Steinway Model B Grand Piano

The Model B is the Steinway that many professionals choose for home. At 211cm, or about 6ft 11in, it has much of the power and depth of a concert grand but will still fit in a large room. You will find them in music colleges, recording studios and plenty of private homes. Steinway has made it since 1878, in both New York and Hamburg.

How to tell if you have a Model B

The letter B is usually stamped on the cast iron frame or written on the soundboard. Failing that, measure from the front of the keyboard to the tail. If it is close to 6ft 11in, it is very likely a Model B.

Your serial number will tell you the year it was made.

Hamburg or New York?

Both factories make the Model B and both are superb. Most Model Bs in the UK came from Hamburg. New York Model Bs come up less often over here and some buyers seek them out for their warmer tone. Our guide to New York vs Hamburg Steinways explains more.

Who it suits

The Model B suits advanced players, teachers and anyone who wants a piano for life. It needs a room of at least 4m by 5m to sound its best. In a small room it can be overpowering.

What a Model B is worth

The Model B is one of the most sought-after Steinways, so it sits near the top of each price band. 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

See our full guide to used Steinway prices.

What to check

• Soundboard. Look for cracks and listen for buzzing.
• Tuning pins. If they feel loose or the piano will not stay in tune, the pinblock may need replacing.
• Hammers and action. Heavily used pianos from schools and colleges can be very worn.
• Case. Scratches and fading can be refinished. Water damage is more serious.

Thinking of selling your Model B?

We buy Steinway Model B grands from private owners, schools and colleges across the UK, in any condition. We have our own workshop and spray booth, so a piano that needs work is not a problem.

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 B vs Model D · Steinway Model B vs Yamaha C7 · Steinway Model A · Steinway Model C · Selling your Steinway