When I set out to purchase a new piano, I was looking for the absolute best. I was looking for the ultimate expression in hand-crafted quality and found it in the magnificent, clear-sound projection and superb structural finish of the Blüthner Model 2: made in their Leipzig works – one of 400 hand assembled pianos made there each year.

My quest took me through a range of piano and it soon became obvious that apart from the full -size concert piano, there were only two or three pianos to assess – the well known names. Over a period of some weeks I spent a considerable amount of time in showrooms, playing and discussing the different characteristics of the short list of contenders.

Whilst in some aspects there was very little difference between instruments, it soon became obvious that the Blüthner was of a superior quality in both sound production and appearance. The nearest contender had strong projection and extremely clear definition, but so then did the Blüthner Model 2 excel in the lyrical quality and warmth of its tone and its chordal clarity, not to forget the fine definition in the higher registers – all highly desirable attributes, especially for small concert presentation, for salons, drawing rooms, for the home.

This was a major expenditure and I have not been disappointed. It is, truly, a grand piano and I am getting enormous pleasure from my playing – could even kid myself my playing ability has improved.

For anyone waiting to invest in an instrument of this quality and in this price bracket, there is no doubt that the Blüthner Model 2 is the superior piano.

Hugh Paton
27th November 2007