C. Bechstein A228

C. Bechstein Academy A 228 semi-concert grand piano: a bravura instrument

The C. Bechstein A 228 semi-concert grand piano is a top-class instrument with an impressive sound volume and a professional action. It is available at a accessible price, even though it is not out of place on concert stages. Your gateway to the Bechstein world, the C. Bechstein Academy A 228 semi-concert grand piano enables you to enjoy at home the magic of the great German brand.

In recent years, Bechstein has been the focus of media attention like no other piano manufacturer. Journalists frequently reported on the continuous development and exceptional character of the German production site, where both the premium Bechstein pianos and the instruments of the C. Bechstein Masterpiece class are manufactured.

Typical features of the Bechstein sound

The A 228 semi-concert grand piano was developed at the C. Bechstein R&D department located in Seifhennersdorf, Saxony, and is rooted in the great Bechstein tradition. It is made at the adjoining production site using high technology and the best materials. For example, the case and the back frame are made using high-precision CNC technology, while a special procedure was developed to insert the soundboard with its active vibration properties into the acoustic assembly to ensure wonderful sound projection.

The professional action of the A 228 model boasts special hammerheads made by C. Bechstein, Germany. Perfectly trained piano-makers complement the high-tech processes as they perform crucial operations by hand, such as the voicing of the hammerheads or the insertion of the action into the case.

The elegant and noble character of the Bechstein sound stems from the special design of the acoustic assembly. Moreover, a slower sound transfer velocity decisively contributes to the sublime majestic voice of the instrument. As a result, the C. Bechstein Academy A 228 semi-concert grand piano is ideal for chamber music performances and playing in private music rooms.

CHAMBER GRAND

The SK-5 is the third piano in the Shigeru Kawai series, and is the perfect choice for stately homes, professional venues and intimate recital spaces. This series is an exceptional range of concert music instruments inspired by the designs of the company's founder, Koichi Kawai.

KIGARASHI SOUNDBOARD (KE-GAH-RAH'-SHE)

The conical soundboard of a Shigeru Kawai piano is exclusively crafted from the finest spruce wood, which has been dried using the traditional Kigarashi process. A material can only achieve its natural balance through a long period of air drying. This meticulously executed, lengthy process forms the foundation that gives Shigeru Kawai grand pianos their unique and full sound.

KONSEI KATAGI BELT (KON'-SAY KAH-TAH'-GE)

The exclusive Konsei Katagi rim leverages different hardwoods to achieve the ideal sonic balance. For the inner rim, finely porous hardwoods are used to provide superior brilliance and projection of the high-frequency range of the sound spectrum. These are layered with wider-pore hardwoods that offer warmth and fullness to the sound. The synergy of structurally divergent hardwoods produces a powerful and pleasingly rounded sound, which is the hallmark of Shigeru Kawai grand pianos.

THE MILLENNIUM III ACTION

Our Millennium III action utilizes extremely lightweight and rigid carbon ABS components to deliver faster repetition and more power with less effort. Microscopic surface textures on the action parts provide unique response and control.

SOLID STRETCHER OVER-LAP INTEGRATED DESIGN

The Solid Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design (SOLID) creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support the immense string tension. With SOLID design, the soundboard is manually fit to the rim. The soundboard and rim are then integrated into a single unit and securely fastened to the rim. The final harmonic structure possesses exceptional strength and rigidity, allowing for stable tuning and powerful sound.

THE SHIKO SEION HAMMERS

Shiko Seion hammers take their name from the Japanese words for "ultimate expression". They are created exclusively and proudly by our master piano craftsmen. Without the use of heat or artificial hardeners, each hammer is hand-pressed and tuned to produce a melodious, well-balanced tone.

EXTENDED KEYS

The overall size of the keys is extended to facilitate nuanced control across the entire playing surface. The key buttons also have an enlarged section to ensure increased resistance and power transmission.

CONCERT CAPSTAN

The use of hardwood maple key buttons adds stiffness to the keysticks for improved energy transfer. The redesigned key buttons on the Shigeru Concert Series instruments have been doubled in length to provide exceptional energy transfer and optimum power.

TEMAKI BASS STRINGS

In Japanese, the term "temaki" means "hand-rolled." During the slow temaki process, the master craftsman patiently hand-spins each bass string for absolute precision and tension, ensuring rich character and superb depth of sound.

SPRUCE STRUTS

Spruce is known for its unique ability to conduct and preserve sound energy. However, it is generally considered too valuable and costly to be used as a structural material. In Shigeru Kawai pianos, all interior struts are made entirely of the finest spruce.

CONCERT BRIDGES

Identical to those used on our renowned SK-EX concert grand piano, Shigeru Kawai concert bridges are individually made from brass bars to ensure optimal precision and strength. This results in a clear, powerful, and impressive tone.

