Bechstein A6: Acoustics... "The A6 Finally Won"
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Best Acoustic Upright Piano - C. Bechstein A6
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Bechstein Piano Resources
Best Acoustic Upright Piano - C. Bechstein A6
"Hello Kevin,
I have read your answer about the Bechstein A4 vs. A2 and I think you can help me. I play a digital keyboard - The Nord Stage - and I’m going to buy an acoustic piano, a Bechstein series A, but I still have some doubts about the model.
I live in a semi-detached house, the floors below and over my piano room are part of my own house. The room with the piano is adjacent to my neighbour’s house.
Initially, I was thinking of buying the A4, but apparently the A6 is significantly better thanks to those additional cms in the strings. The piano will be in a room of 9 square meters.
My question: Is it worth it to go with the A6 or could it be too loud for such room?
The increase of the price is not huge, only 1000€, approximately.
I have tested the A2 and A6 (not the A4) in the piano’s shop and both are excellent, but it’s true that the A6 sounds spectacular. I still wonder if it will be too much in my small room. I can adapt the room (carpet, some absorbent panels...) but I’d like to ask your view, which one do you think would be more suitable?
Many thanks in advance.
-Jose L."
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Hi Jose,
Basically the A6 has an increase in what I like to call "sound development" within the slightly larger cabinet. This is something that is noticeable between the A4 and A6; not unlike the A2 to A4 or A2 to A6 comparatively speaking.
I prefer the A4 because it's closer to the size of the piano that I grew up with as a kid, so I'm used to hearing and feeling a piano of a similar size, except that the A4 is much richer in sound and feel than the Yamaha Country Manor model that I grew up with.
I recently worked with a client who owns an A6 in a room that's even smaller. Since she had been accustomed to playing a grand piano (with the lid open), she craved more sound from the A6 in the room. I suggested that she open the lid of her new A6 so that the sound could better fill the room. Her immediate response was positive and much preferred to leave the lid open after our discussion.
I think that you'll find that there are differences in the richness of the sound between sizes (A2, A4, A6) rather than loudness.
When playing the Residence or Concert series Bechstein uprights, it's common to experience a sense of having too much power for a small room, but the A series is an exception.
I hope my answer helps. The A6 in my clients' home did not have any carpeting/rugs or anything to subdue the sound. Opening/closing the lid will be able to contribute to your preferences.
Thanks,
Kevin
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Hi Kevin,
Thank you very much indeed for your detailed answer. I really appreciate it.
It’s not easy to find someone who knows these models so well, at least here in Spain. I would say that 80% of my friends or colleagues who play piano have Yamahas.
I went to a shop in Malaga (in the south of Spain) to see initially the Kawai K-500 and Yamaha YUS3. I am not an expert at all, and I usually play on a Nord digital keyboard. However, when I had the opportunity to test the Bechstein A2 and A6, I fell in love.
In fact, I liked both, but it’s true that I found the A6 richer in sound. So, I think I will go with that one. I will start without any acoustic treatment (maybe only a carpet) and, only if needed, I will add other elements.
Many thanks again,
Jose L.
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Hey Jose,
I appreciate you mentioning that.
That's great news, I think you'll be very happy with the A6. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Kevin
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Hi again Kevin,
One more question, please.
I’m still hesitating between the A4 and the A6. I’ve only had the chance to play the A2 and A6 in the store, and I’ve read that the A4 is a bit of a "sweet spot," especially for home use.
I live in a decent-sized semi-detached house, but the piano will be in a small room. It’s hard for me to grasp the real differences between the A4 and A6 beyond the more powerful bass from the longer strings. At the store, they insist the A6 is better, but since I’m not an expert, I’m not sure I’d even be able to tell them apart.
Since you’ve tested all three models: In terms of feel and touch, would you say the A4 is closer to the A2 or the A6?
Many many thanks, I really appreciate your help,
Jose L.
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Hey Jose,
Though it doesn't feel the same, I would say that the A4 feels closer to the A2 than to the A6 right out-of-the-box.
Additionally, you may find this interesting to know...
A client had mentioned that they wanted the action to feel heavier on the A6 they were about to purchase. So, I worked to adjust the damper timing, which heavily influences how heavy/light the action can feel for many pianos, but especially in this case.
The client was happy and went through with the purchase after feeling the end result. I think this is important to point out because whichever instrument you purchase there's flexibility available if you find that the feel of the keys would be preferable in either direction.
-Kevin
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Hi Kevin, I really appreciate your help.
I’m usually quick at making decisions, but I have to admit I’m struggling with this one. This is truly the piano of a lifetime for me; I’m incredibly excited, but also terrified of making the wrong choice.
The A6 seems to be the star of the series, but I’m worried it might have too much volume, and I’ll end up playing with too much restraint.
I’ve noticed many users speak highly of the A4. I might take a trip to Berlin, as "Berlin Centrum" is the only place where I could try both. I called them and they have all three models in stock, though they actually recommend the A4 for a smaller room.
Since you’ve been so helpful, I’ll let you know next week which one I’ve decided on.
Thanks again!
-Jose L.
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Jose,
I wish you the best of luck on your decision. It's truly exciting as I believe they are the best upright pianos in the world.
Please let me know how it goes and what you experience.
Thanks,
-Kevin
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Hi Kevin,
The A6 finally won.
On Monday, I visited the dealer in Málaga (south of Spain). Although he only has the A2 in the store, I measured the dB levels (using an app on my iPhone) on the A2 and on other models closer to the A6 (Yamaha YUS3, Yamaha U3, some Kawais, etc.). The tool calculates averages, maximums, peaks, and so on.
The conclusion is that (as you said) the difference in volume (my main concern) is not that significant, especially since I don’t usually play very aggressively.
This allowed me to really focus on the beauty and richness of the sound.
So, I decided to go with the A6. I’ve paid a deposit, and it should arrive during the week of June 15th, 2026.
I’m so excited!!
I’ll let you know how it feels once the piano is at home.
-Jose L.
Bechstein Piano Resources
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Best Acoustic Upright Piano - C. Bechstein A6
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Bechstein Piano Resources