Steinway Monitor (Style 1) Grand Piano #26797 | Brazilian Rosewood

A Historic Instrument – The Monitor Grand Piano by Steinway & Sons

Today, the 6’11” Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Piano is commonly referred to as ‘the perfect piano’. However, before this legendary piano design rose to prominence, there was another instrument that helped push Steinway pianos toward being the world-class instruments they are known as today. Designed by C.F. Theodore Steinway (the son of founder Henry E. Steinway), the Style 1, commonly referred to as the ‘Monitor’ was first put into production in 1871. It bears a marked resemblance to a scale design he created prior to joining his family at Steinway & Sons. (Prior to immigrating to the United States, he and his business partner Wilhelm Grotrian owned and ran what is now Grotrian-Steinweg. The story of Grotrian-Steinweg and their later conflicts with Steinway & Sons is a story for another time.)

The Monitor Grand measures approx. 6’8″ in length and 4’7″ in width. The piano features a sectional case with a square rear corner in the tail. The cabinet features curved arms with carved details and a double molding around the case. The legs are carved Monitor legs with hidden casters –  a specific style reserved for this scale design. The music desk is of the period carved lattice style. The case is in a rich cut of Brazilian Rosewood which was standard during this period. The Monitor was the first Steinway grand with a 20-note bass section, a full cupola cast iron plate, and a continuous soundboard bridge. The Monitor gets its name due to it claiming the place as the first Steinway grand with a full cupola plate. This use of additional cast iron resulted in the nickname “Monitor” a reference to ironclad warships utilized by the Union in brown and shallow blue water naval combat during and after the U.S. Civil War.

---

The piano’s figured Brazilian Rosewood cabinet was refinished in a closed pore, hand rubbed lacquer. The original nickel hardware was cleaned and re-plated. New hammers, shanks, and flanges along with new wippens were installed. Due to the client wanting the piano to perform at the highest possible level, the action was modernized with a new custom keyset and action frame. Due to this historic nature of this instrument, it is tuned to A-435 instead of today’s standard A-440. The piano boasts a surprisingly rich and powerful quality of tone. With the new modernized action, the piano is incredibly responsive. It is obvious that this instrument was a major step forward in the development of the modern grand piano. Restoration of this piano was completed in late 2017.

---

Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. – Fine Steinway Piano Restorations

Our expert piano technicians have spent hours beyond the norm ensuring this instrument is of top concert quality. With a stunning figured rosewood cabinet and a rich tonal quality, this Steinway Monitor Grand is a wonderful example of historic Steinway & Sons Factory quality. During the early days of Steinway, quality was high and craftsmen had access to the finest cabinet woods and other materials. The level of quality was incredible during this golden age of the piano. This tradition is one we have dedicated ourselves to continuing here at Chupp’s Piano Service. Our showroom and rebuilding facility feature a large selection of fully restored pianos for sale. For over four decades our specialty has been the refurbishing, restoration and repair vintage Steinway & Sons grand pianos. The Art of Piano Rebuilding is truly art you can feel!

Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. | Vintage Restored Steinways