Are Steinways Worth It – An Honest Take From a Professional Concert Pianist!

Steinway pianos are widely regarded as the pinnacle of the piano world and they are definitely my favorite brand of piano to play. If you’re in the market for one, you might wonder if they’re worth the investment.

Steinway pianos are absolutely worth it. The build quality is some of the highest in the industry, and they are also incorporating plenty of technology, including Spirio, to make it more them a complete entertainment experience.

The craftsmanship and materials used lead to a higher level of regulation, voicing, and tuning, which translates to a better playing experience for you.

Despite being worth it, Steinway’s costs have been rising for years. However, these pianos are still worth it if you are willing to take a look at the used piano market. A well-maintained Steinway can fetch around 75 percent of its current retail price even after a decade, which is impressive compared to its competitors. This makes it a great investment opportunity should you choose to resell one day.

Steinway Piano Models and Features

When considering a Steinway piano, it’s important to understand the factors that make it so highly sought after. Let’s get into the various models and features below for both grand pianos and uprights.

Grand Pianos

When it comes to grand pianos, Steinway offers a variety of models to suit your needs. Some popular options include the Model A, also known as the “Parlor Grand,” and the Model B referred to as the “Living Room Grand.” Both have a width of 4’10”, but the Model A is slightly shorter in length at 6’2″, while the Model B measures 6’11”.

These grand pianos are characterized by their vibrant tone, thanks to the carefully crafted diaphragmatic soundboard made from Sitka spruce. Not only does this choice of wood contribute to the quality of sound, but it also plays a role in the durability and longevity of your piano.

In addition to their signature sound, Steinway grand pianos also feature the Hexagrip pin block. This innovative technology ensures tuning stability, ensuring your piano maintains its pitch over time. As a result, you can trust that your Steinway grand piano will sound just as impressive years down the line.

Upright Pianos

Steinway upright pianos are an excellent option for those with limited space or who prefer a more compact instrument. Despite their smaller size, these pianos don’t sacrifice quality, as they, too, boast the same Sitka spruce diaphragmatic soundboard found in grand models.

Although Steinway uprights are great (and their Boston models too), I feel there are some better options out there. For example, Seiler and Yamaha make excellent uprights, especially the UH1 model from Yamaha. They also cost significantly less and provide in my opinion equal if not better performance.

You’ll have to play them and compare, uprights is generally where I suggest shopping around most and not feeling limited to Steinway only.

Quality and Craftsmanship

As someone who performs regularly on Steinways, I can attest to the amazing craftsmanship and quality that they all have; even the oldest ones I’ve performed on.

From the selection of materials to the intricate details of construction, Steinway pianos are made to provide an exceptional musical experience.

The materials used in a Steinway piano are thoughtfully chosen to ensure the best sound and performance. For instance, the soundboard is made from carefully selected Sitka Spruce, known for its straight grain and an ideal number of growth rings per inch.

This attention to detail, along with state-of-the-art machinery, ensures that the sound produced by a Steinway piano has the desired clarity, depth, and resonance.

String quality is another crucial factor contributing to a Steinway piano’s overall performance. High-caliber strings maintain their tuning and allow the instrument to produce clear and vibrant tones. You can tell right away when comparing to something that costs a fraction.

Cheaper pianos don’t usually hold their tune very long ,and excessive practicde can also knock it out of performance level much more quickly.

Another great feature of Steinways, and one I personally gravitate toward is the piano’s action. It’s lightning fast, featuring impressive touch, and responsiveness, is crafted meticulously to ensure that playing a Steinway provides a truly unforgettable experience.

I can play just about anything I want on them, at speeds that I simply can’t do on other instruments unless its of similar quality and build. Like a Fazioli or high-end Yamaha for example.

Another aspect of Steinway’s quality is the craftsmanship put into the piano’s construction. This extends from the durability of the pin block to the finishing touches on the cabinet. Expert artisans work on every part of the piano, ensuring that each component is carefully put together and fits seamlessly.

