Steinway, Yamaha, Blüthner, Kawai, and Fazioli – these brands define excellence in piano craftsmanship. But is there a single best brand? Not quite. Each builder has a unique tonal character, touch, and heritage, making the ideal piano a deeply personal choice.
The best piano is the one that translates a pianist’s ideas with clarity and maximum expression – and that choice is different for everyone. Rather than picking a single winner, it’s more meaningful to appreciate the diversity these makers bring to the world of pianos.
Here are the most significant piano brands in the world today:
Steinway
The paragon of pianos
- Founded: 1853 by Henry E. Steinway in New York City.
- Innovations: Over 125 patents, including cross-stringing.
- Endorsements: Played by Franz Liszt, Arthur Rubinstein, and Keith Jarrett.
- Notable models: Model B classic grand, Model D concert grand, K-52 upright
Steinway & Sons is probably the world’s most recognized piano brand, with a history and reputation that most will never achieve. The manufacturer claims that as much as 97% of concert pianists use a Steinway piano, and when we see or hear a piano referenced in film and television, time after time, it’s a Steinway.
Steinway & Sons, as we know it today, was founded by German immigrant Henry Engelhard Steinway (Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg) in Manhattan, New York, in 1853 (three years after moving to the United States). It is one of the last surviving American piano manufacturers. However, Steinweg built his first piano in 1936 in the kitchen of his family home in Seesen, Harz, Germany.
Now built in Hamburg and New York, each Steinway consists of over 12,000 individual parts and remains hand-built. The meticulous craftsmanship instilled by Henry Steinway and continued by passionate artisans has long been the standard many aspire to.
Steinway pianos are known for a warm tone, longer sustained notes than most others, and a vast dynamic range. The legendary dynamic range allows players to produce thunderous low octaves and the most delicate melodies.
Some of the most prominent pianists from the 19th century onwards played Steinway pianos, including Franz Liszt, Arthur Rubinstein, Cole Porter, Keith Jarrett, and even rockstars like Billy Joel.
Blüthner
The luxury piano maker
- Founded: 1853 by Julius Blüthner in Leipzig, Germany.
- Innovations: Aliquot stringing system for enhanced tone.
- Endorsements: Favored by Arthur Rubinstein and Sergei Rachmaninoff.
- Notable models: Model 1 concert grand, Model 10 baby grand, Model S upright.
Blüthner pianos blend traditional and modern design concepts in some of the most luxurious pianos ever built. Although not the most expensive today, these stunning instruments received royal approval from the aristocracy, including the King of Denmark, the Sultan of Turkey, and Queen Victoria.
Julius Blüthner founded Blüthner Pianos in 1853 and built 10 in his first year, including eight concert grands and two square pianos. Like the other founders in this article, Blüthner was passionate about music and craftsmanship, but his ambition and understanding of marketing surpassed most of his peers. He would invite the best pianists of the time, like Franz Liszt, Schumann, and many more, to perform at his home in Leipzig while they toured.
These home performances showcased Blüthner pianos in the hands of masters and generated buzz amongst audiences. Blüthner also traveled far and wide to show off his creations at trade fairs worldwide.
Although much about Blüthner pianos is steeped in tradition, like the family business model that includes his four sons, four daughters, and further generations, innovation was always a priority. Blüthner pianos have a distinct yet versatile sound: dark and moody bass notes, a rich midrange, and sparkling highs, all with pristine clarity.
No range overwhelms another, and those sparkling highs are thanks to Blüthner’s patented Aliquot strings: a fourth unstruck resonating string assigned to notes in the highest treble range.
Primarily used by classical pianists, Blüthner attracted pianists like Arthur Rubinstein, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and, more recently, Gerard Aimontche.
C. Bechstein
The sound of Berlin
- Founded: 1853 by Carl Bechstein in Berlin, Germany.
- Innovations: Pioneered durable pianos suited for intense use in concert halls.
- Endorsements: Played by Franz Liszt and Claude Debussy.
- Notable models: D 282 concert grand, B 212 concert grand, C 8 upright.
Bechstein pianos deliver a quality that speaks for itself, but in its formative days, the company took full advantage of serendipitous circumstances. Although almost universally revered for quality craftsmanship, Bechstein pianos are often considered an acquired taste, which makes them more desirable for many.
Carl Bechstein founded the C. Bechstein piano company in Berlin in 1853. Before the end of the decade, Bechstein was producing almost 300 instruments per year, exporting around the world, with a staff of nearly 100.