DOUBLE PIVOT DAMPER

Every feature of a Shigeru Kawai piano demonstrates the meticulous attention given to the needs and demands of professional pianists. The double pivot damper mechanism, originally developed for the Shigeru Kawai EX concert piano, is the only one that allows smooth and precise control of half-pedaling for delicate tonal expression.

BOXWOOD BRIDGE CAPS

Boxwood is an extremely sturdy wood that is particularly effective in transferring higher frequency sound waves from the bridge to the soundboard. Boxwood bridge caps provide a projection of the treble range that complements the powerful bass of grand pianos.

EXQUISITE CRAFTMANSHIP.

The passion for excellence lies deep in the heart of every Shigeru craftsman.

UNRIVALED PROGRESS.

True creativity can never stop striving. It must continually progress and evolve.

THE EXPERT'S CHOICE

PIANOS MADE TO PERFECTION.

SEMI-CONCERT GRAND

Measuring seven feet six inches, the incredible Shigeru Kawai SK-7 is surpassed only by the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand in terms of full sound and exceptional dynamic range. Few other pianos in the world can match the robust tone, subtle power and responsiveness of the Shigeru Kawai SK-7.

KIGARASHI SOUNDBOARD (KE-GAH-RAH'-SHE)

The conical soundboard of a Shigeru Kawai piano is exclusively crafted from the finest spruce wood, which has been dried using the traditional Kigarashi process. A material can only achieve its natural balance through a long period of air drying. This meticulously executed, lengthy process forms the foundation that gives Shigeru Kawai grand pianos their unique and full sound.

KONSEI KATAGI BELT (KON'-SAY KAH-TAH'-GE)

The exclusive Konsei Katagi rim leverages different hardwoods to achieve the ideal sonic balance. For the inner rim, finely porous hardwoods are used to provide superior brilliance and projection of the high-frequency range of the sound spectrum. These are layered with wider-pore hardwoods that offer warmth and fullness to the sound. The synergy of structurally divergent hardwoods produces a powerful and pleasingly rounded sound, which is the hallmark of Shigeru Kawai grand pianos.

THE MILLENNIUM III ACTION

Our Millennium III action utilizes extremely lightweight and rigid carbon ABS components to deliver faster repetition and more power with less effort. Microscopic surface textures on the action parts provide unique response and control.

SOLID STRETCHER OVER-LAP INTEGRATED DESIGN

The Solid Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design (SOLID) creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support the immense string tension. With SOLID design, the soundboard is manually fit to the rim. The soundboard and rim are then integrated into a single unit and securely fastened to the rim. The final harmonic structure possesses exceptional strength and rigidity, allowing for stable tuning and powerful sound.

THE SHIKO SEION HAMMERS

Shiko Seion hammers take their name from the Japanese words for "ultimate expression". They are created exclusively and proudly by our master piano craftsmen. Without the use of heat or artificial hardeners, each hammer is hand-pressed and tuned to produce a melodious, well-balanced tone.

EXTENDED KEYS

The overall size of the keys is extended to facilitate nuanced control across the entire playing surface. The key buttons also have an enlarged section to ensure increased resistance and power transmission.

CONCERT CAPSTAN

The use of hardwood maple key buttons adds stiffness to the keysticks for improved energy transfer. The redesigned key buttons on the Shigeru Concert Series instruments have been doubled in length to provide exceptional energy transfer and optimum power.

TEMAKI BASS STRINGS

In Japanese, the term "temaki" means "hand-rolled." During the slow temaki process, the master craftsman patiently hand-spins each bass string for absolute precision and tension, ensuring rich character and superb depth of sound.

SPRUCE STRUTS

Spruce is known for its unique ability to conduct and preserve sound energy. However, it is generally considered too valuable and costly to be used as a structural material. In Shigeru Kawai pianos, all interior struts are made entirely of the finest spruce.

CONCERT BRIDGES

Identical to those used on our renowned SK-EX concert grand piano, Shigeru Kawai concert bridges are individually made from brass bars to ensure optimal precision and strength. This results in a clear, powerful, and impressive tone.

DOUBLE PIVOT DAMPER

Every feature of a Shigeru Kawai piano demonstrates the meticulous attention given to the needs and demands of professional pianists. The double pivot damper mechanism, originally developed for the Shigeru Kawai EX concert piano, is the only one that allows smooth and precise control of half-pedaling for delicate tonal expression.

BOXWOOD BRIDGE CAPS

Boxwood is an extremely sturdy wood that is particularly effective in transferring higher frequency sound waves from the bridge to the soundboard. Boxwood bridge caps provide a projection of the treble range that complements the powerful bass of grand pianos.

EXQUISITE CRAFTMANSHIP.

