Steinway & Sons has unveiled two new dazzling grand pianos: the Ultra Black and the Ultra White. These were designed and produced by Steinway at their Hamburg (Germany) facility, and are released as a limited edition.
The Ultra Black edition carries the black theme through virtually every component. The body is finished in Jet Black with the underside, the soundboard and the frame all stained black. All the metal fittings have a satin black PVC (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating. Most notable (and perhaps controversial) is the keyboard with all black keys — that’s including the naturals.
Only the Steinway logo, the hammers and the action, the wrest and hitch pins, the limited edition plaque, and the strings escape the black treatment.
By contrast, the Ultra White edition is finished in a lustrous soft white called Pure White. The underside and soundboard are stained white, while the frame is coated for a high-gloss white finish. The metal fittings, however, are chromed not coated.
The keyboard is all white, and the Steinway logo is engraved white-on-white on the nameboard. Again everything is either white or silver, with the exception of the bass strings (bronze), and the felts (black).
Both models come supplied with Steinway’s SPIRIO | r high-res player piano system. This technology enables the capture of every nuance of a pianists playing of the hammers and pedals. It thus makes it possible to perfectly record performances, recreate them, and to share them around the world.
“The Ultra Black and Ultra White editions embody Steinway’s ability to honour our heritage while exploring new expressions of design. These pianos are not only instruments of the highest musical quality but also works of art, created for those who value craftsmanship, individuality, and timeless beauty.”
Guido Zimmermann, President of Steinway & Sons Europe.
Steinway and Bentley
Interestingly these two new models were launched in collaboration with the British (albeit owned by Volkswagen) luxury marque Bentley Motors.
Bentley simultaneously launched a new Flying Spur Speed sedan finished in Artic White with a Piano Black interior, mirroring the monochromatic Steinway pianos.
The two companies, both with a history of high-end craftsmanship and creating iconic models, collaborated on the designs of each other’s products, and in particular the sharing of ideas relating to woodworking and veneering.
Limited Edition
As mentioned the two new Steinway models are released as a limited edition. Only 52 instruments will be sold worldwide — 26 Ultra Black and 26 Ultra White. 18 Model B and 8 Model D grand pianos will be produced in each “colour”. Prices and delivery times have yet to be confirmed.
More information about this new Steinway limited edition can be found on the company’s European website. And if you are interested in Bentley’s Flying Spur Speed, more information can be found here.
Wow. How brilliant – another fabulous indication of the genius of Steinway. An all white piano. An all black piano. Another indication of Steinway’s leadership in the field – all black, all white, what possible heights as this can ever be achieved again in piano manufacturing? Steinway, all others bow at your feet…