A piano, especially a well-crafted piano, is a huge purchase, and not just in size. Starting in the hundreds and quickly shooting up to thousands of dollars, you want the Best Piano Brands to make sure you do your research before committing to an instrument of this magnitude.Luckily, we’ve done most of the research for you. We’ve checked out lots of piano manufacturers and brands, came up with the top ten piano brands available today, and described what sets them apart.
Honesty and accuracy are very important to us, so we made sure to be thorough in our research. We considered reviews, cost, the reputation of the companies, testimonials from customers, and the materials used to craft the pianos themselves.Pooling all these together, we aim to provide you with a trustworthy source to help you find a piano.
Name Of Brands | Image | Description | Our Rating | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Steinway & Sons |  | The company is considered the founder of the modern piano, and has a few different models to suit different consumer needs. | ||
Stuart & Sons |  | This Australian piano manufacturer is relatively new, getting its start in 1990. The instruments are beautiful, rare, and perform well | ||
Mason & Hamlin |  | Founded in Massachusetts in 1854 by classical pianist Henry Mason and inventor Emmons Hamlin | ||
Blüthner |  | Run by the Blüthner family in Germany since 1853, when it was founded by Julius Blüthner, this company makes pianos with clear tone and outstanding quality. | ||
Bechstein |  | A German manufacturer, Bechstein creates beautiful art-case pianos with great tone. Founded in 1853 in Berlin by Carl Bechstein. | ||
Fazioli |  | Founded relatively recently in 1981 by Paulo Fazioli, the company only makes between 120 and 130 pianos a year. | ||
Bösendorfer |  | Founded in Austria in 1828, Bösendorfer is one of the oldest piano brands, known for their luxury pianos. | ||
Baldwin |  | Baldwin has been making quality pianos since it was founded in Cincinnati in 1862. | ||
Kawai |  | The Japanese company was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai, and remains popular to this day under the hand of his son, Shigeru Kawai | ||
Suzuki |  | Founded by Manji Suzuki in 1953, the company originally made harmonicas and then the Melodion | ||
Yamaha |  | Originally Yamaha Company started in 1887 with Torakusu Yamaha manufacturing pianos and reed organs. |
We’ve split this into two sections to better accommodate your needs. A professional musician will need a better (and often much more expensive) piano than a hobbyist, so we’ve listed the brands respectively.
One of the most popular and well-known brands around the world, Steinway & Sons is a great example of quality, and one of only three manufacturers in the United States.They make every one of their 2500 pianos each year with precision, and each one takes more than a year for the master craftsman to assemble, as each one is made with over 12,000 parts.
German-born Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg began making pianos at just twenty years old. 25 years later, he moved to New York, became Henry E. Steinway, and founded Steinway & Sons in 1853.The company is considered the founder of the modern piano, and has a few different models to suit different consumer needs. Their Essex brand is made for entry-level markets (though still quite pricey for a hobbyist), and the Boston brand for mid-level players.
Overall rating: 5 stars
This Australian piano manufacturer is relatively new, getting its start in 1990. The instruments are beautiful, rare, and perform well.Known for making their studio grand and concert grand pianos out of rare natural timbers, they have only made less than 60 pianos to date.
The woods used are Tasmanian Huon pine, red cedar, and Tasmanian sassafras.Their pianos are unique, in that each instrument has 97 or 102 keys, giving them enormous range. They even claim that the high pitch reached on their pianos is unmatched by any other piano manufacturer.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
One of the other three U.S. manufacturers, Mason & Hamlin only makes 250 pianos a year. Founded in Massachusetts in 1854 by classical pianist Henry Mason and inventor Emmons Hamlin, the company originally manufactured the Organ Harmonium, and then turned to pianos in 1881.
Their instruments are very costly to make, and are inspected thoroughly a dozen times before being deemed ready for sale. Only 50 uprights and 300 grand pianos are produced each year by their 70 craftsman.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Run by the Blüthner family in Germany since 1853, when it was founded by Julius Blüthner, this company makes pianos with clear tone and outstanding quality.Despite their factory being destroyed by an air raid in World War II, the company persevered and rebuilt, and they have been awarded five gold medals at the Leipzig Fair.