The advantageous, albeit coincidental, circumstances I mentioned above began when the successful poet and writer Ludwig Bechstein released Deutsches Sagenbuch. The success of his relative’s book and the Bechstein name boosted Carl’s reputation in the bohemian city of Berlin.
Furthermore, Theodor Kullak, a piano teacher to the royal family and former student of Carl Czerny, championed Bechstein’s early pianos. As a result, Bechstein was appointed to His Majesty the King of Prussia, and like his rival, Blüthner, he became the purveyor to the courts of many European rulers.
Some pianists consider Bechstein pianos to be too dark for their particular style. However, with that distinct sound comes the feeling of an orchestra at your fingertips. From bass to treble, each range provides a clearly contrasting tone while maintaining a remarkable sense of balance across the keyboard. The contrasting tones don’t need to sound harsh; instead, the player dictates the depth of color and character explored.
One master of expression and interpretation who adored the Bechstein sound is Claude Debussy. With his dreamy use of the whole tone scale, Debussy highlights the best of Bechstein pianos.
Bösendorfer
The last of an incredible legacy
- Founded: 1828 by Ignaz Bösendorfer in Vienna, Austria.
- Innovations: Extended keyboard (up to 97 keys) for unique tonal range.
- Endorsements: Used by Oscar Peterson and András Schiff.
- Notable models: Model 290 Imperial, Model 200 concert grand, Model 130 upright.
Vienna played home to some of the finest piano builders in history, and aspiring artisans flocked to the Austrian capital to learn from the masters. Despite its illustrious history, Bösendorfer is the last of Vienna’s significant piano builders.
Ignaz Bösendorfer, a gifted and enthusiastic young piano builder, became an apprentice to Joseph Brodmann in 1813. By 1815, the youngster earned an award from the Viennese Academy of Arts, and by 1828, took over the company from the retiring Brodmann. 1828 is also the year Ignaz became a member of the Austrian Instrument Manufacturers Guild and founded the Bösendorfer piano company.
Like many 19th-century piano builders, Bösendorfer befriended Franz Liszt, the virtuoso of virtuosos. This friendship would seem to influence Bösendorfer; Liszt was renowned for energetic performances that often demanded more than many pianos could handle. Bösendorfer pianos developed a stellar reputation for striking power and impeccable consistency during the most physically demanding performances.
My fascination with the Bösendorfer sound came through jazz and my love of Oscar Peterson. Although a different sort of virtuoso, like Liszt, Peterson highlighted Bösendorfer’s rich, crystal-clear bass tones with his legendary left hand. Bösendorfer pianos are incredibly resonant due to utilizing more spruce than other pianos; nothing projects sound quite like a Bösendorfer.
In addition to Liszt and Peterson, many significant concertizing pianists of the 19th century and beyond played Bösendorfer pianos. These artists include the incomparable Sir András Schiff and the seminal singer-songwriter Tori Amos.
Interesting fact: The Model 290 Imperial has nine extra notes (97 keys), giving it the broadest range of all concert pianos with eight full octaves.
Yamaha
The innovation seekers
- Founded: 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha in Hamamatsu, Japan.
- Innovations: Advanced acoustic engineering and hybrid digital-acoustic pianos.
- Endorsements: Played by Sviatoslav Richter, Glen Gould and Chick Corea.
- Notable models: CFX concert grand, CF6 concert grand, SU7 upright.
Yamaha Corporation’s history doesn’t reach back as far as most of the other significant piano builders, but Yamaha looks to the future more than most. Yamaha is one of the most innovative manufacturers of acoustic, electric, and digital instruments.
As a true pioneer, in 1900, Torakusu Yamaha, founder of the Yamaha Corporation, built the first piano ever made in Japan. The first piano was an upright, but just two years later, the factory produced its debut grand piano, the Grand Piano C.
Torakusu Yamaha was pivotal in Japan’s appreciation and development of Western classical music. Another two years later, in 1904, he sent a piano to the St. Louis World’s Fair, winning an Honorary Grand Prize.
In 1950, Yamaha released the FC concert grand, and its success kickstarted Yamaha’s quest to dominate the market. Yamaha went from strength to strength, opening new facilities regularly and pioneering major innovations like Japan’s first computer-controlled artificial drying room to create optimal moisture content in wood.
