The 22 best grand piano brands
Steinway & Sons, Yamaha and Mason & Hamlin lead our ranking of 22 grand piano brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Grand Piano brands, ranked
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1
Steinway & Sons
Hand-built concert and parlor grands, often the reference point pianists use when comparing brands.
Website: steinway.com |Brands like Steinway & Sons
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Yamaha
Japanese builder covering digital grand-style keyboards and acoustic baby grands such as the GB1 at mid prices.
Top products: DGX-230· GB1· DGX-500
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 7.5/10
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3
Mason & Hamlin
Boston-built grands prized for a singing tone, with vintage rebuilt models common in the trade.
Top products: Model A
Website: masonhamlin.com |Brands like Mason & Hamlin
Popularity 3.5/10
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4
Young Chang
Seoul-based builder whose ebony-finished grands and uprights suit schools, studios, and home players.
Website: youngchang.com |Brands like Young Chang
Popularity 3.4/10
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5
Samick
Korean-built baby grands sold for less than most European names, mostly in polished ebony or cream.
Top products: SG-140A· SG-172· SG-185
Website: samickguitar.com |Brands like Samick
Popularity 3.1/10
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6
Wurlitzer
Vintage American grands from the 1930s, such as the Butterfly, prized by collectors more than new buyers.
Top products: Butterfly Grand
Popularity 2.6/10
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7
Kohler & Campbell
Mid-price American uprights and grands sold widely through dealer networks.
Website: kohlerandcampbell.com |Brands like Kohler & Campbell
Popularity 2.6/10
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8
Weber
Weber has made grills with charcoal and gas kettle models among its designs. Its grill covers and barbecue covers protect the grills outdoors. Many grilling recipes are published for people using its models.
Website: weber.com |Brands like Weber
Popularity 2.6/10
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9
Kimball
Indiana-built grands and uprights in the mid-range, with the Viennese Classic baby grand a typical example.
Top products: Viennese Classic
Website: kimball.com |Brands like Kimball
Popularity 2.4/10
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10
Bechstein
Berlin-built concert grands dating to 1853, with a rich tone and a premium price.
Top products: A Grand
Website: bechstein.com |Brands like Bechstein
Popularity 2.1/10
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11
Pearl River
Guangzhou factories produce this brand's grands and uprights in large volume at entry-level prices.
Website: pearlriverusa.com |Brands like Pearl River
Popularity 2.1/10
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12
Schimmel
Leipzig-built pianos with a bright, even tone, and the 120J upright is a common choice.
Top products: Model 120J
Website: schimmel-pianos.de |Brands like Schimmel
Popularity 1.8/10
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13
PETROF
Hradec Králové firm dating to 1864, with solid parlor grands and uprights for home players.
Top products: IV
Website: petrof.com |Brands like PETROF
Popularity 1.6/10
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14
Seiler
Concert and grand pianos from a central European builder with more than a century of history.
Website: seilerpianousa.com |Brands like Seiler
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
Kurzweil
Sampling synths and digital pianos that layer acoustic piano recordings over computer sound.
Website: kurzweil.com |Brands like Kurzweil
Popularity 1.1/10
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16
Suzuki
Uprights and grands from Japan, often chosen by students following the Suzuki method.
Popularity 1.1/10
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17
Grotrian
Grands made in Braunschweig since 1835, often chosen by teaching studios.
Top products: WGS 152
Website: grotrian.de |Brands like Grotrian
Popularity 0.8/10
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18
SAUTER
SAUTER provides lodging near ski slopes and hiking paths in the heart of the Alps. Your vacation will be unique thanks to the trendy furniture and cozy atmosphere. Their flats are in two lovely South Tyrolean tourist communities. They provide...
Popularity 0.8/10
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19
Roland
Digital stage pianos from Hamamatsu, popular with gigging players who need a light, portable body.
Top products: LX-6
Website: roland.com |Brands like Roland
Popularity 0.7/10
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20
Technics
Panasonic-owned name whose home digital pianos pair a compact cabinet with hi-fi-grade sound systems.
Website: technics.com |Brands like Technics
Popularity 0.7/10
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21
Casio
Lightweight digital pianos like the Celviano, with touch-sensitive keys and built-in speakers.
Top products: Celviano AP-300
Website: casio.com |Brands like Casio
Popularity 0.5/10
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22
Pleyel
Paris-based maker dating to 1807, historically linked with Chopin and French romantic piano sound.
