Bosendorfer 170 Grand Piano – c1989

This Bösendorfer 170 grand piano was hand built in Vienna in circa 1989 and comes in a stunning polished palisander rosewood cabinet which is very rare. A beautifully made Austrian grand piano from one of the world’s most respected piano makers, it combines the warmth, refinement and individuality associated with Bösendorfer with a cabinet finish that gives the instrument a remarkable visual presence.

At 170 cm in length, the Bösendorfer 170 is a highly desirable size for a private home, music room or luxury interior. It offers the character and craftsmanship of a handmade Viennese grand piano in a more practical footprint than a larger salon or concert model. Bösendorfer’s own model numbering corresponds to the piano’s length in centimeters, making the 170 a compact grand by the company’s standards while still offering genuine musical substance.

This particular example is beautiful both acoustically and aesthetically. The polished palisander rosewood cabinet is especially striking, giving the piano the feel of a luxury centrepiece even before it is played. It is an instrument that would bring warmth, elegance and individuality to a room, while also offering the musical quality expected from a handcrafted Bösendorfer.

The provenance is also notable. This piano was previously owned by Tom Ford, and included in the price is the beautiful matching piano bench, built by Coach House Pianos to Tom Ford’s own design and specification. This gives the instrument an additional layer of interest and individuality, without distracting from its core appeal as a serious handmade Viennese grand piano.

Acoustically, this Bösendorfer 170 is a beautiful instrument, with the rich, singing quality and refined tonal character for which the marque is admired. The sound has warmth and depth, with a rounded voice that encourages expressive playing and rewards time spent at the keyboard. It is a piano with an intimate yet substantial musical presence, well suited to both personal enjoyment and serious repertoire.

The touch offers the control and sensitivity expected from a high-quality handcrafted grand piano. It allows the player to shape phrases naturally, explore tonal colour and enjoy the close relationship between touch and sound that makes Bösendorfer instruments so appealing to discerning pianists.

Compared with the cost of a new Bösendorfer 170 in this finish, which would sell for over £135,000, this piano represents a fantastic saving, particularly given its unusual cabinet, matching bespoke bench and notable provenance. It would suit a pianist, collector or interior-led buyer seeking a rare and beautiful Bösendorfer with genuine musical substance and a highly distinctive ownership story.