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Introduction:

Thanks for checking out Stu Harrison’s review of the W. Hoffmann v158 Baby Grand Piano from C. Bechstein. We hope you enjoy our take on this great instrument, and best of luck with the rest of your shopping and/or research!

Stu Harrison is a professional pianist and Sales & Marketing Director for Merriam Pianos, with 35 years of playing experience, and 15 years of experience in the piano industry.


Background:

The W. Hoffmann brand is one of the biggest success stories in the piano industry from the last 20 years. Pianos bearing the W. Hoffmann name are manufactured and distributed by C. Bechstein Europe, a division of C. Bechstein Germany, and are assembled in the Czech republic at Bechstein’s newly-expanded and modernized piano factory there.

The factory began as the Bohemia piano factory, and was purchased by Bechstein after having already achieved a reputation for being one of the top Eastern European piano makers.

Following a ~50 Million Euro investment in the factory, it now makes three lines of pianos under the Hoffmann name: the Professional, Tradition, and Vision series. The V158 being reviewed here is part of the Vision series (hence the ‘v’).


Action:

The action in the v158 is a Bechstein-design and made action, labelled their “Silver Action”, the same action that finds its way into all of the Hoffmanns as well as the Bechstein Academy line of pianos. Their Zimmermann pianos have a Hailun-manufactured action that they call their ‘Bronze’ action, and the Concert-level C. Bechstein’s use their ‘Gold’ Action.

The action definitely has some similarities to the Renner actions that are ubiquitous in European piano making; there are differences though. For one, the action gives the sense of a slightly deeper key depth, and feels designed and regulated to give added control in the lower dynamic ranges. You might expect this to come at the expense of upper dynamic output, but the Hoffmann rims are so well made and fitted to the soundboards that there’s plenty of response at every volume level.

It’s a medium-weight action, so someone transitioning from an upright piano will certainly feel the extra work being done by their fingers and arms, but nothing so drastic that a few weeks of playing won’t iron it out.


Sound:

The v158 is an extremely colourful piano, with all ranges putting out ample overtones, and for such a reasonably-priced piano, a remarkable level of structure to the tone. While it’s obvious that the Vision Series lacks the level of refinement and uber-control of the higher Bechsteins, or even the Academy Grands, the v158 isn’t far off the Hoffmann Tradition series, and compared with other instruments in its under 30k price range, is very impressive for its even-ness (especially for a baby grand) and versatility. For instance, we’d challenge anyone to play the v158 and then either a Kawai GX1 or Yamaha C1X and be seriously compelled to take the European route.



Other Features:

The V158 includes several other premium features, such as:

- Premium Solid Spruce Soundboard (white spruce, alpine variety)
- Duplex Scale
- Double-felted Bechstein-made hammers
- Hardwood Inner Rim


Overall Conclusions:

The W. Hoffmann V158 is an intriguing option for people seeking piano options up to $30,000 USD, and yearning for a non-Japanese option to compare, without having to get into Stencil options, or OEM product at the very least. And if you can work with a dealer that has the entire Bechstein line, this may be a great starting point towards a possible C. Bechstein upgrade down the road.


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