Steinway Pianos as an Investment

A lot of piano brands aren’t worth it as investments, as many have relatively low resell value. But things are much different when it comes to brands like Steinway and Yamaha. So many factors can influence its value.

Generally speaking, Steinways are known to hold their value longer than other piano brands, making them a potentially good investment for those considering resale in the future.

One critical aspect of Steinway’s investment value is the age and condition of the instrument. For pianos manufactured in the past 50 years, it is recommended to send them back to the Steinway factory for a complete re-manufacture to maintain their value. On the other hand, vintage Steinways can also fetch high prices if they are well-maintained and restored.

When looking at Steinway pianos as an investment, it’s crucial to consider the initial investment retention and the slower depreciation rate compared to other piano brands. New Steinway pianos tend to retain their value longer, making them a more appealing option to piano enthusiasts.

To better gauge a Steinway piano’s investment value, consider the following factors:

• The model and size of the Steinway piano
• The piano’s age and condition
• The rarity or uniqueness of the instrument
• Its maintenance and restoration history

Bear in mind that while Steinways can potentially hold or even increase its value over time, it’s essential to keep realistic expectations. The resale value of a piano depends on market demand, the instrument’s condition, and interested buyers willing to pay a premium for a high-quality Steinway.

Buying a New Steinway Piano

If you’ve made it this far and think a new Steinway is worth it, then great! But now comes the more complicated part, purchasing the right instrument for a good price.

A brand-new piano straight from a showroom or authorized Steinway dealer often comes with quality assurance, professional setup, and optimal performance. However, it also comes with a significantly higher price tag than a used or restored Steinway, especially anything 2023 and beyond.

Keep in mind that Steinway dealers are the best places to find new Steinway pianos, as they guarantee authenticity and provide expert guidance. Visiting a showroom allows you to experience firsthand the impressive craftsmanship and unmatched sound quality of Steinway pianos. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions and gather information to make an informed decision.

Regarding cost, owning a new Steinway can be a substantial financial investment. For example, a new 5’1″ Steinway S piano costs around $69,700, while larger models like the 9′ Model D come with a price tag of $171,000. Smaller models such as A, B, L, M, and O range between $74,300 and $129,000.

Here’s a breakdown of some factors that may make purchasing a new Steinway worth considering:

• Sound Quality: The soundboard, which is the heart and soul of a piano, is made from exceptional Sitka spruce wood. This allows Steinway pianos to produce their signature vibrant tones.
• Craftsmanship: A Steinway piano is built with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the highest quality and the most reliable performance.
• Longevity: A new Steinway has the potential to last for several generations, making it a valuable heirloom piece for your family.
• Space: Can you place the Steinway in your residence? What size should you get? These are all things to consider because a Steinway that sounds great in an open showroom might not perform the same way in your home.
• Your Skill Level: Do you really need a Steinway, or would a quality digital piano suffice? This is like purchasing a car, and it’s a hefty investment. While Steinways aim at luxury, they are also something professional concert pianists desire. If thats not you and you have other aspirations, you may want to consider something like their lower-end Boston models or check out other brands like Yamaha, Sammick, and more.

Buying a Used Steinway Piano

Used Steinway pianos often offer a more affordable alternative to their brand-new counterparts while still providing the exceptional quality and performance you expect from the Steinway brand. On the otherhand, used Steinways could come with a plethora of other issues such as the authenticity of the parts, wear and tear, cosmetic issues and more.

In a nutshell, you really need to vet these instruments!

A used Steinway piano can typically be purchased for 30% to 70% less than the cost of a new one. If well-maintained, these instruments can last for generations, making them a reliable investment. High-end pianos like Steinways are built to withstand the test of time, with some fully rebuilt models dating back to the 1880s.

When looking for a used Steinway, paying close attention to its condition is essential. A properly maintained and lightly used Steinway can offer similar performance and sound quality as a new one but at a fraction of the price.

