Chopin: Pleyel and Erard

"If I do not have complete mastery of my means, if my fingers are less flexible, less agile, if I do not find the strength to shape the keyboard according to my will, to lead and modify the movement of the keys and hammers as I intend, then I prefer an Erard piano; the sound produces itself in its clear brilliance; but if I feel vigorous, disposed to move my fingers without effort, without nervousness, I prefer Pleyel pianos.
The transmission of my thought, of my feeling is more direct, more personal. I perceive my fingers in more direct communication with the hammers, which translate with exactness and fidelity the sensation I wish to produce, the effect I want to achieve".
(Fryderyk Chopin)