Kevin JohnsonPianos have been around in different forms since the early 1700s. These instruments allow players to express themselves through music. Whether you seek to learn a new hobby or start your musical career, find the best piano brand to make your journey more exciting.
You can look for reputable names like Yamaha, Bösendorfer, Steinway, C.Bechstein, and Kawai. If you seek affordable options, search for high-quality instruments from emerging companies. But which are the best piano brands?
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the 15 best piano brands:
1. Yamaha Pianos
Yamaha is a Japanese manufacturing company offering pianos, guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, and drum kits. The brand produced its first upright piano model in 1900. Yamaha has featured on the best-seller lists in concert stages, homes, and educational institutions. You can buy Yamaha pianos on Amazon.
Image source: Yamaha
Yamaha’s CFX has served many iconic virtuoso musicians like Maria João Pires, Vassily Primakov, and Ayako Uehara. In Jun 2024, Yamaha introduced five new upright pianos: the CLP-885, CLP-875, CLP-825, CLP-835, and CLP-845. The brand added the CLP-865GP and the CLP-895GP to the CLP-800 range. Yamaha’s Clavinova CLPs grace living rooms, classrooms, and concert halls. [1]
Pros: Yamaha is the best all-around piano brand for beginners and pros. It offers an extensive instrument variety, including silent, hybrid, and Disklavier models. Yamaha’s acoustic pianos deliver warm, clear tones, perfect for different music genres and skill levels.
Cons: Yamaha’s grand pianos are pricey. However, you can find affordable Yamaha upright pianos.
Price Range: $399-$195,299
2. Steinway & Sons
Steinway is an American-German piano brand founded in 1853 by Heinrich Steinweg. The company offers grand and upright pianos. Its Queens, NY, factory manufactures Model A, B, D, M, O, and S grand pianos and the 4510, 1098, and K-52 upright pianos. You can get the 4510 or 1098 for around $34,200. Steinway’s Hamburg, Germany, factory produces the S-155, M-170, O-180, A-188, B-211, C-227, D-271, and D-274 grand pianos. These models vary in size and price.
Image source: Steinway
Pros: Steinway pianos are worthwhile investments for pianists, collectors, and enthusiasts. They are more than musical instruments. The value of existing models increases by about 4% yearly. Some 50-year-old Steinway pianos are now worth over nine times the original cost. [2]
Cons: Steinway grand and upright pianos are expensive. However, you can find affordable versions offered by Steinway’s subsidiary brands, Boston and Essex.
Price Range: $34,200-$224,100
3. Casio
Casio was founded as a watch and calculator company. The brand entered the digital piano sector in 1981 with the Casiotone CT-201. This affordable portable electronic keyboard evolved into Casio’s Privia and CELVIANO digital pianos. As of Sep 2023, Casio had sold 3 million Privia products. You can buy Casio pianos on Amazon.
Image credit: Casio
Privia and CELVIANO digital pianos helped Casio grab market share in Japan and globally. In Jan 2024, Casio displayed its flagship Casiotone, Privia, and CELVIANO models at the 2024 NAMM Show. This event coincided with Privia’s 20th anniversary. Casio also unveiled new CELVIANO digital piano models at the NAMM Show. [3]
Pros: Casio offers very affordable digital pianos for beginners and enthusiasts. Its new pianos, like the 2024 CELVIANO models, combine the advanced performance capabilities of traditional instruments with innovative features to deliver sophisticated sound quality.
Cons: Some experts argue that Casio digital pianos can’t fulfill the needs of pros engaged in complex masterpieces and classical compositions.
Price Range: $239-$0000
4. C. Bechstein Pianoforte
C. Bechstein is a German piano manufacturer founded in 1853 by Carl Bechstein. The Berlin-based brand served legendary 19th-century composers, including Liszt, Grieg, Scriabin, and Debussy. In Jun 2024, C. Bechstein’s Czech Republic division became ISO 50001 certified for grand and upright piano manufacturing. This certificate indicates that the company has fulfilled the ISO’s energy management standards and targets. It will help the brand reduce water, gas, and electricity consumption and minimize its carbon footprint. [4]
Image source: C. Bechstein
Pros: C. Bechstein embodies German piano-building excellence. Its pianos are known for their warm tone, resonant sound, controllable dynamic range, and innovative construction. C. Bechstein is an eco-conscious brand.
Cons: C. Bechstein is a high-end piano manufacturer. Its grand and upright pianos cost more than the market’s average price. You can find affordable entry-level and mid-level options under Bechstein subsidiary brands W. Hoffmann and Zimmermann.
Price Range: 29,900-275,000
5. KORG
KORG is a Japanese electronic keyboard and synth brand. The company carved a niche in the ’70s and ‘80s music scene with the MS-20 monosynth, ARP 2600 and Mono/Poly synthesizers, LP-10 digital piano, and M1 workstation keyboard. In Jul 2024, KORG added ARP 2600, VOX Super Continental, and EP-1 to the KORG Collection. The KORG Collection 5 has 14 synthesizers, 2 effects processors, and 1 drum machine. Visit the KORG store on Amazon. [5]
Image source: KORG
Pros: KORG offers innovative digital pianos, keyboards, and synthesizers endorsed by high-profile celebrities. You can rely on the KORG Collection 5 for software to recreate the authentic sounds of legendary KORG synthesizers.
