The 22 best upright pianos brands
Yamaha, Wurlitzer and Steinway & Sons lead our ranking of 22 upright pianos brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Upright Pianos brands, ranked
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1
Yamaha
Yamaha's Arius range covers digital uprights with built-in speakers, while its AvantGrand hybrids add real keys with an acoustic-feel action.
Top products: Arius YDP166· Arius YDP-S56
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Wurlitzer
Twentieth-century American spinet and console uprights, compact enough for apartments, with vintage examples often needing tuning and regulation.
Popularity 6.5/10
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3
Steinway & Sons
Steinway's uprights are hand-built in New York and Hamburg and priced well above mainstream rivals, with strong resale value.
Website: steinway.com |Brands like Steinway & Sons
Popularity 5.5/10
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4
Kimball
Kimball made American console and spinet uprights, many from Chicago factories, which suit smaller rooms and budget used purchases.
Top products: S455 Console
Website: kimball.com |Brands like Kimball
Popularity 5.0/10
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5
Kohler & Campbell
Kohler and Campbell pianos are mass-market American uprights, often sold in mahogany or walnut finishes at entry-level prices.
Website: kohlerandcampbell.com |Brands like Kohler & Campbell
Popularity 4.2/10
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6
Young Chang
Young Chang, a Korean maker, builds uprights under its own name and under the Weber and Albert Weber brands.
Website: youngchang.com |Brands like Young Chang
Popularity 4.0/10
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7
Samick
Samick's uprights suit students and home players, with compact studio and console sizes at accessible prices.
Website: samickguitar.com |Brands like Samick
Popularity 3.1/10
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8
Pearl River
Pearl River's Chinese factories produce large volumes of uprights for export, typically in mid-range prices and standard sizes.
Website: pearlriverusa.com |Brands like Pearl River
Popularity 2.3/10
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9
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 2.2/10
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10
Mason & Hamlin
Mason & Hamlin uprights are built in Massachusetts, favoured for a singing tone and priced above mass-market makes.
Website: masonhamlin.com |Brands like Mason & Hamlin
Popularity 2.0/10
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11
Schimmel
Schimmel uprights come from Wurzburg, Germany, with soundboards and actions finished by hand and a bright, clear tone suited to recital rooms.
Website: schimmel-pianos.de |Brands like Schimmel
Popularity 1.8/10
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12
Lowrey
Musical instruments act as the soul of music. It’s no wonder Lowrey is the best-selling Recreational Musical device manufacturing brand on demand due to its soul sound quality. They have excelled in the Lowrey instrument quality with multi-tasking computer techniques...
Website: lowrey.com |Brands like Lowrey
Popularity 1.8/10
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13
PETROF
Petrof, a Czech maker, builds uprights with a warm European tone at mid-range prices.
Website: petrof.com |Brands like PETROF
Popularity 1.8/10
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14
Casio
Casio's Celviano range is digital uprights with weighted keys and built-in speakers, often sold with bench and pedals.
Top products: Celviano AP-300
Website: casio.com |Brands like Casio
Popularity 1.8/10
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15
Roland
Roland's digital uprights come in furniture-style finishes with built-in speakers and its PHA keyboard action.
Top products: F701· HP704· RP107
Website: roland.com |Brands like Roland
Popularity 1.6/10
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16
Bechstein
Bechstein produces grand pianos and upright pianos, a line that traces back to the German company C. Bechstein, founded in 1853. The company has built replicas of famous vintage pianos, and one of its instruments was made for Queen Victoria....
Website: bechstein.com |Brands like Bechstein
Popularity 1.2/10
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17
Korg
For nearly 50 years, Korg has been meeting the demands of musicians and music fans worldwide. Their products have evolved alongside music technology, from analog synthesizers and rhythm machines to digital workstations. Their most recent inventions, including a whole line...
Website: korg.com |Brands like Korg
Popularity 1.2/10
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18
K & M
Music stands and microphone stands are the signature lines from K & M, a German maker of stands for musicians. The stands are built for practice rooms, stages, and recording studios. The brand also lists stuffed animals and mirror walls...
Popularity 1.1/10
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19
HOHNER
Hohner manufactures musical instruments such as harmonicas and accordions to enjoy and celebrate the passion for music. Matthias Hohner founded it in Trossingen, Germany, in 1857. Hohner, along with its dedicated yet qualified artisans, devotes itself as a brand to...
Website: hohner.de |Brands like HOHNER
Popularity 0.9/10
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20
Technics
Feel the beat, re-create it and remember. Technics is for music lovers who want to Rediscover Music. Technics is dedicated to bringing you the world's most musical and musical experience. With Technics, music lovers everywhere can rediscover the joy of...
Website: technics.com |Brands like Technics
Popularity 0.9/10
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21
Alesis
Alesis is involved in the music industry. The company was established in 1980 by a music lover. They have been making an impact in the music industry ever since. They are dedicated to making gear that is going to empower...
Website: alesis.com |Brands like Alesis
Popularity 0.9/10
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22
Rhodes
Rhodes Chroma: resources for the vintage analog synthesizer. Over 300 pages of historical and technical information.
