What Are the Best Piano Brands?
So What Are the Best Piano Brands?
The country of origin is often the best indicator of the quality of pianos. Since piano production began in Germany and the United States, these represent the very best piano brands.
The United States only has 3 manufacturers left although there used to be hundreds of piano companies building in America. Today we have only:
Steinway
Steinway makes about 2500 pianos a year
Mason & Hamlin
Mason & Hamlin builds only 250 pianos per year
Charles Walter
Charles Walter is a relative newcomer which builds only about 65 pianos each year.
The best European pianos come primarily from Germany:
Bechstein
Bluthner
Bosendorfer (from Austria)
Fazioli (from Italy)
The Eastern European pianos are not as refined but offer excellent value:
Petrof/Weinbach
(The same company produces both pianos.)
Estonia
Japan makes the best Asian production pianos. There are 2 companies which are the largest and second largest manufacturers of pianos in the world:
Yamaha
Kawai
Both companies have factories throughout Asia (not just in Japan) and the best pianos they build are made in Japan. They offer everything from budget instruments to hand-made pianos rivaling the best German and American pianos.
Korea has been making pianos for quite some time. While not as refined as the Japanese pianos, they continually improve. There are 2 Korean piano manufactures both of which have factories in other countries:
Samick
Young Chang
Samick sells pianos under many different brand names including Kohler and Campbell, Knabe, Sohmer, Pramberger, Remington and many more. These are referred to as “stencil pianos” since the original manufacturer is either out of business or it is a made up name. Young Chang sells pianos under the Weber name.
Best Piano Brands YouTube Video
Best Piano Brands
70 Comments to What Are the Best Piano Brands?
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Hi Robert,
We really enjoyed your youtube discussion regarding the best pianos around today (not to mention the truly beautiful musical performance you threw in!). Our daughter is a musically talented twelve year old who has taken piano lessons for the last year (violin prior to that) and we are in the process of buying her a piano. We live in NYC and space is a consideration - so we are looking at uprights and consoles mostly - we have sort of narrowed it down to a new Charles R. Walter or a used Steinway, 1967 model (both are offered for sale at Beethoven Pianos on west 58th street). I really like the Walter model, which is about the same price as the used Steinway and notice that you mentioned it favorably. I also like the idea of purchasing from a small American manufacturer and love the idea of Mr. Walter’s personal oversight of each piece. I was told that the “action” is now being made in China - do you consider that a deficit in manufacture? Overall, would you recommend their console for a young student to “grow on”. Your thoughts are very much appreciated and we look forward to new youtube postings as well! Best, Ariella, Alex and LIbby Bergier - NYC
Hi Robert,
Could you share your opinion about Grotrian grand pianos? What about the Shigeru Kawais? Thank you.
Brian
Hello I would really like to have your opinion of shumann Piano is it a good brand your help will be grateful