The prolific manufacturer brought in leading European piano technicians, like Cesare Tallone, who developed the iconic CF and C3 concert grand models (showcased by the legendary Sviatoslav Richter). The CF and later CFIII models were favored by winners of multiple prestigious piano competitions, leading to the introduction of the flagship CFX concert grand.
Yamaha produces more pianos than any other manufacturer because they release instruments for all levels, from beginners to students to professionals. Many people, myself included, think Yamaha pianos are generally a little too bright, but that isn’t true of all models, and the flagship concert models are stunning.
Glen Gould’s seminal 1981 recording of J.S Bach’s Goldberg Variations showcases the power and agility of the CFII, while modern artists like Alicia Keys continue to showcase the Yamaha sound in pop music.
Interesting fact: The Yamaha Corporation was initially named the Nippon Gakki Co.
Kawai
Japan’s finest concert grands
- Founded: 1927 by Koichi Kawai in Hamamatsu, Japan.
- Innovations: Pioneered ABS-carbon action for improved durability.
- Endorsements: Played by Yuko Maruyama and Joshua Levy.
- Notable models: Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand, Shigeru Kawai SK-5, K-700 upright.
The story of Kawai has it all: humble beginnings, rivals, and even a Blue Ribbon Medal from the Emperor of Japan. Kawai is one of the rare manufacturers that produces world-class concert grands and budget-friendly digital pianos.
Kawai founder Koichi Kawai once worked for the Yamaha Corporation until becoming disillusioned by the brand’s direction, which led him to forge his own path in the industry. Koichi founded the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory in 1927 and built Kawai’s first grand piano the following year. By 1935, Kawai produced 75 uprights and 10 grand pianos per month.
After his death, Kiochi’s son, Shigeru Kawai, took over the company in 1955 and introduced the first Kawai electric organs in 1960. Flagship concert pianos were branded with Shigeru’s name, like the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX.
By 1973, Kawai’s production exceeded 5000 monthly units, and the company re-invested heavily in education. Kawai is, and always has been, a very self-sufficient company, owning lumber mills, assembly plants, service centers, and training facilities.
I’m a massive fan of the typical Kawai sound; it’s warm and round without being devoid of attack or dynamics. It’s darker than many other pianos but still sweet and playful for the right piece.
Kawai artists are a diverse group of musicians, composers, and arrangers, including Joshua Levy, Yuko Maruyama, and the chart-topping One Republic.
Interesting fact: Koichi quickly became a leading figure in his country’s music industry and the first in his field to earn the prestigious Blue Ribbon Medal from the Emperor of Japan (awarded for efforts in areas of public interest).
Sauter
The oldest piano manufacturer in the world
- Founded: 1819 by Johann Grimm in Spaichingen, Germany.
- Innovations: Developed the proprietary Spherical Concavity tone-supporting cove.
- Endorsements: Renowned for crafting custom luxury pianos.
- Notable models: Concert 275 grand, Vivace avant-garde design, Ragazza 122 upright.
While very few manufacturers can boast the reputation of Steinway, Sauter is, in fact, the world’s oldest piano manufacturer, with a history spanning over 200 years. Sauter is the quintessential German piano maker, founded in the Black Forest and built with all-German parts.
Johann Grimm founded Sauter in 1819 after studying piano building in Vienna under Johann Andreas Streicher, an acclaimed piano builder and teacher. Later, Grimm’s successor and nephew, Carl Sauter, took the company from a small workshop to a legitimate factory in 1846.
After Carl’s untimely death, his son, Johann Sauter, took over the family business at just 17 years old with help from his mother. Johann traveled the world for inspiration and even patented many innovative manufacturing concepts. Sauter was among the first to transition from manufacturing virginals to larger pianofortes.
Sauter pianos are renowned for elegance and brilliant clarity, partly thanks to meticulously crafted soundboards and the proprietary Spherical Concavity tone-supporting cove. From the choice of wood for the sound boards and bridges to uniquely voicing the hammerheads, everything is intentional, and leads to the Sauter sound.
Interesting fact: Sauter’s lineage directly connects to one of the most important composers in history. Johann Andreas Streicher, who taught Grimm everything he knew, built pianos for Ludwig van Beethoven.
Steingraeber
Ultimate versatility
- Founded: 1852 by Eduard Steingraeber in Bayreuth, Germany.
- Innovations: Revived the Sordino system for tonal versatility.
