John Lennon Grand Piano

 

Steinway & Sons Limited Edition “Imagine Series” John Lennon Grand Piano

Grand Piano with Bench, Including the upgrade to QRS player system

• Make: Steinway & Sons
• Year: 2013
• Serial Number: #595780
• Production Number: #6 of 25
• Model: Model A
• Size: 6′ 2″
• Color: White
• Soundboard Illustration: Freda People

Finished in a stunning polished white finish, the opening notes of Lennon’s “Imagine” on the plate as well as a numbered plaque bearing John Lennon’s signature.

The soundboard features an illustration of Lennon’s drawing, Freda People
Exemplifies Lennon’s passion for using music for the benefit of mankind.

History

#595780, lived in the Dakota Apartment Building, NYC as part of the Estate of Jacqueline Bikoff. She long lived in the Dakota and was a pianist who acquired the Grand Piano new in 2014/15 but sadly passed away late 2015. Her estate sold the Grand Piano to a local dealer where we eventually purchased.

Shipping / Payment

The Grand Piano is currently being stored and ready for its new home. Available for pickup from dealer where it is stored or arrange for shipping to your location. Please contact us for any questions and Payment options.

 

Steinway “Imagine Series” Model A

Within the Steinway & Sons Limited Edition John Lennon “Imagine Series”, the Model A (also known as the Model A-188) often gets singled out by players, collectors, and reviewers as the “sweet spot” among the available sizes. Here’s why many consider it the best-balanced of the Imagine Series lineup:

• Size: 6’2″ (188 cm)
• Production: Hamburg and New York Steinway factories
• Number Produced: Only 25 built in this size
• Series Role: One of the five sizes offered (M, O, A, B, D)
• Placement: Considered the first full-performance grand in Steinway’s line before stepping into the larger semi-concert and concert sizes.
• Optional: Fitted with a player-piano system, QRS PNOmation II system.

Why the Model A Stands Out

1. Balance of Power & Intimacy

• Larger than the Model M (5’7″) and Model O (5’10½”), the Model A delivers much greater tonal depth, richer bass, and a more expansive dynamic range.
• Unlike the bigger Model B (6’11”) and Model D (8’11¾”), it’s more versatile for homes, studios, and mid-size venues without overwhelming the room acoustically.

2. Tone & Sustain

• Pianists often describe the Model A Hamburg (which many of the Imagine Series were) as having:
  • Evenness across registers – smooth transition between bass, tenor, and treble.
  • Long sustain in the treble – crystalline clarity that works beautifully for Lennon’s melodic style.
  • Warm but powerful bass – resonant without being muddy.

3. Most Collectible in the Series

• Collectors often gravitate to the Model A for playability AND rarity.
• Larger models like the D are prized for concert work, but they’re less practical for private ownership.
• Smaller models like the M and O can be limiting tonally and may feel more like decorative tributes than performance pianos.

4. Lennon Connection

• The Model A size resonates well with the spirit of the series: intimate, approachable, but still capable of grand expression—much like Lennon’s own musical ethos.
• On the Imagine Series Model A:
  • You get the John Lennon drawing on the music desk.
  • Lyrics “You may say I’m a dreamer” inscribed on the rim.
  • Opening notes of “Imagine” cast into the plate.
  • A manageable size for display and daily use—without sacrificing Steinway’s full tonal palette.

5. Best “Middle Ground” Investment

• Professional pianists often call the Model A the “studio workhorse”: big enough for recording sessions yet compact enough for private living spaces.
• That balance makes the Imagine Series Model A especially sought after in the resale and collector’s market.

“Imagine Series” Overview

The Steinway “Imagine Series” John Lennon Limited Edition Grand Piano isn’t just an instrument—it’s a tribute to artistic innovation, peace, and music history. With its signature aesthetics, exceptional craftsmanship, and philanthropic legacy, it stands as one of the most collectible pianos ever created.

If you’re considering one—whether for playing, collecting, or display—connect directly with Steinway showrooms or specialty dealers offering rare Steinways. Some models have been sold through dealers in major cities like New York or via websites specializing in high-end pianos

The Steinway Imagine Series Model A is considered the best of the lineup because it offers the ideal balance between size, sound, collectability, and practicality. It’s large enough to produce a true concert-like Steinway tone, but not so big that it’s limited to auditoriums. Add in the Lennon artistry and extreme rarity (only 25 built in this size), and it becomes the perfect meeting point of musical performance and cultural tribute.

The QRS PNOmation II system is an invisible, digital player piano system that retrofits to an acoustic piano and is controlled wirelessly from any Wi-Fi-enabled device, like a smartphone or tablet, through its own QRS Music app. The system can be connected to its own unique network, providing access to a large music library, allowing users to create playlists, and offering features like recording your own music.

Inspiration & Purpose

Introduced in 2010 to mark what would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday, Steinway & Sons crafted the “Imagine Series Limited Edition”—a musical tribute blending artistry and symbolism. The design is based on the white Steinway grand piano Lennon gifted to Yoko Ono in 1971, housed at the Dakota in Manhattan.

Artistic & Decorative Features

Showcasing its elegant white finish and unique artistic details. Each model features one of seven original John Lennon drawings on the music desk, such as Come Together, Freda People, Self Portrait, Borrowed Time, Frog Pondering, and Power to the People. The bass side of the rim displays the lyrics “YOU MAY SAY I’M A DREAMER”. The opening bars of “Imagine” are printed onto the cast-iron plate of the piano. A medallion on the inner rim carries John Lennon’s Japanese-style signature, along with the series name and its unique number. His signature also appears on the treble side of the fallboard. The soundboard features a full-color decal, often illustrating Lennon sitting on a globe—another nod to his global creativity.

“Imagine Series” Features at a Glance

Sales Contact: Mike Byers
Text: 504.324.1781