Buying a Used Bösendorfer

A used Bösendorfer is a rare and lovely thing, and an expensive one, so it is worth buying carefully. We are Yamaha specialists, not a Bösendorfer dealer, so this is honest guidance.

What sets the value

  1. Condition, above all. Soundboard, action, tuning stability and case.
  2. Whether it has been rebuilt, and with quality parts.
  3. The model and size, from the small home grands up to the concert models and the Imperial.

Age matters less than people expect.

Rarity cuts both ways

Because Bösendorfers are made in small numbers, good used ones do not come up often, so you may need patience. It also means fewer bargains, and a cheap Bösendorfer, as with any great piano, usually has a reason. Always have one checked by an independent technician before you buy.

Worth considering

If it is a fine grand for the home you are after rather than the Bösendorfer name, a reconditioned Yamaha from Japan, now part of the same company, costs far less. We are happy to let you compare.