Steinway & Sons Model S at M. Steinert & Sons

Model S Overview

The Model S was designed to fill a need for a less expensive smaller grand than the Model M during the depression of the 1930s. It took six years to design. The reason was that Steinway would not market a piano based only on size–it had to have the “Steinway sound”. The result was the invention of the revolutionary Diaphragmatic Soundboard which gradually tapered the vibrant spruce in all directions thereby increasing the acoustic resonance, depth, and power of the soundboard relative to its limited size. For the pianist who has the least amount of floor space with which to work, yet insists on the best grand piano sound possible within those space restrictions.

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Steinway & Sons S 625777

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Steinway & Sons S u484993

Always wanted a Steinway baby grand? Here’s your chance

Model S Specifications

At 5′ 1″ (155 cm), this piano is the smallest of the Steinway grands.

Dimensions

Length: 5′ 1″ (155 cm)
Width: 57¾” (147 cm)
Net Weight: 540 pounds (252 kg)

Braces

3 solid spruce with a volume of 1,050 cu. In. (17,202cm3); Spruce provides tensile strength with less weight. Maple dowels fasten braces to rim & crossblock producing a single homogenous foundation upon which is built the tonal component. Note: Treble bell is not required in smaller grands of lesser tensions.

Scale

Overstrung; combination agraffe; Front AND rear duplex.

Tension: 32,332 lbs. (14,550 kg)

Ribs

Made from durable, resinous sugar pine to ensure 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: Twelve whole & one-half sizes from high-tensile Swedish steel.

Bass: Swedish steel core wire wound with pure copper.

Longest: Agraffe/bridge: 45½” (116 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.