Website: pleyel.com |Brands like Pleyel
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steinway & Sons | steinway.com | /steinway | steinwayandsons | @SteinwayAndSons | SteinwayOfficial |
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
| Mason & Hamlin | masonhamlin.com | /masonhamlin | masonandhamlin | @masonhamlin | Mason & Hamlin Piano Co. |
| Young Chang | youngchang.com | /YoungChangWeberPianos | – | @YoungChangUSA | Young Chang & Weber Pianos |
| Samick | samickguitar.com | /withsamick | samick_official | – | SIMSCorporation |
| Kohler & Campbell | kohlerandcampbell.com | – | – | – | – |
| Weber | weber.com | /Weberbbqindia | weberbbqindia | – | UCY66YsghSub9ZkrNEkJwGw |
| Kimball | kimball.com | /kimballbrand | kimballbrand | @kimballbrand | – |
| Bechstein | bechstein.com | /BechsteinPianos | bechstein1853 | @bechstein1853 | Bechstein1853 |
Grand Pianos Buying Guide
Buying a grand piano is a big investment and an important decision. Whether you are a professional musician or a music lover, it's important to choose the right instrument that fits your needs and budget. This guide will provide you with some valuable insights and tips to help you make an informed decision when buying a grand piano.
Types of Grand Pianos
Grand pianos come in different sizes and styles, and they are classified based on their length. Here are the most common types:
- Baby Grand Piano: This is the smallest type of grand piano, measuring between 4'6" to 5'5". They are ideal for smaller spaces, and they are popular among homeowners and musicians who live in apartments or studios.
- Mid-Sized Grand Piano: This is a medium-sized grand piano, measuring between 5'6" to 6'5". They are a good compromise between sound quality and space requirements. They are suited for larger homes, music studios, and schools.
- Concert Grand Piano: This is the largest type of grand piano, measuring over 9'. They are the preferred choice for professional pianists, orchestras, and concert halls. They produce the loudest and most expressive sound due to their bigger size and longer strings.
Key Considerations
When choosing a grand piano, there are several factors to consider:
- Sound Quality: The sound quality is the most important factor when selecting a grand piano. It should have a clear, balanced, and resonant sound across all the registers. The bass notes should not overpower the treble notes, and the middle range should be warm and rich.
- Action: The action refers to the mechanism that connects the keys to the hammers. It should be responsive, light, and precise. The pianist should be able to control the volume and sound nuances with ease. The key weight and touch should be consistent across all the keys.
- Construction: The construction of the piano affects its durability, stability, and resonance. The soundboard should be made of high-quality spruce wood, the frame should be strong and sturdy, and the strings should be made of premium materials. The pedals should be responsive and easy to control.
- Size and Space: The size of the piano should match the available space in your home or studio. The bigger the piano, the more space it requires. You should consider the room acoustics, lighting, and temperature when choosing the location for your piano.
- Budget: Grand pianos can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. You should set a realistic budget based on your experience, goals, and expectations. You should also factor in the cost of maintenance, tuning, and repairs.
Other Factors to Consider
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a grand piano:
- Brand and Reputation: There are many brands of grand pianos, and each has its own reputation and history. You should research the brand's history, reviews, and customer feedback before making a decision. Some of the most popular brands of grand pianos are Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai, and Bosendorfer.
- New vs. Used: You can buy a new or used grand piano, depending on your budget and preferences. A new piano has a warranty and is less likely to have any defects or problems. A used piano can save you money, but it may require tuning, repairs, or renovation. You should hire a qualified piano technician to inspect the piano before purchasing it.
- Aesthetics: The appearance of the piano is also important, as it can enhance the ambiance and style of your home or studio. You can choose from different finishes, such as polished ebony, satin, mahogany, or walnut. You can also customize the piano with special features, such as a silent system, player system, or custom design.
- Accessories and Maintenance: You should also consider the accessories and maintenance options for your piano. You will need a piano bench, a music stand, and a piano cover. You should also schedule a regular maintenance and tuning service for your piano to ensure its longevity and performance.
Conclusion
Buying a grand piano is a personal and emotional decision that requires careful consideration and research. You should choose a piano that matches your experience, goals, and budget, and that provides a clear, balanced, and resonant sound. You should also factor in the construction, size, brand, aesthetics, and maintenance options. With the right guidance and advice, you can find the perfect grand piano that will bring joy, inspiration, and beauty to your life.
