Steinway grand model guide
Steinway Model C
The Model C is a large Steinway grand between the Model B and full concert Model D. It is principally encountered as a historical or restored instrument.
Its scale and projection suit substantial music rooms, recital spaces and smaller halls where a Model B may not provide enough capacity but a concert grand is unnecessary.
Model C specifications
Historical dimensions vary by period and factory. The measurements below are a practical reference for the larger version commonly described in older records.
Model
C
Large grand
Length
About 227cm
Approximately 7ft 5½in
Width
About 155cm
Approximately 5ft 1in
Production
Historical model
Hamburg and New York examples
A large grand for a substantial acoustic
The Model C’s longer scale can provide greater bass development, projection and dynamic headroom than a Model B. That capacity needs space: hard surfaces, low ceilings or close walls can make a large piano difficult to balance.
For recital or institutional use, assess whether the action remains controllable under repeated playing and whether the tonal preparation serves both solo and ensemble work.
Potential settings
- Large private music rooms
- Recital and rehearsal spaces
- Teaching institutions
- Smaller halls with suitable acoustics
Assessing a Model C
Identity and history
Confirm model, serial number, factory, exact length and known provenance. Production history differs between Hamburg and New York.
Restoration scope
Inspect wrest-plank, soundboard, bridges, strings, frame and action. A large historical grand can require substantial structural and action investment.
Preparation
Test quiet control, repetition, tonal transitions and projection. Voicing should suit the destination acoustic, not only the workshop.
Compare Model C with B and D
The Model B is shorter and more flexible for domestic and studio use. The Model C provides additional scale without the full dimensions of a Model D. The concert Model D is designed for the largest performance demands.
Because Model C examples are less common, condition and restoration quality matter more than finding a theoretically ideal year or finish.
Considering a Model C?
Send the serial number, photographs, exact dimensions and restoration documentation for an initial discussion.
Explore the Steinway range
Compare the full grand range, browse current pianos, or ask the Oxford team about a specific instrument.