Top Piano Brands: A Symphony of Quality and Innovation

When considering the purchase of a piano, selecting the right brand is crucial to ensure quality, sound, and longevity. Renowned for their craftsmanship and superior acoustics, several brands have emerged as leaders in the piano industry. From the timeless elegance of Steinway & Sons to the innovative designs of Yamaha, each brand offers a unique experience for pianists of all skill levels. To help you make an informed choice, explore the curated list of top piano brands below.

Illustration of piano

Best brands of piano in 2025

Steinway & Sons

Steinway & Sons is renowned as one of the premier piano manufacturers, with a legacy spanning over 170 years since its founding in 1853. The company is celebrated for its handcrafted quality, with each piano taking almost a year to make and involving over 12,000 individual parts and more than 300 skilled artisans. Approximately 98% of concert pianists choose Steinway pianos, and the brand dominates 97% of the concert venue market. Steinway's commitment to excellence is evident in its limited production of about 5,000 pianos annually, ensuring high quality and exclusivity. The brand's prices reflect its prestige, with significant increases over the years, such as a Model B piano rising from $8,900 in 1975 to approximately $101,800 in 2017. To learn more about Steinway's rich heritage and dedication to artistry, visit their official website.

Yamaha

Yamaha is renowned as a leading producer of pianos, boasting a significant market share of 39% in the global piano market as of fiscal 2021. The company's expertise in combining acoustic and digital technologies has enabled the creation of innovative products like the Clavinova(tm) digital pianos and the SILENT(tm) Series. Yamaha's commitment to craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology has maintained its position as the No. 1 share in the global comprehensive musical instrument market. The company's global network and diverse product lineup, including hybrid pianos and electronic pianos, have contributed to its success in expanding sales in both mature and emerging markets. Yamaha's market dominance is further highlighted by its 47% share in the digital pianos market and 52% share in portable keyboards. For more detailed insights, explore the Yamaha Annual Report 2022.

Bösendorfer

Bosendorfer, an Austrian piano manufacturer since 1828, is renowned for its rich, darker, and fuller-bodied sound, which has captivated legendary artists like Franz Liszt, Oscar Peterson, and Tori Amos. The brand's impeccable craftsmanship and use of naturally dried spruce contribute to its distinctive sound profile. Despite being acquired by Yamaha in 2008, Bosendorfer continues to operate independently in Austria, maintaining its premium quality. Bosendorfer pianos are highly valued for their resale, often retaining or increasing their value over time. With a limited production each year, these pianos remain a sought-after investment for musicians and collectors. To learn more about investing in a Bosendorfer piano, visit this informative blog post.

Kawai

Kawai is renowned as one of the top piano manufacturers globally, known for producing high-quality acoustic and digital pianos. Founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai, the company has maintained its position as a leader in the industry for nearly 100 years. Kawai pianos are celebrated for their rich, wide sound and meticulous attention to detail, with each new acoustic piano coming with a 10-year factory warranty. The company has seen significant growth, with international sales accounting for 83% of their keyboard instrument sales, and a global market share increase over the last six years. For more insights, explore why Kawai is a top piano brand worth considering.

Fazioli

Fazioli, founded in 1981 by Paolo Fazioli, is a renowned Italian brand celebrated for its technically advanced and visually stunning grand pianos. Known for their bright, clear sound and wide color palette, Fazioli pianos are handcrafted with high-quality materials and innovative solutions, producing instruments that are highly regarded by elite pianists worldwide. With a production of around 150 pianos per year, Fazioli pianos are found in prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School and Teatro La Fenice in Venice. The company's commitment to uncompromised quality and continuous technological research has made it a standout in the global piano market. Fazioli pianos are priced in the luxury segment, with prices ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars. For more information, explore their official profile.

C. Bechstein

C. Bechstein, founded in 1853 by Carl Bechstein in Berlin, Germany, is one of the world's most trusted and renowned piano brands, known for its precision, craftsmanship, and unique voice-like sound. By the early 20th century, Bechstein had become a leading manufacturer, producing up to 5,000 pianos annually and supplying instruments to royal courts, including Queen Victoria's, and to many famous artists and concert halls. The company's pianos were favored by virtuosi such as Franz Liszt and Hans von Bulow, and by the 1870s, Bechstein had established itself alongside Steinway & Sons and Bluthner as a top industry leader. Today, Bechstein continues to innovate, having developed the world's first electronic piano in 1930 and maintaining a strong global presence with showrooms and dealerships across Europe, North America, and Asia. The company also manufactures mid-level W. Hoffmann and entry-level Zimmermann pianos, ensuring a wide range of quality instruments for different markets. For more details, explore the C. Bechstein Wikipedia page.

Blüthner

Bluthner, founded in 1853, is a renowned piano manufacturer known for its exceptional quality and innovative designs, with the family now in its sixth generation. The brand has been endorsed by celebrated composers such as Rachmaninov, Liszt, and Grieg, and more recently by artists like The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Bruno Mars. Bluthner pianos are distinguished by their unique Aliquot stringing system, which adds a fourth string to each note in the treble section, enhancing the sound's richness. The company produces about 100 uprights and 500 grand pianos annually, with models like the Bluthner Model 6 being favorites for homes, music studios, and small concert venues. Bluthner is ranked alongside other iconic brands like Fazioli, Bosendorfer, Bechstein, and Hamburg Steinway for its leadership in quality and craftsmanship.

Mason & Hamlin

Mason & Hamlin is one of the most esteemed piano brands, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. Founded in Boston in 1854 by Henry Mason and Emmons Hamlin, the company has a rich history of producing high-quality pianos that have been favored by legendary musicians such as Sergei Rachmaninoff and George Gershwin. Despite the challenges faced by the US piano industry, Mason & Hamlin has endured, producing only about 2.5 pianos per week, with each concert grand piano taking up to 9 months to build and retailing for around $175,000. The company's commitment to using the finest materials, such as high-quality spruce for the soundboard, and its groundbreaking technologies like the "screw stringer" introduced in 1883, have maintained its position as a top-tier manufacturer. Today, Mason & Hamlin remains one of only two active piano manufacturers in the US, alongside Steinway. For more information, visit their official website.

Schimmel

Schimmel Pianos is renowned as one of the best piano producers, particularly noted for its high-quality, "made in Germany" instruments. With over 40 awards, Schimmel is the most highly awarded German piano brand, having received accolades such as the Diapason d'Or and the German Design Award. Since 2016, Schimmel has been owned by the Pearl River Piano Group, yet it continues to manufacture its "Konzert" and "Classic" series in Braunschweig, Germany. Schimmel sells around 2,200 pianos annually worldwide, holding a 10% global market share. The company's history includes innovative milestones, such as presenting the first acrylic glass piano in 1951.

Petrof

Petrof is a renowned producer of acoustic grand and upright pianos, with a legacy spanning over 160 years since its founding in 1864 by Antonin Petrof. The company, based in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, exports to over 65 countries and has produced over 635,000 instruments. Known for their soft, gentle, and romantic tone, Petrof pianos are crafted with precise handwork, careful material selection, and a commitment to quality, with nearly 80% of production operations carried out manually. Petrof's pianos are popular among musicians and have been recognized globally, with significant markets in China, Russia, Japan, Germany, France, and Great Britain. The company has also achieved notable sales, including a record turnover of 245 million crowns in 2017. For more information, visit their official website.