Bösendorfer Grands & Uprights

The Bösendorfer 130 is indeed physically an upright piano, yet, surprises with subtle nuances and the powerful bass of a grand piano. We have transferred refined craftsmanship and our sound philosophy in an upright form to this instrument. The precise action offers freedom in articulation and play with maximum controllability. The grand sound of this upright is by no means a surprise since the very Bösendorfer Artisans building our Concert Grands design and craft the Bösendorfer Grand Upright 130, nearly two centuries of sound crafting experience.

Our Grand Piano 155 has been designed to surprise at 5’1” by mechanical refinement in action, responsiveness of touch and repetition, with key characteristics of bigger Grands such as the 170. Designed in 2012, this Grand Piano soon found many followers who did not like to compromise artistic expression and freedom of articulation in an urban setting. The smallest of all Bösendorfer resonance cases already proves its ability to enchant the audience with an extraordinary spectrum of colours – keeping in mind the actual size of the instrument. Richness in colour, projection of enchanting nuances, repetition speed and responsiveness of touch are key qualities of a Bösendorfer Grand. This is why we have applied the same key characteristics we designed for the bigger Bösendorfer Grand 170. 

Ludwig Bösendorfer draws the first sketches of the Grand Piano 170 for the highly cultured salon society of Imperial Vienna. The result is an enchanting instrument for the private cheerful gatherings of the bourgeois, and nobility. More than a century later, this Bösendorfer Grand still enjoys popularity. A true Bösendorfer Sound experience even after more than a century of music’s history.

Bring the sound of a concert grand to your teaching studio, on a small stage – or take it home with you. Experience the unique qualities of the new VC technology. More than a century of piano manufacturing tradition combined with state-of-the-art technological possibilities result in an impressive volume of sound, brilliant colours and exceptional ability to project tone. With its compact dimensions, this grand piano masters the most demanding interpretations with ease. Close your eyes and be inspired by the unmistakeable sound – unique, multifaceted, expressive.

For more than half a century, this Bösendorfer Grand has been one of our most popular models ever. Its sound and dynamics unfold effortlessly in a concert as well as in your living room. The excellent action provides sensitive controllability and translates the artist’s intention to energetic expression. Finest musical nuances, warm sonorous bass and bright colours’ play resonate in timeless worlds of sound created by the artist. The audience is immersed in this universe joyfully musing about the vast variety of interpretations and genres heard. A moment of pure inspiration.

Experience the unique qualities of the new VC – Vienna Concert – technology, 7’ in length. Based on the success of our Concert Grand 280VC – having captivated audiences and artists on world renowned stages – we have further upgraded the design of our 214, combining close to two centuries of experience in piano crafting with the latest technological advances in 3D modelling. No doubt, we have also embedded the DNA of our Concert Grand. By only listening to the sound and dynamic responsiveness of this instrument, you would be surprised by its size. This energy is ready to be unleashed by the pianist. Brilliant in sound and expression: the new Bösendorfer 214VC – Vienna Concert. 

Gazing at the extra black keys of this Bösendorfer Grand the pianist immediately realises that this instrument is far from ordinary. This Grand Piano – like the bigger brother 290 Imperial – has been crafted dedicating to the tradition of Viennese piano building. With its unique design and size this piano delights by an exceptional multitude of colours similar to an orchestra. Delicately fragile pianissimo to brilliant fortissimo, this Bösendorfer Grand sways the audience – down to the Subcontra F. These additional bass notes do not only enrich the tonal volume of the instrument, but subsequently paint additional sound colours and open up an orchestral sound spectrum. This unique sonic presence in all registers is the sound basis of the popularity of the Bösendorfer 225 as chamber and solo instrument. A presence which leaves no audience unmoved.

The new Concert Grand 280VC – Vienna Concert – takes audiences and artists by surprise. Our engineering team has established a symbiosis of Bösendorfer’s legendary traditional approach to piano manufacturing and most recent, sophisticated scientific modelling and measuring technology. This Concert Grand has been reimagined from scratch, yet, remains true to our sound philosophy, further advancing our resonance case principle. Renowned pianists – trusted masters in the art of sound crafting – have been involved in perfecting the acoustic articulation of our 280VC. The elegantly sleek silhouette reflects the ease of this instrument in projecting brilliant soundwaves, just effortlessly. A sound as clear as diamonds, yet playfully gleaming like beaming sparkles of light. Breathtaking dynamics, astounding colours and exhilarating brilliance: the new Bösendorfer Concert Grand 280VC – Vienna Concert – represents the culmination of Bösendorfer’s legendary approach to piano manufacturing. The next generation of the Bösendorfer Concert Grand. Pure emotion at play.

