Top Piano Brands: Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Kawai, Bösendorfer, Bechstein.

The world of pianos is a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless music. From the delicate sounds of grand pianos to the versatile notes of uprights, several brands stand out for their unparalleled quality and resonance. Renowned names like Steinway & Sons and Yamaha dominate the classical music scene, while others like Kawai and Bösendorfer offer unique tonal qualities preferred by many artists. To discover a more detailed list of the best piano brands and what sets each apart, explore the sections below.

Illustration of pianos

Best brands of pianos in 2025

Steinway & Sons

Steinway & Sons, founded in 1853, is renowned for producing world-class pianos, dominating the concert-grand and institutional markets. The company's acoustic piano sales accounted for 76.3% of its total sales in 2020, with 37.6% of these sales occurring in the US. Steinway holds approximately 38.6% of the global acoustic piano market and has a network of about 1900 Steinway Artists, representing 97% of all concert pianists. The brand's grand piano segment alone generated $47.6 million in 2020, and their prices have significantly outpaced inflation, with a Model B increasing from $8,900 in 1975 to $101,800 in 2017. Steinway's exclusive deals with schools, concert halls, and artists have contributed to its market dominance.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a leading global producer of pianos, boasting a significant market share of 23.9% in the musical instruments industry as of 2020. The company has a long history, dating back to 1887 when Torakusu Yamaha produced the first organ, and it has since expanded to become the world's largest comprehensive musical instruments manufacturer. Yamaha holds about 50% of the market share for digital musical instruments, including digital pianos and portable keyboards. The company is known for its high-quality products, such as the P-515 digital piano, which features advanced technologies like Virtual Resonance Modeling and binaural samples. Yamaha's commitment to combining craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies has solidified its position as a global market leader. For more information about their extensive history, visit Yamaha's official history page.

Kawai

Kawai is a leading global brand in the piano industry, known for its specialization in keyboard instruments, including acoustic and digital pianos. The company has seen significant growth, with its global market share increasing over the last six years and international sales accounting for 83% of its keyboard instrument sales. Kawai's musical instrument and education business constitutes 83% of its total sales, and the company is expected to maintain stable growth in the global keyboard instrument market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% through 2028. Kawai's products are recognized for their quality, with the use of innovative materials like ABS plastic and carbon fiber in their piano actions. The company's commitment to quality and its extensive global presence have solidified its position as the second-largest piano manufacturer in the world. For more details, visit their official website.

Bösendorfer

Bosendorfer, an Austrian piano manufacturer since 1828, is renowned for its rich, dark, and full-bodied sound, making it a preferred choice for discerning artists. Founded by Ignaz Bosendorfer, the brand has a storied history, including being the 'Official Piano Maker' to the Emperor of Austria in 1839. Despite being acquired by Yamaha in 2008, Bosendorfer continues to operate independently in Austria, maintaining its high-quality craftsmanship. The brand's pianos are known for retaining and often increasing their value over time, with a strong resale market driven by their rarity and historical prestige. Bosendorfer pianos are favored by legendary artists such as Franz Liszt, Oscar Peterson, and Tori Amos. For more details on why you should consider a Bosendorfer piano, check out this insightful blog.

Fazioli

Fazioli, founded in 1981 by engineer and pianist Paolo Fazioli, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest grand and concert grand pianos, with a production level of around 150 pianos per year. Known for their uncompromised quality, Fazioli pianos are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous material selection, making them a favorite among prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School and Teatro La Fenice. The company's commitment to environmental ethics is evident in its use of certified sustainable wood and a photovoltaic system that covers one-third of the factory's energy needs. Fazioli's innovative designs, such as the F308 model with its unique fourth pedal, have garnered acclaim from top pianists like Angela Hewitt and Herbie Hancock. With a presence in major markets including Europe, North America, China, and South America, Fazioli continues to set standards in the piano industry. For more information, visit their official website.

Bechstein

C. Bechstein, established in 1853 by Carl Bechstein, is renowned as one of the premier piano manufacturers globally, particularly noted for its high-end pianos. By the early 20th century, Bechstein had become the largest German manufacturer of high-end pianos, producing 5,000 pianos annually and employing 1,200 craftsmen by 1913. The company's pianos are celebrated for their consistent quality, with all models produced uniformly to maintain a high standard of sound and craftsmanship. Bechstein's pianos have been favored by legendary musicians, including Oscar Peterson and Elton John, and have been instrumental in recording iconic songs like "Hey Jude" and "Your Song". Despite challenges post-World War II, Bechstein continued to innovate, introducing the Vario Silent System and maintaining its reputation for excellence.

Mason & Hamlin

Mason & Hamlin is one of the most revered piano brands, known for its exceptional quality, durability, and innovative designs. Founded in 1854 by Henry Mason and Emmons Hamlin, the company has a rich history of producing pianos that have been favored by renowned musicians like Sergei Rachmaninoff and George Gershwin. Despite facing significant challenges, including the Great Depression and World War II, Mason & Hamlin has maintained its commitment to craftsmanship, producing only about 300 grand pianos and 50 uprights annually. The company's Virtuoso X Series blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, and their pianos are highly sought after by educational institutions and musicians worldwide. With a current production rate of about 2.5 pianos per week, Mason & Hamlin remains one of the last two active piano manufacturers in the US, alongside Steinway & Sons.

Baldwin

Baldwin, a renowned leader in the domestic keyboard market, has been a significant player in the piano industry for decades, with its products sold through 82% domestic wholesale dealers, 14% company-owned retailers, and 4% international dealers. The company's acoustic pianos, including the prestigious Baldwin(r) concert grand piano, have accounted for nearly 50% of domestic new piano sales over the last four decades. Despite facing challenges, Baldwin's brand names, such as Baldwin(r), Chickering(tm), and Wurlitzer(r), continue to be highly regarded. The company's products are favored by families with children, young adults, and educational institutions, and they compete on factors like price, tone quality, and performance characteristics. Baldwin's market presence is further bolstered by the strong domestic economy and the reduction in used pianos in the marketplace. For more detailed insights, visit the Baldwin Piano case study.

Schimmel

Schimmel Pianos is renowned as one of the best piano producers, particularly in Germany, with a history spanning over 130 years. The brand is the most highly awarded German piano manufacturer, having received over 40 awards for its instruments. Since 2016, Schimmel has been owned by the Pearl River Piano Group, with the Schimmel family retaining 10% of the company. Schimmel produces around 2,200 pianos annually, holding a 10% global market share, and continues to manufacture high-quality pianos in its factories in Braunschweig, Germany, and Kalisz, Poland. For more information, visit their Wikipedia page.

Blüthner

Bluthner, founded in 1853, is a renowned piano manufacturer known for its exceptional quality and innovative designs, such as the Aliquot stringing system, which adds a fourth string to the treble section for enhanced sound richness. The brand has been favored by legendary musicians including Rachmaninov, Liszt, and Grieg, as well as modern artists like The Beatles and Stevie Wonder. Bluthner pianos are crafted with precision, using materials like beech rims, solid spruce soundboards, and Renner action, ensuring a long-lasting and balanced sound. The company, now in its sixth generation, produces about 500 grand pianos and 100 uprights annually. Bluthner's commitment to excellence has earned it a ranking alongside iconic brands like Fazioli, Bosendorfer, and Hamburg Steinway.