Steinway Piano Price Guide UK

Steinway pianos are synonymous with luxury and premium quality. This prestigious brand provides instruments for some of the most famous concert halls and musicians in the world. So how attainable is a Steinway piano, and can ordinary people ever hope to own one?

In this comprehensive Steinway piano price guide, we’re looking at the cost of a range of Steinway instruments, what factors impact the price, and how you can get your hands on an authentic Steinway without the sting to your wallet.

Read on to learn more about the Steinway brand and why these pianos are considered to be the finest in the world.

How much does a Steinway piano cost?

Like all piano brands, there are many different models available, with prices to match their specifications.

The most expensive Steinway piano would be the Model D concert grand piano. This is the ultimate stage instrument and a favourite in concert halls around the world. This 9’0” instrument costs around £156,000, so not something that everyone can afford.

The cheapest Steinway piano would be the Model S baby grand piano. This is much smaller, at just 5’1”, which makes it ideal for smaller homes. These start at around £68,000, which is still a lot more than most people have to spend on a piano.

For those looking for an upright piano, you might want to explore Steinway’s sub-brand, Boston Pianos. A new upright from Boston Pianos would set you back around £7,000 to £10,000, which is starting to get more affordable.

Another way to enjoy the beauty of a Steinway piano in your home would be to find a quality used model. These pianos are incredibly well made, which means they retain their value and the resale market is incredibly active.

Used upright models can sell for as little as £8,000, which is a far cry from the £68,000 of a new model. Remember that a Steinway piano is designed to last for over 100 years, so you would not only be purchasing a piece of history, but you’ll also be enjoying a quality instrument that still has plenty of life left in it.

Why do Steinway pianos cost so much?

You might be thinking, £156,000 for a piano is a lot of money, even if it is built to last. With Steinway pianos, players aren’t just paying for the name, they are buying into a brand that is built on excellence. These are just some of the reasons that Steinway pianos earn their higher than average price tag.

Handcrafted instruments

It takes about a year to build a single Steinway piano, and this represents the work of hundreds of expert artisans and technicians. So when you buy a Steinway piano, you’re investing in keeping an industry and a craft alive.

There are also incredible complex parts to assemble; usually around 12,000 individual pieces. These are put together under strict quality control rules, so it’s not only about the finished product, but also about the attention to detail.

Since these instruments are so intricate and take so long to assemble, there is a limit on how many can be produced every year. Scarcity helps to drive up the price.

Premium quality materials

The soundboard is made from Sitka spruce, which is sourced for its superior acoustic qualities. Steinway pianos also have high end finishes, like special wood veneers and custom details that add substantial costs to the finished instrument. These are all part of the Steinway experience and help to create incredibly unique instruments.

The Steinway name

There is a prestige attached to the Steinway name that has been hard-earned over the years. The company has an all out monopoly on the concert hall sector, as most world-class pianists prefer Steinway over competitors.

Since production is limited, this places a cap on the supply, which creates a high global demand. These instruments also retain their value, so the resale market is very strong. Many will see a Steinway as an investment, since prices for new instruments will rise annually, but well maintained instruments retain their value.

How to get your hands on a Steinway

If you’re keen to add a Steinway to your home, you have a few options available to you. A Steinway and Sons upright piano will allow you to enjoy the precision craft of the brand, without the price tag of a grand piano. A quality used Steinway & Sons upright piano can be yours for as little as £7,000 to £8,000.

We also have a range of used grand pianos in stock, starting at £38,000 for the Steinway O Model. The best way to experience a Steinway is to play it for yourself. We encourage customers to visit our showroom to see which Steinway pianos we currently have in stock.

FAQs about Steinway piano pricing

What is the difference between Steinway and Steinway & Sons?

There is no difference between the Steinway and Steinway & Sons brand. These both refer to the same manufacturer. The main difference to be aware of would be between the New York manufactured instruments and the Hamburg manufactured instruments. Over the years, these manufacturing approaches have become more harmonised to create more standardised instruments, but many experts note a difference between the robust American sound of the New York instruments, versus the bright European sound of the Hamburg instruments.

Do Steinway pianos appreciate in value?

No, they are very much like cars in the sense that they will depreciate over the years. Certain vintage models from the “golden era” will retain their value or command a higher price, but the majority will not increase in value. However, there is a strong resale market, so it’s often possible to pick up a quality used piano for a good price.

What are the maintenance costs for a Steinway piano?

You should budget for around £350 to £500 per year for maintenance. This will cover the cost of bi-annual tunings and any other essential maintenance.