- Endorsements: Played by Martha Argerich and Philip Glass.
- Notable models: E-272 concert grand, C-212 chamber grand, 130 T upright.
Steingraeber & Söhne is an award-winning family business spanning seven generations. Everything about Steingraeber pianos is a reflection of the family, the people of Bavaria, and its history.
Eduard Steingraeber, a second-generation piano maker, founded Steingraeber & Söhne in 1852. He formed the company in Bayreuth, a festival city in Bavaria, Germany. The influence of Bayreuth on Eduard Steingraeber and his instruments is significant: Richard Wagner, a giant of composition and opera, is buried in Bayreuth, and the town regularly holds festivals to celebrate his works.
If you build concert pianos in a city so deeply rooted in classical music, they had better be world-class! Steingraeber’s head office remains in Bayreuth to this day.
Innovation must be constant in music, and Steingraeber is no stranger to innovation. But, in an area so devoted to studying the works of past masters, we often have to look back in order to strive forward. Steingraeber has never been afraid to embrace the past to provide a unique experience for modern pianists.
A perfect example is Steingraeber’s revival of the Sordino, a common feature in early 19th-century Graf and Erard pianos. The Sordino is a feature that places a very thin felt strip between the hammers and strings, activated by a pedal or lever. The resulting sound is similar to the modified felt pianos popular today but with preferential control (a sound required by Franz Schubert’s fp dynamic markings).
Steingraeber pianos are loved for their versatility: they are powerful and rich in overtones, making them highly expressive.
Prominent Steingraeber artists span multiple generations and genres, including Richard Wagner, Martha Argerich, Philip Glass, and Emmet Cohen.
Interesting fact: Home to the manufacturer’s head office, Friedrichstraße Bayreuth is lovingly referred to as “the street of five composers.” The Margravine Wilhelmine of Bayreuth was the director of the Opera; Franz Lizst visited often, a teenage Robert Schumann spent time there in 1828, and both Anna Thekla Mozart and Richard Wagner lived there for a period.
Fazioli
The successor to the throne?
- Founded: 1981 by Paolo Fazioli in Sacile, Italy.
- Innovations: Known for tuning resonant strings for perfect harmonic balance.
- Endorsements: Played by Angela Hewitt and Herbie Hancock.
- Notable models: F278 concert grand, F212 grand piano, F156 baby grand.
Fazioli is a relatively new piano maker that has positioned itself among the elite in record time. Fazioli pianos are bold, disruptive, and unapologetically expensive but exquisite in every way.
When I say disruptive, I’m referring to the attitude of Paulo Fazioli, a piano graduate turned master wood processor at his family’s furniture business, who decided to dedicate himself to building the best piano ever made. The history of the leading piano makers doesn’t phase Paulo; instead, he set out to do it better from day one.
After studying grand piano production extensively and consulting many experts, Fazioli designed his initial baby grand prototype in 1979. He completed the F183 prototype in 1980 and quickly followed with two more, the F156 and F278. Although work was well underway, the Fazioli company became official in 1981, with a showcase at Frankfurt Musikmesse early that year.
Paulo Fazioli forged some relationships with renowned pianists like Nikita Magaloff, Martha Argerich, and Alfred Brendel that were crucial to the company’s success. Respected pianists playing Fazioli pianos led to orders from prestigious concert halls and opportunities to export to new territories.
Fazioli pianos are famous for painstaking attention to detail in form and function. Visual enhancements include gold-plated brass elements, making a beautiful instrument even prettier. Functional enhancements include a slow-closing keyboard cover to prevent accidental hand injuries.
The most significant enhancements impact the tone, like the ability to tune the resonant (unstruck) strings to create the perfect harmonic balance, giving Fazioli pianos a beautiful singing quality.
Some pianists state that a Fazioli concert grand has a greater dynamic range than a Steinway & Sons equivalent, which is incredible. The unique sound is partly thanks to the use of multiple woods in every piano, including Italian red spruce and African mahogany.
The multi-award-winning Angela Hewitt and Herbie Hancock are two of the most prominent Fazioli players.
Conclusion
If you’re considering purchasing an acoustic piano, please make sure you try as many of the brands above as possible (within budget). If not, I recommend listening to seminal recordings of each maker’s pianos to appreciate these instruments’ exceptional beauty. And, if you ever get an opportunity to play any of these pianos, take it; don’t pass it up!
