Not to quibble, but there was no piano 300 years ago. The "Lucy" version of the piano surfaced around 1750 - but Beethoven's piano, c. 1815 - was decidedly more advanced. In any case, if you really want to make a comparison then compare the Yamaha AvantGrand to Steinway's work of the 1860s, considered the prototype of the "modern piano" and only 150 years old.

That being said $20K can still bu you an very good concert piano, used, refurbished - but quite good. You got $50K to spend? Then please let's not talk about digital.

Where digital creations (especially Yamahas) actually win hands down over their accoustic challengers, is when you have less than $10K to spend on a sensitive, well designed instrument. And yes, a more compact size, more easily lifted, perfect tuning, a string layer on top, a nice marimba, some optional concert hall reverb, and weighted keys simulating good piano action of old. Well, truth be told, I don't have a real piano anymore.

But it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that ping; that bell like tone great pianos can float. Digitals have made quantum leaps in attack - but they just resonate, and the tone just doesn't decay, or beautifully dissapate, as in days of yore (or any conservatory practice room).

Charle Greenberg