The decision to purchase a piano or grand piano is a significant investment. Before you make a final decision, it’s a good idea to get an idea of the wide price range of pianos and grand pianos available. Knowing ‘how much does a piano cost’ will help you make an informed choice that fits your musical needs, level of expertise and financial capabilities. In this article, we present approximate price ranges for different types of pianos and grand pianos. We illustrate them with examples and share tips to help you buy your dream piano.
Table des matières
- How much does a new upright piano cost?
- How much does a new grand piano cost?
- What affects the price of a used piano?
- How much does a used upright piano cost?
- How much does a used grand piano cost?
- Where to look for pianos in different budgets?
- Summary and final tips
How much does a new upright piano cost?
Let’s start by saying that it’s always best to verify the prices of new upright pianos on the websites of manufacturers or official distributors of a particular brand.
Buying a new upright piano is an investment that can range from a few to even several hundred thousand dollars. Basic models start at around 2.530 € and go up to 14.950 €. However, the high-end segment is a completely different league. Premium pianos can cost up to 29.900 €, while concert models from renowned brands exceed 59.800 €!
Why such a spread? Budget models, often mass-produced with cheaper materials, are aimed at beginners and hobbyists. Brands such as Yamaha or Kawai offer mid-range pianos that combine solid quality with an affordable price. In the luxury segment, meanwhile, you’ll find pianos from brands such as Steinway & Sons and Bechstein. Where every detail of workmanship and choice of materials contributes to the unique sound and longevity of the piano.
How much does a new grand piano cost?
Let’s start by saying that it’s always best to verify the prices of new grand pianos on the websites of manufacturers or official distributors of a particular brand.
Buying a new grand piano is the dream of many pianists, but it’s also a significant expense. The price range is even wider than for upright pianos – from around 8.050 € to over 207.000 €. For custom-made models, the price can be virtually unlimited!
The most affordable are baby grand pianos, starting at about 8.050 € for lesser-known brands. Models from renowned manufacturers like Yamaha or Kawai start at around 14.950 €. Luxury brands can price their masterpieces at 59.800 € or more. The next category includes semi-concert grand pianos, usually ranging from 17.250 € to 172.500 €, depending on finishing, materials, and brand prestige. At the top of the pyramid are concert grand pianos, built for the world’s greatest stages. Prices for these majestic pianos start at around 101.200 € and can reach up to 161.000 €, as in the case of legendary Bösendorfer models.
The piano world is dominated by brands such as Steinway & Sons, Bösendorfer and Fazioli, famous for their unique sound and perfect craftsmanship. Pianos from Petrof, Schimmel (Konzert series) or Yamaha (CX series) are also highly regarded, offering great quality at slightly more affordable budgets.
What affects the price of a used piano?
Buying a used piano can be a great way to get a high-end piano at a more affordable price. However, it is worth remembering that the valuation of such an piano depends on many factors:
- Brand and reputation – pianos from established manufacturers, such as Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Bösendorfer or Petrof, hold their value much better than lesser-known brands.
- Year of manufacture – older pianos are sometimes cheaper, although their technical condition may require expensive repairs or restoration.
- Technical condition – perfectly maintained specimens, after professional inspection and service, fetch higher prices. On the other hand, pianos requiring repair work are cheaper, but it is worth adding the cost of restoration.
- Type of mechanism – the type of mechanics used also affects the price. For example, an older Viennese top-damper mechanism, which is rare today, can reduce the value, especially if it requires replacement or repair.
- Materials and design – unusual finishes, unique veneer, rich embellishments or original styling greatly increase the value of a piano.
- Rarity of the model and history of the piano – unique models or pianos with an interesting history can fetch much higher prices on the collector’s market.
Unlike digital pianos, well-maintained acoustic pianos can retain their value for many years. This makes them a reasonable and often long-term investment.
How much does a used upright piano cost?
The used piano market offers a huge variety in both models and prices. Prices for upright pianos start at around 505 €. For rare, concert-quality pianos from renowned brands in perfect condition, prices can reach up to 40.250 €! At the lower end, you’ll find older pianos from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often available at very attractive prices, though they may require costly restoration work.
Modern used pianos from respected manufacturers such as Yamaha, Petrof, Kawai, and Schimmel, in very good technical condition, range from 2.300 € to 8.050 €. These pianos are an excellent alternative to new models, often offering comparable sound quality and craftsmanship.
If you’re buying a used piano, especially one that’s older than 25 years, it’s definitely worth enlisting the help of an experienced piano technician to assess the actual condition of the piano and help you avoid costly surprises.
How much does a used grand piano cost?
Buying a used grand piano can be a great way to acquire a piano with exceptional sound and character, often at a much lower price than a new model. Used grand piano prices range from around 1.495 € to as much as 90.850 €, depending on the brand, model, age, and technical condition. Grand pianos that have undergone comprehensive restoration—such as replacement of hammers, strings, polish, or mechanics—will naturally command higher prices.
On the secondary market, we often encounter brands such as Mason & Hamlin, Bechstein, August Förster or Schimmel. They are famous for their durability and beautiful sound even after many years of use. In the case of prestigious pianos from the Steinway & Sons, Bösendorfer or Fazioli brands, prices can be really high. However, it is worth knowing that well-maintained used copies can reach 45-48% of the value of a new piano. This makes them an attractive investment for discerning pianists and collectors.
Where to look for pianos in different budgets?
Searching for the perfect piano or grand piano within a certain budget can be a challenge. But there are a few proven sites worth considering:
- Klaviano – is one of the world’s largest piano search engines. With its filtering feature, you can easily search listings for both new and used pianos in your chosen price range and location.
- Local piano stores – offer a wide selection of new and used pianos and grand pianos. Often additional services, such as the first transport or tuning of the piano, are included in the purchase price, which is quite a convenience for the buyer.
- Announcement portals – such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or local classifieds sites. You can find used pianos there, and sometimes even pianos given away free of charge. For such listings, it’s always a good idea to consult a piano technician to check the condition before making a purchase decision.
Regardless of where you buy, the key is to carefully check the condition of the piano, especially if you plan to buy a used model.
Summary and final tips
It is impossible to clearly define a single price for a piano or grand piano. The cost depends on the type of piano, brand, age, technical condition and additional finishing touches. When choosing a piano, it is worth considering your budget, level of sophistication, purpose of purchase (teaching, home, studio, stage) and available space. Buying a used piano is often a great way to save money, provided that the technical condition is assessed in advance by a specialist. Regardless of your choice, you need to keep in mind operating costs, such as tuning and possible repairs.
To make your search easier, use Klaviano’s search engine, which allows you to filter listings by budget and location.