Bosendorfer 170 c.1973

Colour: Mahogany Satin
Year: 1973

The Bosendorfer 170 is a 170cm grand piano hand-built in Vienna, an instrument from one of the world's most revered piano makers with a history stretching back to 1828. This c.1973 example, finished in mahogany satin and priced at £11,995, offers a rare opportunity to own a genuine Bosendorfer grand at a compelling price. Bosendorfer pianos are widely considered among the finest ever made, with a tonal character that is warmer, darker, and more complex than most other grands.

This instrument has been carefully assessed and prepared by our specialist technicians at The Piano Gallery. Available to purchase online or to try in person at our Oxfordshire showroom. Contact us to arrange a private viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bosendorfer unique among grand piano makers?

Bosendorfer, founded in Vienna in 1828, is the only major piano manufacturer still building instruments in Austria. Their pianos are famous for a distinctive Viennese tonal character, warm, dark, and deeply resonant in the bass, with a velvet richness through the middle register that is unlike any other maker. Bosendorfer constructs their piano cases using solid spruce rather than laminate, a method that contributes directly to the instrument's exceptional sustain and tonal depth.

How does a 1973 Bosendorfer compare to a more recent one?

Bosendorfer from the early 1970s represents a period of excellent Viennese production, using the traditional materials and construction methods that define the brand. Many players and collectors consider instruments from this era to have a particularly warm, characterful tone that reflects the quality of materials available at the time. A well-maintained 1973 Bosendorfer is a very special instrument and represents outstanding value compared to the cost of a new example.

How does the Bosendorfer 170 compare to a Steinway or Bluthner grand at a similar size?

All three are world-class instruments at the very top of the grand piano hierarchy. The Steinway has a brighter, more projecting, singing tone. The Bluthner has a warm, lyrical quality with its distinctive aliquot treble resonance. The Bosendorfer has a darker, more intimate character with extraordinary bass depth. Each speaks to different pianists in different ways. We stock grands from all three brands and are very happy to arrange a direct comparison at our showroom.

Why is the mahogany satin finish notable?

Mahogany satin is a warmer, more traditional finish than polished black and suits period interiors, wooden floors, and rooms where a black piano would feel too contemporary. It is less commonly found on the used grand piano market than black, which makes a mahogany Bosendorfer a more distinctive and visually appealing proposition for buyers who care about aesthetics as well as tone.

How long will a Bosendorfer 170 last?

A well-maintained Bosendorfer grand should give 80 to 100 years of outstanding performance. This 1973 instrument is already over 50 years old and still performing at a high level, a testament to the quality of Bosendorfer's construction. Regular tuning, periodic regulation and voicing, and correct environmental conditions are all that is needed.