Steinway Model O
Steinert Overview
This was the first of the Steinway “Miniature” grands–O (5’10 3/4”), M (5’ 7”), L (5’10.5”)– manufactured before the Great Depression and all designed by one man–Henry Ziegler, the son of Doretta Steinway Ziegler, the daughter of Henry Steinway, the founder of Steinway & Sons. Henry Ziegler was a design genius that perfected the largest Steinway also created most of the smallest Steinways. Steinways have no cousins, only siblings. The reintroduction of the round tail Model O in 2005 (replacing the 5’10” Model L) has delighted pianists with its balanced tone. rich bass and ultra-responsive action.
The New Model O Customer
| Who it’s for: | Who it’s NOT for: |
|---|---|
| For the more discerning amateur or professional teacher who must have the beginnings of the true “grand sound”. | Not for restricted spaces that can only accommodate an S (5’1”) or M (5’7”) and for those who want the smallest Steinway that still gives the impression of a larger Steinway in the bass, tenor, and treble projection and power. |
The Model O(5’10”) was introduced in 1900. Only 3 years earlier, in 1897, Alexander Steinert called the Bryant & Stratton Business School, and asked them to send their brightest young bookkeeper for an opening in the Boston store. Jerome F. Murphy, 16, answered the call and started at the Steinert office on January 14, 1897 at a salary of $6.00 per week.
MODEL O Specifications
At 5′ 10¾” (180 cm), the Model O is the largest of Steinway’s “small grands.” This piano is large enough to satisfy those who demand a full, rich sound, yet sized to fit in almost any home.
The Steinway O can be ordered with any of the Steinway Crown Jewel finishes.
Dimensions
Length: 5′ 10¾” (180cm)
Width: 57¾” (147 cm)
Net Weight: 616 pounds (280 kg)
Braces
3 solid spruce with a volume of 1,253 cu. In. (20,528cm3); Spruce provides tensile strength with less weight. Maple dowels fasten braces to rim producing a single homogenous foundation upon which is built the entire tonal component. The Steinway & Sons iron wedge anchors brace ends securely to crossblock assuring permanent rim posture.
Scale
Overstrung; combination agraffe; Front AND rear duplex.
Tension: 41,888 lbs. (19,000 kg)
Ribs
Made from durable, resinous sugar pine to assure strong and constant support of string down-bearing on the soundboard; rib ends are hand-fitted.
Tuning Pins
Premium blued steel; rust-resistant, nickeled heads
Strings
Treble: ten whole & one-half sizes from high-tensile Swedish steel.
Bass: Swedish steel core wire wound with pure copper.
Longest: Agraffe/bridge: 54⅛” (137 cm)
Hammers
Premium wool top felt and under felt; treated to resist insects and moisture. Compression-wired to maintain permanent shape. Hard rock maple hammer moldings and shanks.
Dampers
Horizontal-cut premium wool for effective dampening with maple heads for endurance.
Keys
European spruce, individually weighed-off. Chip-proof, stain-resistant coverings for naturals; slip-proof, adbraded ebonized sharps. Durable Linden wood buttons reinforce keys over balance rail, permitting maximum tonal power with every strike. Longest key: 19″ (48.3 cm).
Keybed
Made from planks of quarter-sawn spruce. Horizonal and vertical birch planks present a vented system for humidity escapement. Crowned and reverse-crowned action frame gives a snug fit, intensifies key movement and prevents “slapping” during heavy playing. Large maple dowel ends provide a solid mount for adjustable brass touch-regulating screws. Thickness: 1¾” (4.45 cm).
Pedals
Heavy, solid brass. Soft, sustaining, and full sostenuto.
