Bechstein model V

Colour: Walnut
Year: c.1900

The Bechstein Model V is a rare antique grand piano dating from c.1900, offered here in a beautiful walnut cabinet, an instrument of genuine historical importance and outstanding musical quality. Bechstein grand pianos from this era are celebrated for their clarity of tone, wide dynamic range, and exceptional responsiveness, built at a time when the Berlin workshops were producing some of the finest pianos ever made. Priced at £9,995, this Model V offers a remarkable opportunity to acquire a concert-quality antique grand with authentic pre-war character.

This instrument has been carefully assessed and prepared by our specialist technicians at The Piano Gallery. The Bechstein Model V is well suited to the serious pianist, period music enthusiast, or collector seeking an instrument of lasting value.

Available to purchase online or to try in person at our Oxfordshire showroom. Contact us to arrange a private viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bechstein Model V?

The Bechstein Model V is one of the smaller grands in Bechstein's historical range, a compact and refined instrument built during the Berlin firm's golden manufacturing period around 1900. While smaller than the Model B, the Model V is still a serious musical instrument with Bechstein's characteristic clarity, precision, and tonal richness. It is well suited to smaller music rooms where a larger instrument would be impractical, while still delivering the authentic Bechstein concert experience.

How does a c.1900 Bechstein compare to a modern grand at a similar price?

A modern grand at this price offers reliability, consistency, and modern production standards. A c.1900 Bechstein is a completely different kind of instrument, historic, individual, and built with materials of a quality that simply cannot be replicated today. Old-growth spruce soundboards, dense hardwood rims, and the voicing philosophy of the Berlin workshops of 1900 produce a tonal character that many pianists and collectors find more captivating than any modern equivalent. This is an instrument of genuine historical and musical significance.

What is special about the walnut cabinet?

Walnut was a prestigious cabinet timber for fine pianos of the late 19th and early 20th century, prized for its rich grain and warm visual character. A walnut-cased Bechstein from c.1900 is both historically authentic and visually magnificent, suiting period interiors and rooms where the piano is intended to be a centrepiece. It is considerably rarer than mahogany or black finish examples from this period.

Is a c.1900 Bechstein a reliable playing instrument?

Yes, when properly assessed and prepared. This instrument has been carefully assessed by our specialist technicians at The Piano Gallery. The structural integrity of a Bechstein grand from this period, the cast iron frame and the rim, is effectively permanent. We are fully transparent about the condition of this instrument and happy to discuss it in detail before any purchase.

Is a pre-war Bechstein a good investment?

Pre-war Berlin Bechstein grands in good condition and attractive cabinets are among the most sought-after instruments in the antique piano market. The supply of quality examples continues to diminish while demand from serious buyers and collectors remains strong. A walnut Bechstein Model V at this price represents exceptional value and provenance. These instruments tend to hold or appreciate in value over time.