your pockets). Christmas is coming to town, and I though: why not treat yourself with a nice present? I'll have it deliverde next week. 😃
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am so happy to hear that you discovered the incredible expressivity and musical power of the C. Bechstein Concert series uprights. While the Concert 8 is a staple at our primary showroom, we have not had a Concert 6 as of this time. I am personally quite excited to play it as I am a massive fan of the Concert 8. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your new piano when it arrives! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks Brent! I believe it is worthwhile having both instruments in your showroom to give customers a choice between both series. With the Concert 6, I certainly didn't feel I was buying the "lesser" or "cheaper" instrument. For smaller rooms, the Concert 6 might even be the better choice.
H S wrote "why not treat yourself with a nice present? I'll have it delivered next week. 😃" ~ Hey, if you ever need a roommate, let me know!
@@CatherineSTodd Thanks for the offer. 😁 I did play various pianos when I was looking for the right one for me. I must say for 12,800 €, the Seiler Ritmo was a good piano at an "affordable" price. But with all the inflation, what's the point sticking to the bucks? I only live once, so it was the C. Bechstein! I made the right choice. The action is sooo soft and responsive, I never experienced anythink like that before, particularly not on an upright. I used to play with the moderator on my Zimmermann to reduce the noise, now I can play as softly as I like and I don't use the moderator at all. The sound is wonderfully rich and mellow. But I must warn you. My rocky Billy Joel ballads sounded better on the bright and projecting Zimmermann. The Bechstein is just not the perfect rock / pop piano. Though Keith Jarrett sounds just fine.
@@HS-wp5vb wrote "I only live once, so it was the C. Bechstein! I made the right choice." That statement really knocked my socks off and made me think about the exact same thing - even though I would normally NEVER spend money like that on myself! I can't even remember spending a few thousand dollars on myself.
But reading your comments and hearing this gorgeous piano is making me reconsider, at this late stage. And I have a beautiful house but a not-quite large enough living room for my baby grand, so this upright might be just the ticket. Like you said, "you only live one!" Gracias, amigo. Post some videos of your music online!
Really nice review....thanks very much. I own a C. Bechstein 124, the “little brother” to the Concert 8. But there’s really no comparison, 48” vrs 52” and $60K vrs $30K. Still the 124 is pretty nice. Thanks again for the review.
Beautiful piano the C124! I love it. Yes, in a larger space the Concert 8 will definitely deliver the bass response unlike no other. Beautiful instruments all around! -stu
Probably the best upright piano in this category! Just beautiful...
@@davidalarconquinones87 Yes but I prefer the Concert 8
Man... your playing... mmm... tasty jazzy chord progression with juicy melodies and harmonies!
Your playing is amazing!
You said it Stu! Quite remarkably the ‘best’ upright in the world.
This upright is very impressive. Stu, your reviews are the best. Can you please compare the Concert 8 with the R124. How close are they? How much more are you getting with the Concert 8?
w-t-f do you play at 6:00 - that is stunning. The way you can't hide your enjoyment during the play is great :D amazing review.
Playing this piano almost everyday, I can fully confirm everything said.
That is an excellent testimonial! Thanks so much for tuning in! :)
Very great piano and playing. Can you please make a review about the C.Bechstein 118. That would be also fantastic.
Claude Debussy had one and wrote most of his piano music on one. It's a very responsive, live sounding piano with surprising dynamic range. If you were to compare this piano to any 5'2" baby grand, you'd probably prefer this piano. Besides it has a far smaller footprint in your living space. This Bechstein harp is about the equal to a 5'6" grand. It's one of the upright pianos that you remember after you've played it. Of course I have my favorite uprights which include the Fandrich uprights, harps are German or Czech but have Fandrich's own action that actually performs comparably to a grand action. These pianos are all very expensive. Can you play at least as well as this fellow? Would you know the difference? One begins to ask questions concerning the very purposes of life, art and music. A Bechstein 8 is not just any piano. Those who can, will. Best
David Burton wrote the best reply of all: "Can you play at least as well as this fellow? Would you know the difference? One begins to ask questions concerning the very purposes of life, art and music. A Bechstein 8 is not just any piano. Those who can, will."
