Description
Piano Bösendorfer 290 Imperial
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 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. An outstanding richness of tone colour and a legendary pure and brilliant sound is crafted this way. This complex construction is part of the Viennese tradition of piano making.
A Bösendorfer Grand shows optimal controllability. Developed in cooperation with artists and technicians the action is crafted to their own, refined specification. This action is built to transfer the finest articulation of masterful play. Controllability at play.
All bass strings are spun in a unique Bösendorfer way. A steel core string is the basis for 1 or two layers of copper. The carefully spun strings are a substantial element of the warm and sonorous Bösendorfer bass.
Bösendorfer is the only piano manufacturer that applies a detachable and independent Capo d’Astro in the upper register. This is how they assure an utmost precise adjustment in the upper register guaranteeing the original Bösendorfer Sound for generations: Unique sound for more than one generation.
Bösendorfer uses the traditional sand casting to forge their frame. Their raw frames, produced in Austria, rest 6 months outside the factory. This is how all inner strain of the forging process are released allowing the frame to remain relaxed under 20 tons of string tension. Pure stability.
Tonal stability at its best: The open pinblock consists out of 3 layers of 7mm quarter sawn maple, glued cross-grained to each other. Settled on a base of red beech this construction offers a firm basis for the pins tied with strings. The top layer is refined with a 1.5mm walnut veneer. The open pin block: a sound basis indeed.
Each string is individually attached with a handmade loop. Over time this improves tuning stability and is particularly service friendly.
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. Bösendorfer uses more than 80% of spruce tone wood building their instruments, more than any other manufacturer. When you add the natural drying process to their manufacturing time, it actually takes 6 years until the Bösendorfer Grand arrives at your doorstep. Precious time, necessary to craft the unique Bösendorfer Sound.
The exclusive production of close to 300 instruments per year allows them to meet your individual requests. Whether you would like to apply precious veneers, your favourite colour or an emblem designed by yourself carefully engraved by master artisans: Anything is possible. Bösendorfer Artisans will prepare a colour sample, before they start production and collaborate with you on your design. After your approval, your very own, unique instrument is crafted: An instrument as extraordinary as you are.
Bösendorfer Grands are not just an object of investment but of value that will last more than one generation. Skilled Bösendorfer Artisans reveal the inner beauty of the Bösendorfer sound, unique in colour, dynamics and expression. Perfected throughout generations. It takes the dedication of Bösendorfer Artisans up to a year to build your Bösendorfer Grand. A personal touch that you will sense the moment you play. Austrian quality, Viennese soul.
The Concert Bösendorfer 290 Imperial and the Grand Piano 225 come with additional bass notes Model 225 has in total 92 notes and our 290 has 97 (8 full octaves) rather than the standard 88 keys. Certain works by Busoni, Bartók, and Ravel, can only be performed accurately on these instruments. Thanks to the enormous resonance board and the additional strings the pianist is able to enjoy an orchestral sound. Imperial in sound and appearance: the Bösendorfer Imperial Line.
Illuminating the Bösendorfer Sound universe on the world’s famous stages or within the intimate surrounding of your own 4 walls: Experience the brilliant Bösendorfer 290 Imperial Sound in concert.
