Steinway & Sons embraces Abbey Road’s rock ‘n’ roll roots with the new sunburst

Steinway & Sons handmade pianos launched their bold new limited edition instrument at the iconic Abbey Road studios on 6 February, with just a little help from the brand's celebrity friends. Inspired by the sunburst pattern on the guitars of musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan, the special edition piano was a collaboration between the brand, founded in 1853, and German rock stars Wolfgang Niedecken and Michael Nass.

Abbey Road's Studio 2, made famous for its succession of chart-topping recording artists including Amy Winehouse, Pink Floyd and, of course, The Beatles (who immortalised the studios in the title of their 1969 album), was packed with guests at the event. Performer and classically trained pianist Myleene Klass hosted the evening, performing alongside Dominic Ferris, Francis Dunnery, and E Street Band star David Sancious.

"It was an honour for me to host the launch of the Steinway & Sons Sunburst tonight – they're such an inspirational brand in the classical world. And we go way back," Klass said at the event. "I played many a Steinway when I was studying at the Royal Academy and my daughters even played their first concert at Steinway Hall. >>

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"I really do believe that music is a universal language and the meeting of two such iconic brands coupled with the instantly recognisable colours of the sunburst guitar and the rock 'n' roll world it transports you to, really feels special," she continued. "For me, it is demonstrably a case of 'when legends meet'."

Paying tribute to the year 1969 – when The Beatles released Abbey Road, Led Zeppelin debuted and the Woodstock festival took place – the special edition Sunburst is limited to a strict run of 69 pianos. One will be housed at the Steinway Hall London, with the brand's world class high-resolution player piano Spirio software.

Vice president and managing director Guido Zimmermann said: "Steinway Sunburst pays tribute to the many rock legends who have inspired generations from past to present, to the future – just like our Steinway & Sons pianos. With Sunburst, we're reaching out to music enthusiasts who enjoy both the perfect sound of a Steinway & Sons grand piano as well as a quirky and legendary design."