Essex 是史坦威（Steinway & Sons）家族的 入門級品牌，定位在 Steinway（旗艦）與 Boston（中階）之下。它的設計理念來自史坦威，但價格更親民，主要面向初學者、家庭以及教育機構。
製造背景
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設計：由美國紐約的 Steinway & Sons 設計。
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生產：由中國的 珠江鋼琴集團（Pearl River Piano Group） 代工製造，並在史坦威的監督下完成。
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檢驗：出廠前會經過史坦威培訓的技師檢查，以確保符合史坦威的標準。
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外觀設計：與家具設計師 William Faber 合作，因此 Essex 鋼琴的外觀常帶有優雅的裝飾與多樣化的木皮選擇。
品質特色
Essex 鋼琴的定位是 價格合理、設計美觀，並融入史坦威的部分設計理念。其主要特色包括：
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音色：溫暖悅耳，但不及 Boston 或 Steinway 那樣細膩與有力。
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觸鍵：手感順暢，適合初學者，但相對較輕。
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音板：使用實心雲杉音板，並採用錐形設計以提升共鳴。
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外觀：提供多種飾面與款式，適合家居擺設。
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耐用性：適合家庭與輕度教育用途，但在專業演奏或長時間高強度使用下，耐用度不及 Boston 或 Steinway。
在香港的情況
在香港，Essex 鋼琴由史坦威設計、中國珠江製造，主打 高性價比與美觀設計。它非常適合初學者與家庭使用，並作為邁向 Boston 或 Steinway 的過渡選擇。不過，若追求專業演奏品質，Boston 或 Steinway 會是更佳的選擇。
Essex was established in 2000 by Steinway & Sons. Essex is the third line of pianos offered by Steinway dealers. The Boston line (manufactured in Japan by Kawai, for Steinway) was introduced in 1992.
The Essex line was designed by Steinway engineers and was initially manufactured by Young Chang in South Korea. Steinway‘s stated purpose in creating these lines was to supply Steinway dealers with quality, mid-priced pianos.
In April 2006, Steinway entered into a deal with pianos made in China by the Pearl River Piano Group. The collaboration with Young Chang continued when both companies made the upright piano lines in China; and grand pianos were made by Young Chang in Korea and also by Pearl River in China.
By Spring 2011 all Essex pianos were being manufactured in China by Pearl River.
Essex Official Website: www.steinway.com/essex
湯 先生/ Mr. Tong
英國註冊鋼琴技師 / Registered Piano Technician (MPTA)
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