Are Bösendorfer Pianos Good?

Yes. Bösendorfer is one of the handful of piano makers spoken of at the very top, alongside Steinway. They are hand-built in Vienna in small numbers, and they are superb.

What people love about them

The classic Bösendorfer sound is warm, mellow and transparent, with a singing tone especially prized for classical and chamber music. The larger models and the Imperial have an enormous, resonant bass. They are made slowly, by hand, which is part of why they are so admired, and so expensive.

The honest counter-view

Bösendorfers are among the priciest pianos made, and for a home a great deal of that quality is more than most players will use. They are also rare, so choice on the used market is limited and bargains are few. A cheap Bösendorfer, like any great piano, usually has a reason, so always have one checked. See our buying guide.

If value matters more

Yamaha, which now owns Bösendorfer, makes fine grands at a fraction of the price. A reconditioned Yamaha from Japan is a superb instrument for a real-world budget. Hear one alongside before you decide.