Top Upright Piano Brands: Harmonizing Elegance and Sound Quality

Choosing the right upright piano can be a defining moment in a musician's journey, offering a harmonious blend of aesthetic elegance and rich sound quality. From the classic resonance of a Steinway & Sons to the modern sophistication of a Yamaha, the market is brimming with exceptional choices that cater to diverse styles and preferences. Each brand has its own unique characteristics, ensuring that both novice players and seasoned performers find an instrument that sings to their soul. Join us below as we explore the top brands that continue to set the standard in the world of upright pianos.

Illustration of upright piano

Best brands of upright piano in 2025

Yamaha

Yamaha is renowned as one of the best producers of upright pianos, with a rich history dating back to 1900 when they began production of these instruments. The company holds a significant market share, with approximately 25% of the global musical instrument market as of 2016. Yamaha's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their continuous development of new products, such as the Silent Pianos, which have enhanced their sales in the moderate-price range. Their global presence, including manufacturing bases in Japan, China, and Indonesia, ensures a robust supply chain for high-value-added and affordable products. Yamaha's brand value is underpinned by strong customer trust and confidence nurtured through long years of providing high-quality products and services.

Kawai

Kawai is renowned as one of the top producers of upright pianos, with a rich history dating back to 1927. The company, founded by Koichi Kawai after his tenure at Yamaha, specializes in keyboard instruments, accounting for 85% of their musical instrument sales. Kawai's upright pianos are celebrated for their use of carbon fiber technology in the Millennium III action, offering a lighter and more durable action compared to traditional wood-based actions. The global market for Kawai's keyboard instruments, including upright pianos, is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 2.8% through 2028, with international sales accounting for 83% of their keyboard instrument sales. For more insights on piano brands, visit Piano Brands Blog.

Steinway & Sons

Steinway & Sons is renowned as one of the premier producers of upright pianos, with a legacy spanning over 170 years since its founding in 1853. The company's Model K-52 upright piano, introduced in 1903, is particularly celebrated for its rich, deep sound and structural integrity, making it a favorite among professional pianists. Steinway's upright pianos are handcrafted in the same Astoria, New York factory as their grand pianos, using the highest grade of materials and techniques. This dedication to craftsmanship has helped Steinway maintain a significant market presence, with approximately 97% of concert pianists choosing Steinway instruments. In 2020, Steinway's acoustic piano sales, including uprights, accounted for 76.3% of their total sales, highlighting their dominance in the market. For more information about their legacy and craftsmanship, visit the Steinway & Sons official website.

Bechstein

C. Bechstein is renowned as one of the premier producers of upright pianos, boasting over 100 years of expertise and a reputation for exceptional tonal clarity and sympathetic resonance. Their uprights, such as the Classic 124, feature high-quality materials like vertically laminated bridges and triple A grade mountain spruce, similar to the wood used by Stradivarius. Bechstein's commitment to quality is evident in their continuous investments in research and development, including setting up their own hammerhead production unit to ensure unparalleled quality. This dedication has made their uprights leaders in the high-end market, favored by demanding pianists and music aficionados worldwide. Bechstein's instruments are found in numerous concert halls, conservatories, and private music rooms, reflecting their excellence in piano craftsmanship.

Bosendorfer

Bosendorfer is renowned as one of the top producers of upright pianos, known for their refined craftsmanship and unique sound philosophy. Their 52" 130CL upright piano is particularly notable for its grand piano-like nuances and powerful bass, despite its compact form. This model is crafted by artisans who also build Bosendorfer's Imperial Concert Grands, ensuring a high level of quality and controllability. Bosendorfer's upright pianos are priced in the range of $74,000 to $100,000, reflecting their premium quality and exclusive materials. The brand's history and expertise, spanning nearly two centuries, contribute to its esteemed position in the piano market. For more information about Bosendorfer's pianos, visit Merriam Music's Bosendorfer page.

Blüthner

Bluthner is renowned as one of the top producers of upright pianos, known for their exceptional quality and rich, romantic sound. Founded in 1853 by Julius Bluthner, the company has maintained its excellence through generations, with about 100 uprights built annually in four sizes. Bluthner pianos are characterized by their beech rims, solid spruce soundboards, Delignit pin blocks, and Renner action, ensuring a lifetime of musical enjoyment. The brand is ranked alongside iconic names like Fazioli, Bosendorfer, Bechstein, and Hamburg Steinway, reflecting its leadership in craftsmanship and sound quality. Bluthner's innovative approach, such as the unique hammer alignment, contributes to an even and uniform sound experience.

Schimmel

Schimmel is renowned as one of the best producers of upright pianos, with a rich history dating back to 1885 when Wilhelm Schimmel founded the company in Leipzig, Germany. Today, Schimmel is Europe's largest piano maker, producing around 2,500 vertical pianos and 500 grand pianos annually, and holding a 10% global market share. The brand is known for its high-quality instruments, such as the Schimmel K122 from the Konzert line, which offers a rich tone and excellent balance despite its smaller size. Schimmel's upright pianos are appreciated for their warm bass and clear tone, making them a favorite among musicians worldwide. The company's acquisition by Pearl River Piano in 2016 has further enhanced its global presence and production capabilities. For more details on their exceptional instruments, visit the Schimmel official page.

Petrof

Petrof is renowned as one of the best producers of upright pianos, boasting a legacy that spans over 160 years since Antonin Petrof built his first piano in 1864. With a commitment to excellence, up to 80% of a Petrof piano is crafted by hand, ensuring a characteristically soft, gentle, and romantic tone. The company has produced over 635,000 instruments and exports to more than 65 countries worldwide. Petrof's upright pianos undergo constant development and improvement, featuring a diverse range of cabinet finishes and robust constructions. The ANT. PETROF brand, introduced in 2014, represents the ultimate premium line, appreciated by even the most demanding musicians. For more information, explore their offerings of upright pianos.

Seiler

Seiler Pianofortefabrik GmbH is renowned for producing high-quality upright pianos, with a rich history dating back to 1849 when it was founded by Eduard Seiler in Liegnitz, Silesia. By the 1920s, Seiler had become the largest piano manufacturer in Eastern Europe, producing up to 3,000 pianos annually. Today, Seiler continues to manufacture its premium SE series uprights in Germany, utilizing high-quality components such as Renner actions and hammers, beech bridges, and white spruce soundboards. The company also offers mid-level and entry-level options through its Eduard Seiler and Johannes Seiler brands, respectively, which are manufactured in Indonesia. Seiler's commitment to quality and innovation has maintained its position as a leading producer in the global piano market. Discover more about their exquisite pianos on the Merriam Music website.

Baldwin

Baldwin is renowned as one of the best producers of upright pianos, with a rich history spanning over a century. The company, which was once a dominant force in the US piano market with a domestic market share of around 22% in 1999, has continued to evolve by shifting its production to China, allowing it to offer high-quality pianos at a fraction of the cost of competitors like Steinway and Yamaha. Baldwin's upright pianos, such as the Baldwin Acrosonic, are praised for their warm, deep "American sound" and durability, making them a favorite among pianists. The company's strategic move to China has enabled it to compete effectively in the mid-priced piano market, offering a 52" professional upright for significantly less than comparable models from other brands. With its long history and commitment to quality, Baldwin remains a leader in the piano industry. For more insights on Baldwin's storied legacy, visit the truth about Baldwin pianos.