The Boston Gp163 P2, 5’4″ grand piano, designed by Steinway and Sons and manufactured by Kawai
. The Gp163 has been significantly upgraded since the original release of the Boston piano line, making the 163 a next-generation collaboration. Steinway and Kawai have been working together to create the Boston line of pianos since 1991.
In 2016, the upgraded or re-engineered GP series pianos were designated Performance 2 pianos. They have been vastly improved mechanically and aesthetically over the first-generation Boston pianos.
Upgrades to the 163 include an all-new Pommele Sapele mahogany inner rim, which produces a much more vibrant and resilient sound. In addition to the added clarity and superior tone, the Pommele Sapele rim looks stunning.
Mapes Strings facilitate a new lower-tension string scale design. The new bass strings and lower-tension scale have increased tonal clarity, depth, and sustain throughout the entire range.
The patent Octagrip pin block is made of 11 layers of hard rock maple glued at different grain angles of 60 degrees, affording the tuning pins greater stability under tension and enabling the piano to stay in tune longer.
One of Boston pianos’ most distinct design features is the wide tail design. The wider rear end creates a larger soundboard surface, allowing the piano more power, a richer tone, and the experience of playing a larger instrument.
The Gp163’s soundboard is crafted of Sitka spruce, long proven to be the most resonant material available. Boston soundboards are also precisely tapered, which allows them to vibrate more freely. In conjunction with a number of special technologies—unique patents of Steinway & Sons—the result is a powerful, sustained tone.
