Today, I want to take a break from appreciating piano masterpieces. Instead, I think it’s fun to talk about how different brands of piano vary and How different prices affect the quality of pianos. Also, I have experience playing different pianos. Some of them are pretty expensive, which usually placed in museums and big stages. The others are common to see at home. I will talk about a little my own experiences.
Based on my research, I found out that it’s difficult to rate piano by quality. Due to globalization and the computerization of manufacturing, virtually all pianos now sold are competently made without major defects, and the differences between them are increasingly subtle and subjective. Therefore, the rating of the piano is mainly based on personal preferences and sites. For example, is the piano planning to be placed in a concert venue, a teaching studio, or a living room. Is the player a beginner or a master? Is he or she play Mozart, Debussy, or Gershwin? All of these questions can lead to different piano recommendations.
Let’s start with the gradation of pianos. First, I want to talk about performance-grade pianos. These pianos are higher-level than the consumer-grade pianos. We usually do not see them at home. Most of them are placed in concert venues. The top level’s performance-grade pianos include C. Bechstein, Blüthner, Bösendorfer, Fazioli, Steingraeber & Söhne, Steinway & Sons (Hamburg). They are all iconic pianos. The value of this piano can be over $150,000. My favorite one is Steinway & Sons. I used to play a grand Steinway & Sons in my friend’s home. It sounds incredibly good. I think the difference between playing that piano and my own practice piano is that I can better express myself on that piano. When I’m playing on my friend’s piano, I feel my emotion and the piano become one unity.
The next level of performance-grade pianos includes August Förster, Grotrian, Sauter, Steinway & Sons (New York). These pianos are classified as renowned. They are not as valuable as the pianos I mentioned above. But they are also suitable for performing situations. The values of these pianos are $20,000 – &45,000 for verticals, $65,000 – $125,000 for grands. Since I do not have too much experience with these pianos so I’m just listing the information I found online.
Then I will go to the level of distinguished pianos. They include Estonia, Shigeru Kawai, Mason & Hamlin, Petrof, Schimmel (Konzert), Seiler (Germany), Yamaha (CF). The value of these pianos is $20,000–$35,000 for verticals and $50,000–$100,000 for grands.
The level of notable pianos includes C. Bechstein (Academy), Haessler, Rönisch, Schimmel (Classic), Yamaha (SX). The value of these pianos is $20,000–$30,000 for verticals and $60,000–$90,000 for grands.
Finally, the bottom level of the performance-grade pianos is classified as Honorable Mention. It includes W. Hoffmann (Tradition/Professional), Schulze Pollmann (Masterpiece), Seiler (ES), Wilh. Steinberg (Signature), Charles R. Walter grands.
The value of these pianos is $16,000–$27,000 for verticals and $45,000–$80,000 for grands.
Above is the ratings for the performance-grade pianos. I will talk about the ratings of the customer-grade pianos, which are closer to our lives.
I had no idea pianos were so expensive, but the more I think about it the more it makes sense. The only brand I had previously heard of was Steinway, since it has the gold writing on the piano (I think) and I’ve seen it in photos and such. Although I don’t play, I think that the branding of pianos is very interesting.
Well, I guess I’m never buying a piano. I never knew any piano brands but it is insane they can sell pianos for thousands of dollars.
I’m shocked at the amount that some people will pay for a piano of a certain quality, but I guess that it makes sense considering the eloquence involved in having a piano in someone’s home.