Piano Brands Compared

Choosing a piano becomes a lot easier once you learn the basic differences between the most popular piano brands. This insight can help to streamline your search, as you’ll be able to narrow it down to just one or two brands based on your needs.

To help simplify the process of choosing a piano, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to popular piano brands. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make an informed choice about which piano is likely to be right for you, so you won’t waste time browsing C Bechstein pianos when a Yamaha is what you really need.

Read on to learn more about the most popular piano brands we stock, including Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Hailun, Kawai, Danemann, Casio and C Bechstein.

Top tier piano brands

Top tier piano brands represent the best of the best, and these are often seen in concert halls around the world. Performance level and premium brands are most often associated with Germany and the USA, offering both European and American sounds.

Steinway & Sons (USA & Germany)

Perhaps the world’s best-known premium piano brand, these instruments are hand-crafted in New York and Hamburg.

Production numbers are limited each year, so new instruments are priced at a premium. Due to scarcity, these instruments tend to hold their value and the resale market for used instruments is strong.

In terms of sound, they are best known for delivering rich tonal depth and a highly responsive playing style. A new piano from Steinway & Sons will typically cost between £60,000 and £200,000, making it a significant investment.

C Bechstein (Germany)

Another premium brand, often uttered in the same breath as Steinway & Sons is C Bechstein. This historic German brand is known for producing instruments with poetic orchestral tone. The extreme clarity offers exceptional separation between notes.

New instruments tend to retail for around £40,000 to £150,000, while the resale market for used instruments remains strong.

Mid tier piano brands

Chinese manufacturers dominate the mid-tier piano brand sector, providing the perfect blend of affordability and consistency.

Hialun (China)

This family-owned Chinese manufacturer is known for its instruments that accurately emulate the European-style voice, which is rich and warm. For musicians looking for a European-voice and craftsmanship at a fraction of the price or a German or American build, then Hialun offers the perfect solution.

Prices range from around £4,000 to £7,000 for an upright, and players can even get their hands on a mid grand from just £15,000.

Danemann (UK & China)

This British heritage brand ceased production in 1994, but the brand was later revived and production was moved to China. This has helped to keep the manufacturing legacy alive, while making new models more affordable and accessible.

The instruments are known for their bright and clear tone, and the cabinetry and mechanisms are known to withstand heavy institutional use. Older models feature sturdy internal components, while modern versions feature German components, including the Strunz soundboard and Abel hammers.

Digital and stage piano brands

A digital piano, also known as a stage piano, offers portability and flexibility. It can easily be moved for quiet practice or even performance. A digital piano can also work with headphones to play without disturbing anyone around you.

A digital piano is also much smaller than an upright piano, as it doesn’t have a physical soundboard. Japanese manufacturers dominate the digital piano sector.

Yamaha (Japan)

Famed for its consistency and reliability, Yamaha has carved out a place as a firm favourite in the digital piano realm. The tone is often bright and clean, with an ultra-reliable action. It’s often found in schools, recording studios and in private homes.

Yamaha also produces acoustic pianos, including a range of premium uprights and grand pianos. Prices vary from just £300 for an entry level stage piano, up to £65,000 for a concert grand.

Casio (Japan)

Although best known for their consumer electronics, Casio joined the digital piano manufacturing sector in 1980 with the Casiotone 201.

Their instruments are tech-first, with proprietary sound engines like the AiR Sound Source, and multi-speaker simulations that help to mimic the sound of an acoustic instrument. The scaled hammer action offers a premium feel on a budget.

Their budget-friendly instruments start at just £250 for entry-level models, up to £3,000 for their Celviano and Grand Hybrid Series.

Kawai (Japan)

Founded as a rival to Yamaha, this Japanese brand has been around since 1927. They are perhaps best known for blending woodworking with composite materials to create instruments that look and sound great.

The tone is warmer and more mellow compared with a Yamaha, and this is thanks to the Millennium III carbon-composite action and realistic digital Grand Feel actions. The instruments are also highly resistant to humidity, so they are perfect for unstable climate areas.

Prices start from around £500 for an entry level instrument and up to £13,000 for an acoustic grand.

Not sure which piano brand is right for you? Visit our showroom to explore our range of acoustic and digital pianos, compare different brands and try out their unique sounds and playing styles. Our team can help you find the perfect piano for your needs and budget.