This is a 1991 New York-built Steinway Model M in mahogany with Chippendale styling—cabriole legs with ball-and-claw feet and matching bench. The piano has been reconditioned with new key bushings, sized balance holes, a full action regulation, and comprehensive voicing. Musically, it's among the best examples of the Steinway Model M that we've encountered lately. The case is elegant despite some damage to the finish.

We're offering two options: purchase with the cosmetic condition as-is at $23,995, or we can restore the case first and you'll pay $29,995. If the piano doesn't sell within the next few months, we'll proceed with refinishing of the damaged parts and price accordingly. If you want the restoration done now, just let us know.

The Model M in context First introduced in 1911, the Model M has been in continuous production for over a century, earning its place as one of Steinway's most beloved and popular models. At 5'7", the Model M sits between the smaller Model S and larger Model O, offering what many consider the ideal balance of size and sound for homes and studios. The tonal range is impressive, allowing for expressive performance across all musical genres. Unlike larger concert grands where the lowest bass notes have maximum clarity, the Model M strikes a careful balance, with a well-voiced bass that remains musical and integrated with the rest of the instrument's even, characteristic Steinway tone.

How it's built The rim is Steinway's continuous bent design—10 layers of hard rock maple pressed in one operation. The soundboard uses Steinway's tapered diaphragmatic design, thicker in the center and graduating toward the edges. The pinblock is the Hexagrip design Steinway introduced in 1963—7 plies of laminated maple designed to hold tuning stability. The cast iron plate handles about 20 tons of string tension.

These aren't marketing claims—they're standard Steinway construction methods used across their grand piano line.

The action This instrument's action is well-balanced, neither heavy nor light. There is enough resistance for controlled soft playing while remaining quick and responsive for faster passages. Tonally, the piano is a beautiful example of the classic Steinway sound: a rich bass, clear midrange, and sparkling treble with a sweetness present at softer dynamics and a growl in the tone at the louder dynamics. The regulation and voicing work on this piano is fresh. The action responds well to dynamic playing and offers subtle control, which matters if you're doing serious playing.

This piano would be great for any piano student, teacher, serious musician, or professional pianist, as well as schools, church choir rooms, or other institutional settings.

What you should know This is a 34-year-old piano that's been reconditioned, not rebuilt. The action parts, soundboard, pinblock, and other major components are original. The work we've done addresses playability and tone—new bushings eliminate any looseness in the keys, the regulation ensures an even, controllable, and high-performance touch across the keyboard, and the voicing shapes the tonal character.

The case damage is localized in several parts, so the piano looks good as a whole. However, the damage is partly out-of-scope for our normal finish touch-up routine. The inside face of the fallboard could benefit from refinishing, for example. We anticipate that a musically excellent but cosmetically compromised piano could be appreciated by some for its excellent value ($6,000 below market price), which is why we are offering it without cosmetic repair first.

Why this all matters These pianos hold up under professional use and deliver consistent results. A well-maintained M from 1991 has decades of playing life left. You're getting a mature instrument that's been properly serviced and is ready to work.

The Chippendale case style is less common than standard styling, and a satin mahogany finish is less common than ebony polish. If these details matter to you, this piano would be amount the few truly comparable pianos currently available.

Bottom line This New York Steinway M, reconditioned and playing well, is being offered at a discount due to its cosmetic condition. If you want a Steinway and can accept some aesthetic wear, this is a straightforward opportunity.