Best
Overall Digital Piano
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Overall: A Teacher's Favourite For Learning With Graded Hammer Action Keys
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Best Feature: With A Graded Standard Hammer Keyboard And Sustain Pedal For An Authentic Playing Feel
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Overall
Upright Piano
Upright Piano THE GO-TO STANDARD UPRIGHT IN ALL CONSERVATOIRES
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Overall: Attractive Design With A 48" Height And 59" Width
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Best Feature: High-Quality Materials Used
Throughout The Production Process -
TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Beginner
Digital Piano
Digital Piano UNMISTAKABLE
QUALITY AND STYLE
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Overall: OLED Display
That Makes Navigation Easy -
Best Feature: Spatial Headphone Sound Technology
Enhances The Depth And Realism Of The Sound -
TedScore™: 8.5/10
When I think about which piano brands hold their value, it’s like exploring a world where skill meets history. The durability of a piano and the brand’s reputation usually decide how much it stays valuable.
As someone who loves playing the piano, I’ve noticed how brands like Steinway & Sons and Yamaha have become more than just instruments—they have become family treasures.
Choosing the right brand can make sure that beautiful music on the piano is an investment in the long run.
So, keep reading as we explore this topic about pianos. It’s worth finding out which brands hold their value the best!
Prominent Piano Brands Known for Value Retention
Certain piano makers have become the darlings of the piano market in the vast world of musical instruments, not just for their superior sound quality but also for their unwavering ability to retain value.
Let me introduce you to the crème de la crème!
Yamaha
My experience with Yamaha pianos is that they’re more than just versatile; they’re built to last.
The brand’s durability and consistency in quality have contributed to Yamaha pianos, like the Yamaha U1, being highly sought after in the used piano market.
Click here to read our top choice of the best Yamaha piano.
Steinway & Sons is a name that exudes prestige and top-tier craftsmanship.
Steinway pianos are a hallmark of legacy, and their valuation is buoyant due to their rich, expressive sound and unmatched heritage in piano manufacturing.
Click here to read more about the cost of a Steinway piano.
Kawai
Kawai pianos exude reliability and finesse. They compete with premium brands by ensuring their instruments resonate with clear tonal quality and maintain resilience over time, a testament to their commendable craftsmanship.
Click here to read a recent review of a Kawai digital piano vs a Yamaha piano.
If we’re chatting about pianos with enduring value, Bösendorfer has to be part of the conversation. Their limited production and exquisite attention to detail mean that these pianos offer a sumptuous musical experience and often retain or increase in value.
Fazioli
With Fazioli, we’re diving into luxurious feels and lavish sounds. These handcrafted pianos are sheer artistry in form and function, earning their keep in the high-end segment of the piano market with their rarity and exceptional tonal qualities.
I’ll be honest and say Fazioli are my favourite brand of acoustic piano – there is nothing like them.
Piano Types and Their Value Over Time
When we chat about pianos, it’s like opening a treasure trove of variety, where every type has its charm and investment merit.
I’ll share secrets on how the grand, upright, and digital pianos keep their worth through all their musical journeys.
Grand Pianos
Grand pianos are the showstoppers, the center of attention, and for a good reason.
The extended keyboard and dynamic range make them a favorite for both their sound quality and commanding presence.
Steinway & Sons, for instance, are known for their grand pianos, which also sound divine and keep their value as splendidly as they project their notes.
Their Craftsmanship shines through models like the famous Model D, which holds its value spectacularly due to its reputation as one of the finest concert grands.
Upright Pianos
Upright pianos stand tall with dignity in the corners of living rooms and music schools, making the most of their cozy design. They may not have the sprawl of a grand piano, but don’t be fooled; these acoustic gems, like those from Yamaha and Kawai, offer a balance of soundboard quality and space-saving that resonates with many buyers.
They’re a classic, blending seamlessly with innovation and tradition, maintaining their value exceptionally well in the mid to high-end range.
Yamaha U1 Upright Piano
PERFECT FOR: beginners to professional pianists
FEATURES: Attractive design with a 48" height and 59" width
OTHER INFO: High-quality materials used throughout the production process
Yamaha U1 Upright Piano
- Light play action is designed to prevent hand fatigue and encourage practice time
- Offers a nice tonal balance across the entire keyboard, with all 88 notes complementing each other
- Provides amazing sound quality that continues throughout the years of proper maintenance and care
- Affordably priced within its class and offers great resale value
- Designed for studio-type spaces - may not fill larger rooms with sound as well as the larger U3 upright piano
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos, with their cutting-edge technology and portability, ring in a new era for the piano world. They are the hybrids, where traditional responsiveness meets the innovation of the modern age, letting me indulge in the sound quality without fretting about the space.