In my experience, a new Steinway always plays better if its maintained well. But one thats rebuilt can play just like a brandnew one.

Here are a few tips to help you find the right used Steinway piano:

• Research the market: Familiarize yourself with the various Steinway models, their features, and their prices. This information can help determine a fair price for the used piano you’re considering.
• Check the age and history: It’s crucial to learn about the piano’s age and whether any significant repairs or restorations have been done. You can find out the age by looking up the piano’s serial number. Steinway has a nifty lookup tool, and you’ll be able to check out things such as which repair work has been done on the piano, the purchase date, and much more.
• Inspect the condition: Carefully examine the piano’s exterior and interior to see any signs of damage or excessive wear, dust, and other issues. You should also check if there are any missing or replaced parts.
• Play the instrument: Test the keys’ feel, the action’s responsiveness, and the sound’s quality. A good used Steinway should still provide a rich and full sound.
• Consult with a professional: If you need more confidence in assessing a used Steinway, consider hiring a piano technician or specialist to help you evaluate its condition and potential value. I always recommend this because it gives you peace of mind knowing you’re getting an authentic instrument vetted by an expert.

Finding a used Steinway piano that fits your needs and budget can be rewarding.

Comparing Steinway to Other Brands

When comparing Steinway to other piano brands like Bechstein, Bösendorfer,  Yamaha, Mason and Hamlin, and digital pianos, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

Steinways production involves a year-long handcrafting process in Astoria, New York, and Hamburg, Germany factories. On the other hand, digital pianos use advanced technology to simulate the sound and feel of an acoustic piano.

Brands like Bechstein and Bösendorfer have unique production processes and material selection, contributing to their distinct sound and quality.

Secondly, think about the tonal differences. Steinway pianos have a rich, complex tone, while their Hamburg counterparts exhibit a cleaner, crisper sound. Bösendorfer pianos are known for their warmer, more powerful sound, while Bechstein is famous for its lyrical and bright tones.

Mason and Hamlin’s pianos are known for a full, resonant sound. Digital pianos can offer various tonal settings to simulate different piano sounds, which might be an important factor depending on your preference.

Lastly, evaluate the price point. Steinway pianos typically come with a higher price tag than other brands, however there are comparable pianos at a lower price point. You may come to find that other pianos can satisfy your needs and you’ll be perfectly happy with them.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Steinway

When considering the purchase of a Steinway piano, it’s important to weigh both the pros and cons. No matter what piano you purchase, there will always be something that you’ll love, and other things you might be annoyed with.

Here, we’ll explore some of the benefits and drawbacks of owning this prestigious instrument.

Pros

Prestige: As a Steinway owner, you’ll be part of an exclusive group of pianists who appreciate the brand’s history and craftsmanship. Owning one can be seen as a symbol of both personal and musical achievement.

Innovation: Steinway is constantly looking to improve its pianos through research, innovation, and advancements in soundboard technology. As I mentioned earlier with Spirio, the piano can play itself in the style and performance quality of renown pianists. It’s a super neat feature that is worth the high price point on its own.

Accelerated Action: The mechanical action in a Steinway piano is designed to be responsive and efficient. This allows for better control of the instrument, providing you with an unparalleled playing experience.

Cons

Expensive: Purchasing a new Steinway can be a significant investment, with prices ranging from $75,500 to $585,000 (as of 2021). While the value might be worth it to some, others may need help to justify the expense.

Maintenance: Like any fine instrument, a Steinway requires regular care and maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes tuning, cleaning, and addressing any mechanical issues that may arise over time. Not only can this be time-consuming, but it also adds to the overall cost of ownership.

Potential Rebuilds: If you’re interested in purchasing a used or rebuilt Steinway, be aware that the quality of the rebuild can vary greatly. Some shortcuts or cost-saving techniques employed by rebuilders may affect the overall quality and value of the instrument.