Price Range: $349-$2,999
6. Fazioli
Fazioli is an Italian piano brand founded in 1981 by engineer and pianist Paolo Fazioli. The company only offers grand pianos made in Sacile, Italy. Its famous models include the F278 and F308. In 2022, the Liszt Utrecht Competition’s first and second-prize winners played on the Fazioli F308. [6]
Image source: Fazioli
Pros: Fazioli is an eco-friendly brand. Its factory has a new photovoltaic system that provides enough power for piano production. Each model has a 10-year warranty transferable to future owners within the warranty period.
Cons: Fazioli only builds about 150 grand pianos yearly in six sizes. This approach limits the supply, increasing demand and price tag. You’ll need over $150k to get your hands on the cheapest new Fazioli piano.
Price Range: $158,000-$444,100
7. Roland Corporation
Roland is a Japanese synth pioneer who disrupted the 1980s music scene with its TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines and Jupiter-8 analog polysynth. The brand’s first digital piano is the 1983 HP-300. This product birthed Roland’s LX series. In Mar 2024, Roland introduced the new LX-9, LX-6, and LX-5 models to its LX premium digital piano collection. You can buy the LX-9, LX-6, and LX-5 pianos for $3,799.99 to $7,199.99. Visit Roland’s Amazon store to explore the brand’s instruments. [7]
Image source: Roland
Pros: Roland offers grand, portable, upright, and stage pianos. Its new LX models deliver authentic grand sound and playability. You can also rely on Roland to access synthesizers, guitars, basses, audio and video solutions, electronic percussions, and DJ controllers.
Cons: Roland isn’t a specialty piano brand.
Price Range: $599-$19,999
8. Kawai
Kawai is a Japanese piano brand founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai. The company produces several acoustic piano models, including the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX 9’ concert grand, K-800 upright piano, Novus NV5 hybrid, and CA901 digital piano. In Feb 2024, Kawai won the 2024 Music Inc Magazine Editor’s Choice award for the CA901. [8]
Image credit: Kawai
Pros: Kawai offers versatile pianos for all skill levels, from beginners to veteran pianists. Its instruments use cutting-edge technologies, including the Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine and Grand Feel III wooden-key keyboard action.
Cons: Most Kawai pianos are expensive. However, Kawai KDP entry-level home digital pianos cost less than $1,000.
Price Range: $899-$221,095
9. Bluthner
Bluthner is a high-end German piano brand founded in 1853 by Julius Blüthner. The Leipzig-based company offers five upright piano models and 6 grand models. Musical genius Stevie Wonder and classical composers Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff are among the top Bluthner aficionados. The brand taps into its history and experience to mentor aspiring pianists. In Jul 2024, Bluthner announced the first piano days for amateur pianists with the University of Music and Theatre Hamburg scheduled for Sep 2024. [9]
Image credit: Blüthner
Pros: Bluthner pianos offer a unique golden tone with rich harmonics and high-quality clarity. The Model 1 and the Model 6 grand pianos are perfect for professional pianists and concert halls seeking superb dynamic range, expressive capabilities, and tonal richness.
Cons: Blüthner offers limited variety, with only 5 upright and 6 grand models. The brand caters to professional pianists and concert halls and doesn’t provide options for beginners. Its pianos are expensive.
Price Range: $44,532-$225,313
10. Alesis
Alesis is an American electronic musical instrument company founded in 1980 and based in Cumberland, Rhode Island. This inMusic brand offers digital pianos, audio solutions, mixers, amplifiers, recording equipment, drum machines, and electronic percussions. Its digital piano collection has eight models, including the popular Recital and Prestige series. In 2021, Alesis introduced two portable versions of its Prestige (Recital Grand) digital piano. You can buy Alesis pianos on Amazon. [10]
Image source: Alesis
Pros: Alesis offers affordable, portable pianos for aspiring musicians of all ages. The Alesis Recital is one of the best pianos for beginners.
Cons: Alesis pianos have only 3 tonal changes – mellow, bright, and brighter. The sound is jumpy and abrupt because the instruments have limited tonal and volume options.
Price Range: $254-$899
11. Schimmel Pianos
Schimmel is a Leipzig, Germany-based piano brand founded in 1885 by Wilhelm Schimmel. It is part of the Chinese Pearl River Piano Group. In Apr 2024, Schimmel launched its new Customized Art series. This offering allows you to create a unique instrument with your favorite artwork. [11]
Image source: Schimmel
Pros: The main selling point of Schimmel is its high-quality pianos. Each model is artistic. The brand also custom-builds pianos to meet customers’ unique needs.