Yamaha and Kawai also lead the pack here, pioneering features that mimic the touch of an acoustic piano.
While digital pianos may not hold their value like acoustic grands, they’re a savvy choice for those of us after the latest technological perks without breaking the bank.
Kawai CN21 Digital Piano
FEATURES: OLED Display That Makes Navigation Easy
OTHER INFO: Spatial Headphone Sound Technology Enhances The Depth And Realism Of The Sound
- Includes Kawai's lesson function to learn classic piano pieces
- Adjust the instrument's parameters with the Virtual Technician app
- Creates rich and expressive sounds like the SK-EX and EX concert grand pianos
- With Superior Headphone Sound technology to enhance playing experience
- Advanced mode requires an iPad to access
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
PERFECT FOR: New musicians
FEATURES: A teacher's favourite for learning with graded hammer action keys
OTHER INFO: With a graded standard hammer keyboard and sustain pedal for an authentic playing feel
Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
- Legendary Yamaha quality
- Includes three months of Flowkey Premium
- You'll need to purchase a stand and bench separately, which can add to the overall cost
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Factors Influencing Piano Value Retention
Pianos are more than just instruments; they’re also investments, and their value over time depends on many different things.
The age of a pianos hold their values, and the brand matters a lot, too. Models, materials, and craftsmanship significantly affect how a piano maintains its value.
A piano’s design and condition are also essential—a well-looked-after piano can be worth a lot in the resale market.
Regular maintenance is like a spa day for your piano, helping it keep its value.
If you encounter key problems, visit a piano store and inquire about their recommendations for a reliable piano tuner.
They often have connections with skilled professionals who can help maintain your instrument.
Considering all these factors, you can make a smart investment that will last for a long time.
Investing in Pianos:
A Buyer's Guide
When I embarked on my musical journey, the allure of owning a piano was irresistible. In pursuing musical excellence, I’ve learned that some pianos are investments that transcend time.
Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, and Kawai sit at the top for their reliability and ability to retain value. An acoustic piano from these brands can be a legacy piece!
When I embarked on my musical journey, the allure of owning a piano was irresistible.
In pursuing musical excellence, I’ve learned that some pianos are investments that transcend time.
Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, and Kawai sit at the top for their reliability and ability to retain value.
An acoustic piano from these brands can be a legacy piece!
Which piano brands hold their value:
Our Summary
Getting a top-quality piano is like choosing a fine wine—it improves with time. I always recommend timeless brands like Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, or Kawai because they make great sound and lasting value pianos.
Steinway has a rich history and excellent craftsmanship, like having a piece of music history in your living room.
Yamaha is great for pianists at any level because it’s both high-quality and versatile.
Kawai is smart for people looking for a good investment because it’s innovative and consistent.
If I needed a quick reference on which brands are at the top of their game in terms of holding value, here’s what I’d jot down:
Steinway & Sons: The heritage brand, a symbol of luxury and excellence.
Yamaha: This is a reliable one; it is of excellent quality and has a broad appeal.
Kawai: The innovative contender; consistent quality with a modern touch.
Well, some piano brands know how to strike the right chord when maintaining their worth. It’s a testament to their commitment to quality and our enduring love for a magnificent melody.
Happy playing, and may your piano be not just an instrument but a wise investment, too!
Hold up, we’re not finished yet…
Discover the top piano brand ranking with lasting value and exceptional sound quality in this comprehensive ranking article.
While I agree that brands like Steinway & Sons hold their value well, I think the article misses a point about the technological advancements in digital pianos. These advancements make earlier models obsolete faster, impacting their value retention negatively. Would love to hear more about how this aspect compares to the timeless value of acoustic pianos.
However, considering the entry price and the purpose, digital pianos offer an accessible starting point for many. It’s a trade-off between initial investment and long-term value.
Absolutely, JazzMan91. The rapid improvements in digital piano technology could indeed shorten their lifespan in terms of technological relevance, unlike acoustic pianos which can be timeless.
Curious about digital pianos and their value retention. Is investing in a digital one a good idea if I plan on upgrading later?
If I buy a Steinway, do I automatically play like Lang Lang? Asking for a friend.
Really appreciate this comparison, Dawn Hardwick! Helps in guiding my students’ parents on what piano to invest in.
ClaraM, would you say Yamaha or Kawai is better for beginners?