Although its size places it in the quarter-grand piano category, for us and for many pianists, the sound potential of this piano—quite astonishing—is much closer to that of a half-grand piano. It has in fact been named “the best piano in its size category.” From a physical standpoint, this phenomenon is explained by its unusually wide design, which allows for very long bass strings. The traditional bass bridge also plays a decisive role: the A-170 is the only salon grand piano in the world capable of transmitting vibrational energy as powerful and extensive as that of a half-grand piano, notably thanks to its bridge being glued to the soundboard rather than suspended, as is the case with all other pianos in this size category.
The A-170 is a concert piano for smaller venues: it is used in conservatories and opera houses, such as the magnificent Oslo Opera House.