A Guide to the Great Piano Brands

There are dozens of piano makers, and the names can be confusing, so here is a plain guide to the ones that matter most in the UK. It covers what each maker is known for, where it sits on price and quality, and links to a full guide for every one. We are Yamaha specialists, so we have a leaning, but we have tried to be fair.

The Japanese makers

Yamaha and Kawai are the two great Japanese makers, known for bright, clear, superbly consistent pianos that hold their value and last for decades. They are the sensible choice for most homes, schools and studios.

• Yamaha, the maker we specialise in, and the backbone of the used market.
• Kawai, Yamaha’s long-standing rival, a little warmer in tone.

The very top tier

These are the hand-built, top-end makers, spoken of together at the summit of the piano world. All are expensive, and all are wonderful.

• Steinway, the American and German name that is shorthand for a great piano.
• Bösendorfer, the Viennese maker with its famous extra bass keys, now owned by Yamaha.
• Blüthner, the Leipzig maker with its shimmering extra treble string.
• Bechstein, the great German name, as old as Steinway.

The value Europeans

Fine European pianos that cost less than the big names, if you know what you are looking at.

• Petrof, the Czech family firm, warm-toned and excellent value.
• Schimmel, the German maker whose range now runs from a German flagship to cheaper lines built in Poland and China.

The British maker

• Kemble, Britain’s biggest and last piano maker, owned by Yamaha from 1988 and built with Yamaha parts, so a good used one is close to a British Yamaha.

Our own speciality

We have specialised in reconditioned Japanese Yamaha pianos since 2002, because in our experience they offer the best combination of quality, reliability and value on the market. Whatever maker you are drawn to, it is worth hearing a good reconditioned Yamaha alongside before you decide. See our Yamaha pianos for sale.