David Burton wrote: "Those who can, will." AMEN. And thank you for helping me make my decision today!
I just tuned a 1904 Haines brothers 58" tall upright grand with Birdseye maple interior and it truly is amazing how incredible a large upright can sound.
That's awesome! That is a very big piano! There are some beautiful older piano with wonderful cabinetry. Plus, the massive size provides a very unique, broad tone. :)
I am in love with this piano just based on this review. Can you please compare the weight of the Concert 8 keys with those of a Yamaha SU7 upright.
Very good interview, but I really wish that pianoreviewers took the effort to properly mic up the piano (even a stereo handheld recorder would do) so that we really can grasp some of the nuanses of the instruments. I’ve seen reviews of 200K grand pianos recorded in mono…
Thanks for tuning in! We're glad you enjoyed the review. I would have to double check with our production team to see if the same standard was applied here, but we typically use a paid of stereo condenser microphones to capture the pianos we demo and review.
After seeing your video, I ran to the closest store that represent Bechstein in my area. They had advertised a month ago that they had the C.Bechstein Concert 8 Upright. The action is incredible. It's not as heavy as the Blüthner though. My ear is not train well enough to grasp every subtility of the piano. It sounds way better when you play it than when I did.
I'm not sure that you mention it but the pedal are angle down. I was very surprised by that.
I'll have to pass. It doesn't come with a soft close fallboard... XD
The music played by Stu Harrison of Merriam Pianos, who is demonstrating the piano, is so beautiful... I wish I knew some of the names to hear more! Thank you so much for posting. Now I wish I had bought this piano instead of my baby grand (if I ever had the money!) Thanks so much for posting, and "gush on!"
Thank you kindly for taking the time to tune in and share your kind words! We appreciate it. I will be sure to pass on your kind words to Stu on your behalf! :)
The Concert 8 is a stunning upright piano, but, with that said, there are certainly many benefits to a baby grand piano. The aesthetic alone of a grand piano has the power to completely change the look and feel of a room.
@@MerriamPianos Yes, pass my words on! We would all love to hear Stu play MORE!
Stu, can you please review the Steingraeber&sohne 130 and or 138, thanks
Very informative... I have not played a modern Concert 8.... I have played K 132 Schimmel Bluthner model B Bosendorfer 130 Grotrian Concertino and Steinway K 132... So far its the Steinway I like the best... especially the bass,,,,,
Best presentation of them all, you got so moved that you played a hymn. Who woundn't want this piano!
Thanks for tuning in! I definitely agree. The Concert 8 is a magical instrument. :)
3:49 Stu, what is this music? I feel like I know it but can’t place it. It’s driving me nutty trying to recall this melody 🎶. Thank you for your fantastic reviews. We just purchased (in Sydney, Australia) a Kawai K-800 thanks to your many excellent observations and advice. We love it and you’re correct, it’s “a beast”. 👍😄 Someday, a Bechstein Concert 8, I hope.
What a fantastic sounding piano I love this C. Bechstien Upriht I consider this one is the best upright piano in tha market including big name. Overall it sounds so complete and musically rich, It’s a very versatile sounding piano. As you said it can easily compete the ant expensive baby grand. Great review as always. Thanks for sharing you knowledge. 🙏❤️
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! I certainly agree with the sentiment. The C. Bechstein Concert 8 is remarkable and one of the finest upright pianos ever created. It is a dream to play and experience! :)
Sorry, but I see that you also have Seiler pianos. Would it be possible to review it? Especially the efficiency of the magnetic repetition action and their asymetric soundboard. Thanks
Hi Stu trank you for this Great review. I am about to Buy an upright piano -- and cannot Really decide between a new A124 , I loved the sound and bass- and an old concert 8 from 1908 - completley „refurbished“. - Both have the Same Price. Trank you so much for your help. Right now I am having a steinway Grand A 188 - -
Hi Stu! Really interesting... I've been searching the web for some comments on the topic of " C8 best upright " and would like to read some specialized articles (other than Larry Fine's, which are the ones most easily found) on the subject. Can you point me to anything? The question is fascinating because we are discussing very high end uprights . Thank you, keep up the good work!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The C8 is a remarkable upright piano with unparalleled expressivity in my opinion. Larry Fine's articles are excellent resources and the ones that I would recommend reviewing. He is a human encyclopedia of pianos and quite the guru to say the least. In addition to Stu's video review, you could also check out our product page on the C8 here:
www.merriammusic.com/product/c-bechstein-concert-8/
There may be some specification info that the other articles didn't cover.
