10 Best Piano Brands: Top Picks

A piano opens a magical gateway to a world of melodies. Even when you press keys on a piano randomly, the sound automatically draws an audience. Imagine playing for a crowd of 100, nay, 1000s. How exhilarating would that be? The music rises in crescendo as the crowd waits with bated breath for a promised mellifluous denouement. Best piano players in the world, renowned for their unmatched skill and expressive talent, captivate audiences with every skillful keystroke, turning ordinary piano notes into a symphony of sublime beauty. Seasoned piano players unlock a door to a universe filled with harmonious notes. The magic is in not only the fingers of musical maestros but also the instrument. If we were to anthropomorphize top piano brands, Steinway & Sons would be the wise elder, Yamaha the rambunctious innovator, Kawai the master craftsman, and Bösendorfer as the artist but painting with musical colors. Although each brand has a unique charm, all brands are ready to enchant your soul. Should you prefer one brand over the other for a particular style of play? Read our guide on the top 10 piano brands to know more.

Types of pianos

• Upright pianos : These pianos are characterized by their vertical design, housing strings that run up and down. Their compact size makes them a practical choice for smaller living spaces and ideal for beginners or those with limited space.
• Grand pianos : Grand pianos feature a horizontal design that allow for an extended soundboard and strings. This design results in a rich and resonant sound, making grand pianos a preferred choice for professional performances and recording studios.
• Electric pianos : They are known as stage pianos, prioritize portability and versatility. They rely on electronic technology to produce piano sounds instead of conventional strings. Their lightweight design and various built-in sounds and effects make them popular among gigging musicians and bands.
• Digital pianos : Advanced digital technology is used to replicate the sound and feel of acoustic pianos and are available in various styles, offering features such as weighted keys, multiple instrument sounds, recording capabilities, and headphone jacks. They are versatile and are suitable for a wide range of uses, from practice and learning to home use.
• Stage pianos : Stage pianos are a subset of digital pianos and are designed specifically for live performances and studio work. They are known for their durability, portability, and minimalist design, which focuses on essential piano sounds and functionality. They are favored by professional musicians who require reliable and versatile instruments for on-stage use.

What are the most popular piano brands?

You connect with the 88 keys that your fingers glide over. Fingers, body, soul, and mind have to weave together majestically to create auditory consonance.

Continuing with our anthropomorphization, Steinway & Sons speaks eternal sonnets through ebony and ivory. Yamaha is the genius creating a cutting-edge symphony pushing the boundaries of musical creativity. Kawai emerges as the quiet and precise expert with an attention to detail. Bösendorfer is a soundscape painter who uses keys as a paintbrush to create colorful musical masterpieces. Every keystroke holds the potential to reveal a musical revelation.

Steinway & Sons

Steinway & Sons was founded in 1853 by German immigrant Henry E. Steinway in New York City. With a rich history of eminent musical talent playing its instruments, Steinway & Sons has established itself as an iconic piano manufacturer. Among German piano brands, Steinway & Sons, is renowned for its commitment to excellence. Steinway has consistently produced instruments considered the standard in the music industry.

Steinway & Sons is a paragon of piano craftsmanship and has left an indelible mark on the musical world of the world. The tactile elegance of their keys and the resonant tones that radiate from each keystroke showcase a commitment to unparalleled quality. The grandeur of their grand pianos is a testament to their dedication to crafting instruments that stand the test of time. Steinway D is one of its most iconic and is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and superior sound quality. It is a preferred choice of many world-renowned pianists and performers.

With Steinway & Sons, satisfaction isn’t just a fleeting emotion, it’s a continuous symphony of joy that resonates with every keystroke. For those seeking not just a piano but a lifelong companion in their musical odyssey, Steinway & Sons emerges not only as a brand but also as an orchestrator for realizing musical dreams.

Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation, a global leader in the world of music and audio equipment, was founded in 1887 in Hamamatsu, Japan. Initially, the company started as a manufacturer of reed organs. Over the years, Yamaha has diversified into various musical instruments, audio equipment, and other products.

From the very first encounter with the keys of a Yamaha piano, it becomes evident that Yamaha’s commitment to quality and innovation is unparalleled. The touch and responsiveness of keys are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Yamaha pianos. One of Yamaha’s most celebrated models is the Yamaha C7, renowned for its versatility and often favored by musicians and institutions worldwide.

What sets Yamaha apart is its ability to blend tradition with cutting-edge technology. The harmonious marriage of craftsmanship and innovation results in a piano that not only delivers a classic, rich tone but also opens doors to a world of creative possibilities. The sound is not just heard; it’s experienced, resonating at a frequency and tone that captivates both the player and the audience.

Mason & Hamlin

Mason & Hamlin, a distinguished American piano manufacturer, was established in 1854 in Boston, Massachusetts. With a legacy spanning over a century and a half, the company has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, handcrafted pianos that embody both artistic excellence and precise engineering.

Embarking on a musical journey with Mason & Hamlin has been a revelation of unmatched elegance and sonic brilliance. Mason & Hamlin’s commitment to crafting exceptional pianos goes beyond tradition, it’s an art form. Mason and Hamlin Model BB, is a grand piano by Mason and Hamlin that is legendary and is famous for its remarkable tonal clarity, dynamic range and its ability to project rich, resonant tones.

Touching the keys releases an eclectic symphony, responding with a delicate precision that allows for an intimate connection between musician and instrument. Mason & Hamilin pianos generate tones that are unparalleled in their richness and depth. With a warmth and clarity that enhances the musical experience, every note has the impression of telling a tale.

Bösendorfer

Bösendorfer, a renowned piano-selling brand with roots tracing back to 1828 in Vienna, Austria, has stood the test of time with their exceptional craftsmanship and musical artistry. Known for its commitment to precision, each Bösendorfer piano is a testament to diligent attention to detail. They use the finest materials to create an intricate complex instrument but emanates a rich tone. The experience of playing a Bösendorfer is musically didactic even to experienced players. Playing on a Bösendorfer is unparalleled artistry and auditory splendor. The touch of Bösendorfer keys is distinctive, offering a responsive and nuanced feel that allows for a profound connection between musician and instrument. Bösendorfer is known for its dedication to individuality, each piano is meticulously crafted as a unique piece of art, tailored to evoke a distinctive tonal character.

Bösendorfer’s grand pianos, ranging from the iconic imperial with its keys to the elegant concert grands, produce opulent and resonant tones that define the pinnacle of sonic excellence. One of its most eminent pieces is the Bosendorfer Imperial that is renowned for its extended keyboard, featuring 97 keys adding extra depth to the instrument’s tonal range. The brand’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship, coupled with a continual pursuit of innovation, has solidified its status as a symbol of luxury and musical prestige.

C.Bechstein

C. Bechstein, a venerable piano-selling brand established in 1853 in Berlin, Germany, epitomizes the intersection of heritage and innovation in the world of piano craftsmanship. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence, C. Bechstein pianos represent a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.

C. Bechstein’s grand pianos are refined and exude a rich, resonant sound that reflects the brand’s dedication to creating instruments of enduring quality. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its continued exploration of new materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of piano design. The C. Bechstein Concert 8 is the brand’s most popular pianos for its tonal richness, depth, and remarkable projection.

C. Bechstein is not just a brand, it’s a legacy. For those seeking a piano that marries tradition with contemporary advancements, C. Bechstein stands a distinguished choice, where every note played is a testament to the brand’s heritage of crafting instruments that resonate with the spirit of musical artistry.