The passion for excellence lies deep in the heart of every Shigeru craftsman.

UNRIVALED PROGRESS.

True creativity can never stop striving. It must continually progress and evolve.

THE EXPERT'S CHOICE

PIANOS MADE TO PERFECTION.

High-end piano hand-made in Germany

An instrument with a marvelous singing voice made for professionals and advanced piano players.

A mid-sized yet very powerful parlour grand piano, the C. Bechstein Concert A 192 model is made to meet the requirements of music conservatories and demanding piano players. A professional action and a lyrical voice with wonderful colours, singing treble, powerful bass and perfect register transitions make the C. Bechstein A 192 irresistible.

The C. Bechstein A 192 model is a versatile parlour grand piano that boasts all the manufacturing details typical of a concert grand. Although this model meets the requirements of recording studios and music conservatories, its convenient dimensions and sound volume make it just as suitable for playing at home.

A half-tail as precious as a jewel 

The mid-sized C. Bechstein A 192 parlour grand piano is ideal for finishes in noble veneers or marquetry that make it a feast for the eyes. Don’t hesitate to ask your dealer for veneer samples and special finishes.

Like all C. Bechstein grand pianos, the durability of the A 192 model is world-renowned and stems from manufacturing processes that involve a wealth of craftsmanship and last for several years. Rest assured that your children and grandchildren will love your A 192 as much you will. Its membrane-soundboard-system, for example, retains its excellent tension and vibration characteristics for decades. Ask your dealer for an in-depth presentation of the system developed by C. Bechstein for managing the sound and energy cycle of the soundboards hand-made in Germany.

The resonance of a grand in a small format: the GL10 of Kawai

The GL-10 offers the same meticulous attention to detail and quality found in our larger pianos, with a classic "baby grand" profile that fits most rooms.

Touch

Millennium III Upright Action

The Millennium III Upright's action features components made from ABS-Carbon, a composite material created by infusing carbon fiber into our famous ABS Styran. ABS-Carbon is incredibly strong and rigid, enabling the creation of lighter action parts without compromising strength. The result is a more powerful, faster action offering greater control and stability than conventional all-wood actions. 

Extended Key Length

Longer keys make the game easier to play and offer a more uniform response from the front to the back of the playing surface. The benefits for the player are better control and more power with less effort.

Tone

Solid spruce conical soundboard

The soundboard is the heart of a piano. Its role is to transform the vibrations of the piano strings into a rich, resonant sound. Kawai uses only solid quarter-grain spruce for the K series soundboards. Each soundboard is strategically tapered to maximize its tonal capacity. Only those that meet or exceed our strict quality standards are selected for use in our professional upright pianos.

Staples

The staples ensure precision in string alignment, spacing and angles to produce a more uniform tone and consistent vibratory length of each note.

SOLID' (Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design)

The "SOLID" construction creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support the tension of the strings. First, the windchest is mounted on the frame. Then, the windchest and yoke bar are integrated into a single structure, firmly anchored to the waistband. The extraordinary thickness of the yoke bar illustrates the structural integrity of this sturdy frame, designed to ensure stable tuning and powerful sound.

Specifications

Weight & dimensions

A parlour grand piano for connoisseurs

Hand-made in Germany! The engineers in the C. Bechstein R&D department developed the exceptional B 212 parlour grand piano in close dialog with numerous pianists and conservatory teachers. Many features of this wonderful instrument are similar to those of the C. Bechstein C 234 and D 282 concert grands.

The C. Bechstein B 212 parlour grand piano generates unrestricted playing pleasure and is the ideal everyday companion of pros and advanced amateurs in search of the very best. This parlour grand piano suitable for recitals is frequently found in conservatories and private music rooms.

Manufacturing secrets

The manufacturing processes of the C. Bechstein B 212 parlor grand piano include secrets gathered by the brand’s piano-makers since 1853, as well as the latest discoveries of the C. Bechstein R&D department. Perfect mastering of the tensions within the acoustic assembly imbues each instrument with its own distinctive personality. The soundboard of a grand piano in the C. Bechstein A C. Bechstein Masterpieces have soundboards that reacts like a vibrating acoustic membrane and transforms the tones into long-lasting pleasures that unfold like blossoms. Moreover, the cast iron frame was redesigned to optimize both the sound duration and the acoustic energy.

A windchest composed of nine layers of high-quality wood enables particularly fine tuning and ensures optimum tuning stability. At the C. Bechstein production site in Germany, a high level of vertical integration ensures the highest possible quality for all parts, including the hammer heads. This is why the mechanics of the C. Bechstein half-tail are so precise and professional. Bechstein B 212. This piano will win you over with its noble, transparent voice, rich in nuances, and its wonderfully cultivated touch. C. Bechstein B 212: a masterpiece made for you.

Dimensions and weights