I did play one last year in Hong Kong..
I'd like to play it again
I'm glad to know that a sostenuto pedal can be attatched..
I think its the best upright piano ....having played almost all..
It is hard to find a better upright piano on the planet than the Concert 8!
@@MerriamPianos I want to play the bew Ant. Petrif 136 cms ( I've played the 135 cms )
I might be wrong, but I think Claude Debussy owned an upright Bechstein Concert 8, and a Blüthner concert grand as well (with the famous aliquot mechanism).
These would certainly be instruments worthy of being the musical companion to such an incredible virtuoso! ;)
Finest? Well, it's a great upright of course. Arguably finest but there's another. There is the Bösendorfer 130 and Steingraeber 130/138. But I think the argument would be between the C. Bechstein Concert 8 and Bösendorfer 130 because the Steingraeber isn't as known (but those that know it put it up there with the other 2). It's a pleasure to listen to this instrument and get information on it.
All these are in Category 1A..... ( Larry Fine book )....
@Konstantin Ridaya no offense intended, but I don’t think the Petrof uprights even compare to the Bechstein concert line. That’s WHY they are half the price…
Thank you.
This is the piano that I would buy today if I was in the position. I should probably buy a house first. Lol
How does the upright action on this model behave vs others (and decent grands)?
How does Concert 8 stack up against the Bosendorfer 130 ? or the Steinway k-52 ( I know these are excellent but for the 40~50k range what would be your choice? : )
The hymn sounded beautiful. To bad that we don't buy that kind of instrument in churches. Where I go, it's grand and an organ in the Sacrament room and upright in the classes. I wonder how long it would last with all the kids banging the notes... (They have Yamaha P22 instead). Thanks for you review. I now know why this instruments worth the price of a grand.
I am downsiding and selling my fazioli 278 for beckstein concert c. Does it have as good as an action as the 278? That was the reason I adored my 278 because I could play pieces on this piano that I couldn't even touch on my Steinway. If it has the same kind of action I am sold
Stu mentioned that Bechstein had recently been updating the Concert 8 with the newer manufacturing techniques. What year did this start happening? My understanding is that Bechstein moved into its new Czech factory in 2007.
The Bechstein Academy and Concert/Resident instruments are not manufactured at their Czech factory. The W. Hoffmann lines are manufactured there. I'm not entirely sure as to when the major shift in manufacturing practices changed. With that said, it is fairly common practice for companies to be constantly refining their most high-end lines and models. Given the latest expansions and updates to the Concert/Resident and Academy lines last year, I would not be surprised if even more recent manufacturing tweaks have been made to the Concert 8 model during that time. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
I wish a qualified company would make a Concert 8 VST
Link to hear more music on this wonderful piano? I can't find it in the notes or elsewhere. Looking forward to MORE!
Here you go: :)
ua-cam.com/video/dk6GPtlnocU/v-deo.html
@@MerriamPianos : heading there now!
i wish i could buy this piano without having to sell a kidney on the black market to afford it lmao. So freaking beautiful. I hope one day that I'll be in a position to buy this. It has such a gorgeous sound
Does it do fast repeat notes like a gravity action grand?
