Steinway Model A Grand Piano

The Model A is the Steinway grand many pianists think is the best value in the range. It is big enough to have a full, rich bass, but small enough to fit in a good-sized living room. Today’s Hamburg Model A is 188cm long, a little over 6ft 2in.

How to tell if you have a Model A

The model letter is usually stamped on the cast iron frame, near the tuning pins, or written on the soundboard. If you cannot find it, measure the length from the front of the keyboard to the tail. A Model A is around 6ft 1in to 6ft 4in, depending on its age.

That range is because the Model A has changed size over the years. Early versions from the late 1800s were about 6ft 1in. A longer 6ft 4in version followed in New York. Hamburg has made the 188cm version for many years and still makes it today. New York stopped making the Model A in the 1940s.

Your serial number will tell you the year it was made, which helps narrow down which version you have.

Hamburg or New York?

Most Model As in the UK were made in Hamburg. A Hamburg piano usually has “Hamburg” on the fallboard or frame and was sold new through European dealers. New York pianos tend to have a slightly warmer, rounder tone. Hamburg pianos are often described as clearer. Both are excellent. Our guide to New York vs Hamburg Steinways explains the differences.

Who it suits

The Model A suits a serious player who wants a real step up from a baby grand without filling the room. Teachers like it because it has the tone of a bigger piano in a home-sized case. It is also a popular choice for small venues and churches.

What a Model A is worth

Value depends far more on condition and history than on age. As a rough guide, a used Steinway grand in the UK sells for:

• £8,000 to £20,000 if it is older and original, needing work
• £20,000 to £40,000 if it is in good original condition or lightly restored
• £35,000 to £70,000 and up if it has been fully rebuilt with genuine Steinway parts
• £40,000 to £90,000 and up if it is less than 20 years old and excellent

The Model A sits around the middle of each band. See our full guide to used Steinway prices.

What to check

• Soundboard. Look for cracks and listen for buzzing.
• Tuning pins. A piano that will not hold its tune may need a new pinblock, which is a big job.
• Hammers. Deep grooves mean they are worn. They can be reshaped or replaced.
• Parts. A rebuild with non-Steinway parts is worth less. Ask for receipts.

Our guide to buying a used Steinway goes through this in more detail.

Thinking of selling your Model A?

We buy Steinway Model A grands from private owners across the UK, in any condition. Send us the serial number, a few photos and your postcode, and we will come back with an honest offer. There is no obligation, and collection is free from a ground floor room.

Related pages

Steinway Model A vs Model B · Steinway Model B · How much is my Steinway worth? · Selling your Steinway