Steinway & Sons - Limited Editions
Throughout the 153-year history of Steinway & Sons, there has been a tradition of honouring special occasions by inviting leading designers to create exceptional instruments. Over the years, these limited editions have delighted privileged owners. These precious instruments are unique masterpieces featuring the individual style of each designer.
125th Anniversary Limited Edition Grand Piano designed by Count Albrecht von Goertz
The late Albrecht Goertz was the creator of arguably the world's most beautiful sports car, the BMW 507.
Count Albrecht wished to create a design that reflected how he lived his life; a piano that tipped its cap to the values of movement, speed and class. The result is a unique combination of movement and music; retaining the original shape and black finish of the classic Steinway he focused on sleek lines and created a dynamic interplay between contrasting satin and the highly polished surfaces. In doing so, his vision of bringing the piano to life, of creating that movement he sought after, was realised. He achieved, by eliminating all things he felt superfluous, the BMW of pianos.
THE S.L.ED designed by Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld is a German-born fashion designer and artist based in Paris, France. He has collaborated on a variety of fashion and art related projects, most notably as head designer and creative director for the fashion house Chanel.
When Steinway invited Karl Lagerfeld in 2003 to design the 150th anniversary grand piano, his response was a simple "Why not?" His choice of design features clear lines which balance the especially wide tail of the grand that is typical of the Steinway Model. He wanted to create a sled-shaped grand piano – the unusual rectangular legs in particular support this image. The idea also gave the grand piano its name: S.L.ED: S(teinway). L(imited). ED(dition). The choice of colour for the instrument is equally unusual. Inspired by classic Japanese boxes, Karl Lagerfeld added bold red accents, while selecting an ultra-matt black as the basic colour of this instrument.
150th Anniversary Limited Edition Historic Grand Piano
A recreation of the instrument used by the famous Polish pianist Ignace Jan Paderewski on his dazzling concert tour of America in 1892-93.
Among the striking period details are the carved, fluted legs and the exquisitely carved music desk incorporating a Steinway Lyre in the centre reflecting the elegant and classical Victorian furniture design of the late 19th century.
Tricentennial Limited Edition Grand Piano designed by Dakota Jackson
Dakota is known for his simple yet inventive approach to design. He is an excellent pianist and revered furniture designer.
The challenge for Dakota was to create an art case piano that would embody the Steinway tradition of hand craftsmanship and technical innovation, and also create a new perception of how this fabulous instrument has changed the world of music. Dakota placed great value in elegant shapes, discreet highlights, and interesting lines, whilst combining choice subtlety with original elements: The lid is divided into three and opens like a fan and the topstick that supports the lid is an elegant S shape in design.