Blüthner also offers Heassler and Irmler ranges, and their stunning pianos have been played by royalty and famous musicians alike, such as Queen Victoria and Rachmaninov.
Overall rating: 5 stars
A German manufacturer, Bechstein creates beautiful art-case pianos with great tone. Founded in 1853 in Berlin by Carl Bechstein, the company soon grew and prompted the opening of a store in London.Queen Victoria vaulted the company to fame when she bought a gilded grand piano, and the brand has been used by Claude Debussy, the Beatles, and Freddy Mercury.
Bechstein has invested millions to keep at the head of innovation for their pianos, and is passionate about perfection in their instruments. Some of the art-case pianos have even become museum pieces.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
This Italian company only makes grand and concert grand pianos, and they are some of the most expensive pianos that money can buy.Founded relatively recently in 1981 by Paulo Fazioli, the company only makes between 120 and 130 pianos a year. They are of excellent quality, making them a great potential investment.
The instruments made by this company are exquisite, living up to Fazioli’s desire to make the best pianos money can buy, earning respect and an unrivaled reputation the world over.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Founded in Austria in 1828, Bösendorfer is one of the oldest piano brands, known for their luxury pianos. The brand was founded by Ignaz Bösendorfer, and he was honored in 1830 by the Emperor of Austria with the title “official piano maker.”Bösendorfer extended the traditional 88-key piano into 97 keys with their Imperial Grand model, giving those instruments eight full octaves to play.
Bösendorfer pianos are exclusive, and their sound is known to be darker and richer than other brands.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
With both vertical and grand pianos to their name, Baldwin has been making quality pianos since it was founded in Cincinnati in 1862. Their pianos do require upkeep, but the value of the instrument will grow over time if it is maintained properly.The craftsmanship is detailed, and the brand has been favored by musicians such as Paul Shaffer and Ray Charles.
The company halted production and moved to China in 2008, and is currently a subsidiary of the Gibson Guitar Corporation.
Overall rating: 4 stars
Known for their unique and stylish look, Kawai’s pianos have high-quality tone while remaining more affordable than other top brands. The Japanese company was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai, and remains popular to this day under the hand of his son, Shigeru Kawai.
Consistency and stability of Kawai piano performance is due in part to their pioneered effort to use alternative materials, and continuing efforts to improve the manufacturing process and keep their designs streamlined.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
This brand is made for general consumers, and the pianos can take a little bit of rough handling, which makes it a popular pick for instructors and educators. Founded by Manji Suzuki in 1953, the company originally made harmonicas and then the Melodion, but expanded to include pianos in addition to other instruments.Pianos made by Suzuki provide full sound and an exceptional playing experience, as well as modern design.
The lower cost and high-quality is great for professionals just starting out. There are 14 models available, including a digital baby grand, which is rare.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
One of the most recognizable brands, Yamaha is also more affordable than the high-end brands. Part of a multinational conglomerate, it is the world’s largest piano manufacturing company, originally started in 1887 with Torakusu Yamaha manufacturing pianos and reed organs.
Today, the pianos are precision-made in Japan, and are very popular for studios or practice rooms. They’re the best value on a budget, and come from a company with high manufacturing standards. Upright and baby grand models are available.
Overall rating: 5 stars
Now that we’ve covered the best piano brands available today, here’s how to pick the best one for you.
First, are you going to be using the piano as a professional, or a hobbyist? If you’re a performer, and especially if you will be performing on your piano, it would be worthwhile to get the best of the best, and invest in a piano that will gain value over time. If your instrument is going to be a focal point in your home as well as your life, you might also want to consider one of the more stylish or artistic pianos.
A hobbyist, casual player, or beginner that doesn’t intend to go pro with their skills would probably be better served with one of the lower cost pianos. They are still great instruments, but not as expensive. These may not increase in value as they age, but they will remain consistent in quality, and are a good buy.
You’ve also got the option of getting a grand piano or an upright. Space is a big issue here, as a grand piano can take up an entire room, while an upright doesn’t demand near as much surface area. Will you have a large enough space for a grand piano? Or would you be better suited to a more compact upright that would fit well in a room with other furniture?
Once you’ve narrowed it down to the size and type of piano you want, you’ve got a good starting point. Use this guide to figure out which piano brand will serve you best, and go forward with confidence in choosing your instrument.