My favourite piano! I wish I could afford one 😀
Well maybe it shoulda been close miked room reverb kinda robbed warmth. Probably just that I listened on my phone
esse tem som de Piano de Cauda
This is one 132 upright I have to still play.
I've played Steingraeber Bluthner Bosendorfer Grotrian Schimmel Seiler Petrof August Forster Sauter ( I think it was above 122 cms... and K 132 Steinway which I felt so far was the best in Hongkong..But the ones in Frankfurt I didn't like.
I know, stu doesn't seem to like Steinway but man, I played a k52 and it was pretty fantastic. It's an extremely "present* piano. Like the presence dial has turned all the way up and it has amazing overtones, and the treble never seems to over power the bass, it's like they voiced it like a choir with the big bass and the powerful concise treble.
@@JordansTake35 I've played k132 Hamburg...very good though.not all pieces...
Some were average..
Sometimes quality just shines through.
I wholeheartedly agree! The Concert 8 is one heckuva piano! :)
where is that B-Roll of the Back you said you would show????
I would have to check in with the production team about that.
So it doesn't have double duplex scaling? Do uprights ever have that?
The Concert 8 has agraffes from top to bottom and does in fact utilize a double duplex stringing technique. :)
Thank you for another great review ! Thats a wonderful piano ! Maybe it would be difficult as they are rare but could you review the Yamaha SU 7 ? Or could someone tell me where that fits in these higher end uprights ?
You're welcome! Thanks for the suggestion! That might be a difficult one to tackle, but, if one happens to come through one of our showrooms, we will certainly cover it in a video review/comparison. :)
Thank you !
How does this compare to a Kawai K800 ?
K 800 is 5/10 ...U5 Yamaha 6/10..But then depends on what one can afford..But then get a used one or at least a used Japanese grand
Teng, go for the K800, save up and then trade that in for concert8. for me Kawai sounds much better than Yamaha.
Why are uprights, which sound beautifull, placed against a wall...??
Just turn it 180°, you will love it.
I think we have become inclined to do so for aesthetics and space purposes, but there is something to be said for giving the soundboard a little bit of air to breathe and truly speak! :)
Can you make a comparison of the concert 8 with the steinway K132 and the Yamaha SU7 please sir.....!!!!!! PLEASSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestion! We are not Steinway and Yamaha dealers, but, we do get quite a few Steinway and Yamaha pianos come in on trade. If we get those particular models in, we will certainly tackle a comparison for you. :)
Do C Bechstein 124 residence and Concert 8 have the same action?
Yes - both use the Gold Action...although geometries are obviously different due to the height, both are finished off to the same tolerances and quality level. Thanks!
sky high price.... but I still wish i could afford one....
Used ones cheaper
interesting. Where is the b-roll ???
We'll have to up the B-roll game for the next Bechstein video! ;)
How much are these?
The MSRP for the C. Bechstein Concert 8 is $72,000 USD.
Maybe you you should have had this piano tuned by a real concert technician before presenting it as the ultimate upright. The unisons are all way off.
Please compare this to the Casio GP-500,
We got the Concert 8 and it's fabulous. I wanted someone to compare the way Casio imitated the Bechstein sound.
Stu is honest to a fault.
I wish I could hear it in real life. Although hearing it through UA-cam is great, I've found the differences between pianos to not be as pronounced
For sure! While we do our best to capture every piano's tone as faithfully as possible, hearing these gorgeous instruments in person is the best way to get the full experience of their musical potential. :)
Seriously too bright for my taste, I prefer the warm tone of the Bluthner
That is certainly fair. Every player will gravitate towards a different tonal profile of course.
Less talk and more playing. Get someone else to demonstrate this instrument. Your playing only uses the middle range. I want to hear the entire instrument.
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your feedback. I will pass it along to the production team.
Better buy a grand, waste of money to spend so much on an upright
you can't get a grand for that money
@@johnholmes912 sure you can. You can get a good grand for such money
@@HodGabriel you couldn't buy a decent grand for that money twenty-five years ago