Correct - PianoCraft used to carry new Bluthners in the not-too-distant past. I imagine that their decision to stop carrying them was a strategic decision based on the difficulties of stocking multiple high-end acoustic piano lines. Several dealers have changed their lineup to best align with market demand. They did earn a stellar reputation for their preparation of Bluthners, evidence of which you'll find scattered throughout PW's archives.
Hieronymous Thank you! Would you mind sharing why you went for the Steinway D instead of the Bluthner 1? What were the differences in touch between the two (I understand that touch can’t be full separated from tone)?
It's a long story. I spent a very long time looking for the right instrument, trying Bosendorfer, Grotrian, Estonia, Steinway (NY), Shigeru Kawai, Yamaha (CX), Fazioli, Bechstein, and Schimmel across something like 7-10 dealers. Many were objectively beautiful instruments, but none could reproduce the tone I was looking for. Steinway and Yamaha came closest. I eventually realized that the new Steinways I had been trying were, in fact, not fully prepped by the factory-owned dealerships and thus weren't reflective of their true potential. What I really wanted was a concert-prepped B or D. But believe it or not, none of the Steinway dealers were willing to prep the instruments before purchase to confirm that it would be to my liking. And I wasn't willing to drop $145k on a B that sounded awful with the hope that it would get better after a dozen hours of work. A new D was out of my price range. I ultimately decided on a Steinway D in the process of being rebuilt by PianoCraft.
While I was touring their factory, I also had the opportunity to play a number of their other instruments for sale, including a Bluthner Model 1. It was such a unique experience and difficult to describe. The first few bars of music I played didn't sound particularly special, but after a few moments, it was like something "unlocked" in my sensitivity for the instrument. I softened my touch and suddenly felt like I was melting into the keys, bringing out the sweetest and most delicate sounds I'd heard from a piano. Although it was VERY different than what I came in looking for, it sang with a rapturous voice and the touch was just marvelous. It didn't have the same "oomph" and power as Steinway, so I was worried it wouldn't be a good fit for some of the late Romantic music I enjoy (particularly Rachmaninoff). But even after leaving, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I called them up the next day, and we came to an agreement where I could take possession of the Bluthner and exchange it for the D when the rebuild was complete (or keep the Bluthner if I ended up preferring the sound).
The Bluthner should be delivered soon. I'd be happy to share more detailed thoughts about it after I've had a chance to get to know it for a few weeks.