The Italian composer, conductor and pianist Ferruccio Busoni meticulously transcribes the famous organ works of J.S. Bach. He soon realises that he requires additional bass notes in order to do Bach’s masterpieces and the immersive sound of 16 to 32 feet bass pipes found in an organ justice. Ludwig Bösendorfer is ready to take on the challenge and builds the first prototype having full 8 octaves in tonal range. Not only Busoni starts to appreciate the exceptional qualities of the – later coined – Imperial Concert Grand: Bartók, Debussy and Ravel compose further works to exploit the tremendous resonance of this very instrument. These oeuvres can only played and interpreted as they were meant to on this Concert Grand. Evoking an extraordinary sound – sonorous and rich in expression and resonance – the timbre of the Imperial Grand seems to be orchestral. The additional deeper bass notes resonate with every key you strike and the massive soundboard supports the projection of any frequency. Ludwig Bösendorfer’s Imperial still to this day represents the precious heritage of the Bösendorfer piano manufactory. Impressive in sound, imposing in appearance.

Resonance Case Principle

Contrary to all other manufactures Bösendorfer constructs instruments concentrating on the use of spruce. More than 80% of this wood, ideal for instruments, can be found in Bösendorfer pianos. Very similar in principle to a violin the whole body – not exclusively the soundboard – supports sound formation. The actual core of the piano rim consists of a 10 mm quarter-sawn piece that is specially grooved by our craftsmen to allow it to be bent to the silhouette around the inner rim – this is unique to Bösendorfer. When a note is played, the integrated spruce components become acoustically active, forming a complete resonating body that allows the whole instrument to project your play. For outstanding richness of tone colour and our legendary pure and brilliant sound. This complex construction is part of the Viennese tradition of piano making.

Naturally Wood

The basis of each Bösendorfer Grand is spruce that is naturally dried by air and has proven to be the ideal tone wood. The four seasons, sun, wind and wide temperature differences gently prepare this wood for its final purpose: to resonate. At Bösendorfer we use more than 80% of spruce tone wood building our instruments, more than any other manufacturer. Our Austrian spruce has to be grown at a minimum of 800 meters above sea level guaranteeing a very dense and regular grain structure. Harvested in winter, when the sap is at its lowest, it is subsequently quarter sawn for parallel grain. When you add the natural drying process to our manufacturing time, it actually takes 6 yearsuntil the Bösendorfer Grand arrives at your doorstep. Precious time, necessary to craft the unique Bösendorfer Sound.

Hand Spun Bass

All bass strings are spun in our unique Bösendorfer way. A steel core string is the basis for 1 or 2 layers of copper. The carefully spun strings are a substantial element of the warm and sonorous Bösendorfer bass.

Handcrafted in Austria

Bösendorfer Grands are not just an object of investment but of value that will last more than one generation. Our skilled Bösendorfer Artisans reveal the inner beauty of the Bösendorfer sound, unique in colour, dynamics and expression. Perfected throughout, passed on to inspire, generations. It takes the dedication of our Bösendorfer Artisans for up to a year to build your Bösendorfer Grand. A personal touch that you will sense the moment you play. Austrian quality, Viennese soul.

Independent Capo d'Astro

Bösendorfer is the only piano manufacturer that applies a detachable and independent Capo d’Astro in the upper register. This is how we assure most precise adjustment in the upper register guaranteeing the original Bösendorfer Sound for generations: Unique sound for more than one generation.

Bösendorfer Action

From delicate pianissimo to splendid fortissimo: A Bösendorfer Grand shows optimal controllability. Developed in cooperation with artists and technicians our action is crafted to our own, refined specification. This action is built to transfer the finest articulation of masterful play. Controllability at play.

Exceptional Touch

Bösendorfer keyboards are manufactured for us by Kluge in Germany. Each keyboard must comply with our technical specifications and meet the highest quality criteria. The patented Tharan coating – inspired by ivory – provides a pleasant feeling of play. Your touch that resonates.

Then & Now

In 2008, the Japanese enterprise Yamaha acquires Bösendorfer. Conscious and cautious about the precious heritage Bösendorfer is carrying, the Austrian manufactory remains fully independent and continues to be operated as separated Austrian Ltd, fully owned by Yamaha. Successfully restructured and fortunate to further develop distribution with a partner experienced and sophisticated within the music industry allows Bösendorfer to gain new strength. Bösendorfer works closely together with Yamaha when it comes down to selling our instruments, however, all Bösendorfer Grands are manufactured in Wiener Neustadt, exclusively. We are confident about our own product developments and latest engineering driven by our local Austrian team. Bösendorfer focuses on the premium manufacturing of close to 300 instruments per year, which are handcrafted close to Vienna, from where it all started.

 

Customer Reviews

I am really impressed by all the staff at your store. Jay was really knowledgeable and helpful the day we came by. And you sent me email to follow up, what a great team you guys are!! I will keep you guys in mind when it is time for us to upgrade. And we will definitely recommend you guys to our friends who are in search for a piano. - Frances Chen

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