Fazioli

Fazioli Pianoforti, a beacon of Italian craftsmanship, has established itself as an extraordinary piano-selling brand since its inception in 1981. Born from the vision of Pablo Fazioli, these instruments are more than pianos, they are works of arts carefully crafted in Sacile, Italy, embodying a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

The touch of Fazioli keys is marked by a responsiveness that reflects a profound connection between the musician and the instrument. Each piano is a tribute to the brand’s commitment to uncompromising quality, with master artisans ensuring that every detail, from wood selection to finishing touches such as the quality of wood polish, meets the highest standards.

Fazioli grand pianos, including the iconic F308 Concert Grand, produce a resonant, vibrant sound that captivates musicians and audiences alike. The company’s dedication to innovation is evident in its pursuit of perfection; Fazioli pianos often feature unique design elements and advancements that push the boundaries of what is possible in piano partnership.

Kawai

Kawai, a renowned piano-selling brand founded in 1927 in Japan, has earned global acclaim for its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. Recognized for producing pianos that finely balance tradition and modernity, Kawai instruments are celebrated for their exceptional touch, durability, and technological advancements.

The unique touch of Kawai keys appeals to musicians of all skill levels, providing a responsive and expressive feel. Each piano is built with precision craftsmanship by Kawai using premium materials to guarantee a dependable and long-lasting musical experience.

Kawai’s diverse range includes acoustic grand and upright pianos, as well as cutting-edge digital pianos, like the Kawai RX-1, which offers a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The brand’s dedication to technological innovation has resulted in features such as the Millenium III Action, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to piano design.

Blüthner

Blüthner, a distinguished piano-selling brand with a legacy dating back to 1853 in Leipzig, Germany, is a symbol of unparalleled German craftsmanship and musical refinement. Known for its dedication to traditional artisanal techniques, each Blüthner piano is a testament to diligent attention to detail and a commitment to creating instruments of extraordinary quality.

Julius Blüthner’s artsy engineering has been passed down from generation to generation, producing the “golden tone” that distinguishes Blüthner from the competition. Blüthner is still a family-run business today. Following the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Blüthner made significant investments in technological innovation and the production of standard concert instruments. Bluthner Style 1, represents a harmonious amalgam of traditional German piano-making techniques and innovative designs.

Schimmel

Wilhelm Schimmel established Schimmel, another Leipzig-based business, in 1885 with the goal of creating extremely high-quality instruments. Schimmel has been a reputable brand in the piano industry for many years thanks to their unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and “quality will prevail” mentality. Presently under Chinese ownership, the entry-level Fridolin Schimmel brand is designed by Schimmel and is produced in China for the Asian and beginner market, while the subsidiary Wilhwlm Schimmel brand is made in Poland.

Schimmel’s grand pianos, ranging from the classic Konzert series to the contemporary Wilhelm Schimmel line, produce a rich, expressive, and resonant sound. The brand’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship is complemented by an openness to technological advancements that enhance both the playing and listening experience.

Grotrian-Steinweg

German piano manufacturer Grotrian was founded in 1835 and is currently run by the fifth and sixth generations of the Grotrian family. The Grotrian family collaborated with Heinrich Steinweg, the future Henry Steinway, the founder of Steinway & Sons, and eventually acquired his piano factory. Grotrian-Steinweg was the name given to the first pianos. Grotrian’s founding principles were to create outstanding pianos and innovate to enhance instruments that were already exceptional.

With its unique star pattern on the back, Grotrian creates amazing upright pianos. The most exquisite tone for an upright piano is produced by the vibrations within the wood body of the piano thanks to the star-shaped iron frame. The Grotrian-Steinweg Concert Royal, one of its grand pianos, is known for its rich, clear, and resonant tones, making it a preferred choice for accomplished pianists and concert halls. Their magnificent duo-piano is composed of two grand pianos connected at the sides of their tails. This instrument has a single duo-lid. The two lids can vibrate as one, which is ideal for pianists. Additionally, duo pianos can be divided into standalone instruments with separate covers. This innovation is just one of many patents held by Grotrian.