Website: rhodeschroma.com |Brands like Rhodes
Popularity 0.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
| Steinway & Sons | steinway.com | /steinway | steinwayandsons | @SteinwayAndSons | SteinwayOfficial |
| Kimball | kimball.com | /kimballbrand | kimballbrand | @kimballbrand | – |
| Kohler & Campbell | kohlerandcampbell.com | – | – | – | – |
| Young Chang | youngchang.com | /YoungChangWeberPianos | – | @YoungChangUSA | Young Chang & Weber Pianos |
| Samick | samickguitar.com | /withsamick | samick_official | – | SIMSCorporation |
| Pearl River | pearlriverusa.com | /PearlRiverPianos | pearlriverpianos | – | PearlRiverUSA |
| Weber | weber.com | /Weberbbqindia | weberbbqindia | – | UCY66YsghSub9ZkrNEkJwGw |
| Mason & Hamlin | masonhamlin.com | /masonhamlin | masonandhamlin | @masonhamlin | Mason & Hamlin Piano Co. |
Upright Pianos Buying Guide
Buying an upright piano is an important investment, and there are plenty of factors to consider before making a purchase. With numerous brands, models, and options in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best upright piano that is suitable to your needs and budget. Here is a buying guide to help you understand the different aspects of purchasing an upright piano.
Types of Upright Pianos
Before diving into the specifications, it is essential to understand the different types of upright pianos.
Spinet Piano: Spinet pianos are the smallest upright pianos, typically measuring 36 to 40 inches in height. They are ideal for tight spaces where a grand piano or a larger upright might not fit. However, they are less expensive than other upright pianos, but compromise on sound quality.
Console Piano: Console pianos are taller than spinet pianos, typically measuring 40 to 43 inches in height. They have a larger soundboard and longer strings, giving them better sound quality than spinet pianos. They are suitable for beginner to intermediate pianists and are often used for music schools.
Studio Piano: Studio pianos are the largest type of upright piano, typically measuring 44 to 47 inches in height. They offer superior sound quality, which makes them ideal for professional use. They have full-length strings and larger soundboards, allowing them to produce a more resonant sound than spinet and console pianos.
Size and Space
The size of the piano is an essential factor to consider before buying an upright piano. You must have a clear idea of the space that you have available for the piano. Measure the height, width, and depth to ensure that the piano can fit into your space and pass through any doorways or hallways. Remember that you also need to leave adequate room for the piano bench and move around the piano when playing.
Budget
The budget is a critical factor that determines the type and quality of the piano that you can afford. Upright pianos come in a wide range of prices, from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It is essential to set a budget before shopping for a piano.
When setting a budget, consider the quality of the piano in terms of materials, craftsmanship, and sound. A high-quality upright piano may be more expensive, but it will be worth the investment in the long run.
The Sound
The quality of the sound is the most essential factor to consider when buying an upright piano. The sound of an upright piano is determined by various factors, including the materials used, the size of the soundboard, the string length, the type of strings, and the design of the piano.
When testing the sound of an upright piano, try to play various notes and chords at different volumes to determine the sound quality. Listen for a clear, well-balanced tone across the entire range of the piano without any buzzing or rattling noises. Also, consider the sustain and resonation of the piano because they define the natural decaying of the notes.
Brand and Model
The brand and model are essential factors to consider when shopping for an upright piano. Some brands have a reputation for making high-quality pianos with exceptional tone, durability, and craftsmanship. Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway & Sons, and Baldwin are popular brands known for producing high-quality upright pianos.
The model of the piano also affects the sound quality, durability, and design of the piano. Consider the design features, such as the type of wood used, the finish of the piano, the pedals, and the keys. Some models have special features, such as adjustable pedals, that enhance the overall playing experience.
Piano Action
The piano action is another essential factor to consider. The action refers to the mechanism that connects the keys to the hammers that strike the strings. The piano action must be responsive, smooth, and consistent for the player to produce accurate notes and dynamics.
The material and design of the piano action affect the feel and responsiveness of the piano. Look for a piano with a high-quality action that is easy to play and comfortable for extended playing sessions. A good piano action will have a firm and responsive touch, allowing the player to play with control and sensitivity.
Piano Maintenance
Upright pianos require regular maintenance and tuning to keep them in good condition. The strings, tuning pins, hammers, and dampers of the piano may wear out or deteriorate over time, affecting the sound and playability of the piano.
Consider the cost and availability of piano maintenance in your area before buying an upright piano. Some brands and models may require more maintenance and tuning than others. It is essential to factor in the cost of tuning and maintenance when setting a budget for an upright piano.
Piano Delivery
Piano delivery is another important factor to consider before buying an upright piano. Upright pianos are heavy and bulky, making them difficult to move around. It is important to ensure that the piano can be safely delivered to your location.
Before buying a piano, research delivery options for your area. Some piano retailers offer free delivery, while others charge a fee for delivery and installation. Consider hiring professional piano movers, especially if you live in a multistory building or have narrow doorways and hallways that make moving the piano difficult.
Conclusion
In summary, buying an upright piano requires careful consideration of various factors, including the type of piano, size and space, budget, sound quality, brand and model, piano action, maintenance, and delivery. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the best upright piano that meets your needs and budget and brings you years of enjoyment and musical inspiration.
