Top Acoustic Piano Brands for Melodious Magic

Selecting the best acoustic piano brand involves a combination of tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique sound and quality each brand offers. With a rich history and a commitment to producing exceptional instruments, brands like Steinway & Sons and Yamaha have long been revered by musicians and professionals around the world. From the luxurious tones of a Bösendorfer to the innovative designs of Kawai, each brand brings something distinctive to the table. For a deeper dive into these esteemed brands and what makes them stand out, read on below.

Illustration of acoustic piano

Best brands of acoustic piano in 2025

Steinway & Sons

For over 170 years, Steinway & Sons has been crafting some of the world's finest acoustic pianos, establishing an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, and investment value, with many models considered to be the pinnacle of piano craftsmanship. Their commitment to quality and innovation has resulted in a legacy where a significant percentage of concert pianists choose Steinway, solidifying their place as a leading piano brand. Their pianos are available in various sizes from grand to upright, with prices reflecting their premium status. For more information, visit their website Steinway & Sons.

Yamaha

Yamaha, established in 1887, is a world-leading acoustic piano manufacturer, producing over 100,000 pianos annually since 1966 and boasting a significant share of the global musical instrument market. With over eight million pianos shipped to date, Yamaha is renowned for its quality and affordability, and the brand continues to innovate with technologies like the Silent Piano, solidifying its position among the top choices for musicians and enthusiasts; you can explore their range of pianos.

Bösendorfer

Bösendorfer, established in 1828 in Vienna, Austria, is a world-renowned piano manufacturer, known for its handcrafted instruments that embody the Viennese sound tradition, producing around 300 pianos annually, including models with 92 or 97 keys. They are now a subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation since 2008, offering a range of grand and upright pianos with prices starting from $121,999, with the flagship Imperial model 290 reaching $306,999. For more information, you can visit their official website at Bösendorfer.

Kawai

Kawai, established in 1927 by Koichi Kawai, stands as a leading global manufacturer of acoustic pianos, with a commitment to quality and innovation, evident in their use of ABS-Carbon Fiber components for precise action. Kawai is recognized as the second largest piano manufacturer in the world, with 83% of their keyboard instrument sales originating from international markets. With the goal of becoming the world's number one piano brand by their 100th anniversary in 2027, Kawai offers a diverse range of products from grand to upright models, continuously improving technology for both acoustic and digital instruments.

Bechstein

C. Bechstein, established in 1853 in Berlin, Germany, is a world-renowned piano manufacturer, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality instruments, that has maintained its brand value for over a century, offering a 5-year warranty, and exporting nearly half of its production by the early 20th century. Their instruments are chosen by many legendary artists, making them a top choice for professional pianists and music lovers alike.

Fazioli

Founded in 1981 by Paolo Fazioli, Fazioli pianos are handcrafted in Italy, with a production of approximately 140 pianos annually, each taking about two years to complete. They are considered by many to be among the best pianos in the world due to their exceptional sound quality and responsiveness, and are favored by renowned artists like Herbie Hancock and Angela Hewitt. Prices for Fazioli pianos start at $159,998 for the smallest models.

Blüthner

Established in 1853 in Leipzig, Germany, Blüthner has become renowned for crafting high-quality acoustic pianos, employing innovations like the aliquot string system, and by 1900, they were the largest piano maker in Germany, producing around 5,000 instruments annually. The company offers various grand piano models, ranging from 166 cm to 280 cm, and upright pianos with different mechanisms, all while maintaining a tradition of hand-craftsmanship. You can explore their models and history further.

Mason & Hamlin

Established in 1854, Mason & Hamlin, an American piano manufacturer, is renowned for producing high-quality, handcrafted grand and upright pianos using traditional methods, with an output of about 200-350 pianos per year. Considered one of the best piano brands in the world, Mason & Hamlin was a top competitor to Steinway by 1910, and still continues to craft pianos with superior materials and techniques. Each piano is meticulously adjusted by experienced craftsmen to ensure a unique tone and sound quality.

Schimmel

Schimmel, established in 1885, is a highly awarded German piano manufacturer, producing instruments known for their advanced technology, excellent sound, and contemporary design, with their "Konzert" series representing some of the finest performance instruments available; Schimmel's global market share is around 10% with approximately 2,200 pianos sold annually. Despite the majority stake being owned by Pearl River Piano Group since 2016, the "Konzert" and "Classic" lines continue to be produced in Braunschweig, Germany, with "Wilhelm Schimmel" production in Kalisz, Poland, upholding the company's motto "Quality will prevail".

Grotrian-Steinweg

Grotrian-Steinweg, a German piano manufacturer with roots dating back to 1835, is celebrated for producing high-quality acoustic pianos, with their instruments known for a unique tonal quality, exceptional craftsmanship, and employing only premium materials like Alpine spruce for soundboards, and they are 100% made in Braunschweig, Germany. The brand has been a favorite of many famous pianists, with the model 124 being among the finest upright pianos ever made. The company reached a peak in the late 1920s, employing 1,000 people and producing 3,000 pianos per year.