In the mid 70s when I worked for Avery Piano the Steinway dealer in Providence at that time they had a concert rental department. The store owned a 7 foot model B and a 9 foot model D Steinway. WHOA!!! There was nothing like the sound that came out of those pianos they could roar like crazy or sound as mellow as you wanted them to, based on how you played it.

Mark makes a great point you cant beat a piano for expression. At least for me the most satisfying gig is the one I’m doing here in Florida during the winter, it’s the weekly piano solo gig in the lobby of a medical/cancer treatment center. Granted I’m only using a Yamaha DGX-560 but it can sound very good played with the right expression. It’s not the most upbeat place to play in but I do see smiles on faces and feet tapping going on while I play.