Cons: Schimmel is a high-end piano producer offering expensive instruments. However, its Wilhelm-Schimmel and Fridolin-Schimmel brands provide mid-level and entry-level options. Fridolin Schimmel pianos made in China for beginners cost $8,623-$12,363.
Price Range: $8,623-$191,870
12. Studiologic
Studiologic is a digital musical instrument manufacturer. The brand offers electronic pianos, synthesizers, home organs, amplifiers, and controllers. One of the best Studiologic products is the Numa Compact 2 keyboard piano. This instrument has 88 semi-weighted keys, 128-note polyphony, built-in speakers, an OLED display, and outstanding sound quality. You can buy Studiologic pianos on Amazon. [12]
Image source: Studiologic
Pros: Studiologic offers affordable digital pianos. Each model has advanced features. For example, the Numa Compact 2 has high-quality built-in effects, a speaker system powered by two 10-watt amplifiers, and 88 sound presets from Studiologic’s TrS stereo engine.
Cons: Studiologic pianos use semi-weighted keys. They may not match your playing style if you prefer full-weighted keys.
Price Range: $399-$1,999
13. Sauter
Sauter is a German piano manufacturer founded in 1819 by Johann Grimm. The brand offers the Sauter 112, 116, 122, and 130 uprights and the 160, 185, 220, and 275 grand pianos. Its upright models leverage patented R2 Double Escapement action enabled by an auxiliary jack spring. This feature facilitates faster repetition and ensures your Sauter upright piano mimics the sound effects of a grand piano.
Image source: Sauter
Pros: Sauter upright pianos have sleek designs, lush and warm tones, and excellent sound quality. Their eye-catching glossy finish and pop colors are perfect for modern interior décor.
Cons: Sauter pianos are expensive. They are designed for professionals, not beginners.
Price Range: $21,900-$265,000
14. Donner Music
Donner is an online-only music equipment company. The brand started as a guitar pedal and accessory manufacturer and expanded its portfolio to include digital pianos, kalimbas, and keyboards. Its top-selling model is the Donner DDP-80, an entry-level digital piano. This instrument has 88 full-size keys, fully weighted and graded hammer action keys that mimic the feel of a real piano. You can buy Donner pianos on Amazon. [13]
Image source: Donner
Pros: Donner is one of the most affordable piano brands, with entry-level options for around $200. Its models also excel in playability, portability, and simplicity. The Donner DDP-80 is perfect for beginners interested in learning or improving their playing skills.
Cons: Donner’s digital pianos, like the DDP-80, have simple features similar to traditional acoustic pianos. They can’t meet your needs if your music pieces require bells, whistles, and other sound effects. Donner only sells its pianos online. So, you can’t test these instruments physically in stores.
Price Range: $179-$1,499
15. AODSK
AODSK is a musical instrument company offering digital pianos, acoustic guitars, electric drums, amplifiers, and accessories. Its digital piano models include the B-83, B-85, 88-key, and beginner keyboard. However, AODSK’s top-seller is the 88-key home digital piano. This instrument has 8 tones, 128 preset rhythms, and learning functions. Its 88-graded hammer action keys recreate the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. Visit the AODSK store on Amazon to explore the brand’s digital pianos.
Image source: AODSK
Pros: AODSK offers affordable, beginner-friendly digital pianos. Its cheapest model is only $79.
Cons: AODSK has limited variety. It offers only four digital piano models.
Price Range: $79-$399
References & more information
- Holder, R. (2024, Jun 5). Yamaha Clavinova CLP-800 Range: Overview 2024. Kenny Music
- BP Staff (2023, Mar 16). What is the cost of a Steinway Piano? Bradfield Piano
- Casio Computer Co., Ltd. (2024, Jan 18). Casio exhibits at the 2024 NAMM Show, one of the World’s Largest Musical Instrument Trade Shows. Casio.com
- Bechstein (2024, Jun 14). C.Bechstein Europe obtains ISO 50001 certificate. Bechstein.com
- KORG (2024, Jul 19). KORG Collection 5: The software collection now with three legendary instruments added. KORG.com
- Piano Buyer (2023, Feb 14). Fazioli: Italian piano innovator. PianoBuyer.com
- Genel, R. (2024, Mar 12). Roland introduces LX Series Digital Pianos. Roland.com
- APG Staff (2024, Mar 8). Kawai receives Music Inc Magazine Editor’s Choice Award for 2024. Alamo Piano Galleries
- Bluthner (2024, Jul 2). Welcome to piano days for amateur pianists. HFMT Hamburg
- AZ Piano (2023, Feb 1). Alesis Prestige & Recital Grand Review: Should you buy? AZ Piano Reviews
- WPN Staff (2024, Apr 19). Schimmel Pianos Launches Customized Art Series. World Piano News
- Nugent, J. (2022, Jun 9). Studiologic Numa Compact 2: An in-depth review. Higher HZ
- Piano Tone Staff (2023, Mar 26). Donner DDP-80 Review: Is this entry-level digital piano worth it? PianoTone.com
- Featured Image by Luke Schlanderer
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