Looking for the best pianos to fit your needs? This article reviews top-rated pianos, detailing their standout features and current deals to help you make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Explore top-rated grand pianos like the Kawai GX-7 and Yamaha C3X, known for their superb tone, superior craftsmanship, and advanced features.
Upright pianos such as the Yamaha U1 and Kawai K-300 offer exceptional sound quality and innovative design, making them excellent choices for various settings.
Combining tradition and innovation, hybrid pianos like the Kawai GL-30 ATX4 provide versatile playing options with advanced digital technology and traditional acoustic piano feel.
Kawai 7′ GX-7 Grand Piano | Polished Ebony
Professional pianists and recording studios will find the Kawai 7’ GX-7 grand piano a magnificent choice. As a semi-concert grand piano, it provides:
Balanced power and depth of tone
Suitable for medium to large venues
Superb tone and consistent touch
Longer keys that offer greater control for the pianist
What sets the GX-7 apart are its exclusive features like Kawai’s Millennium III Grand Action, enhancing performance with precision and responsiveness. The unified bridge design ensures seamless tonal transitions, making this grand piano a favorite among discerning musicians.
Whether you’re considering your first piano or adding to a collection of pre-owned pianos, the Kawai 7’ GX-7 stands out as a remarkable instrument. Its features include:
Polished ebony finish, adding a touch of elegance
Exceptional sound quality
Responsive touch and feel
Durable construction
Not just a musical instrument, the Kawai 7’ GX-7 is also a statement piece.
Yamaha 6’1″ C3X Grand Piano | Polished Ebony
Famed for its clear sound and sparkling tone, the Yamaha 6’1” C3X grand piano is a notable part of the renowned CX Series. Each note resonates with a clean attack and transparent harmonies, captivating pianists and audiences alike.
Yamaha’s dedication to quality is evident in the C3X’s design. It features music wire that produces a rich sound with a full complexity of overtones in its middle and upper registers. The piano also boasts high-quality components, including Ivorite™ white keys and natural ebony black keys, providing a tactile experience that resembles traditional ivory and ebony.
Additionally, the C3X’s soundboard utilizes a three-dimensional concave design called the ‘crown,’ efficiently transmitting vibrations from the strings. With a back frame approximately 20% thicker than other pianos, the C3X offers improved support and stability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and expressive instrument.
Shigeru Kawai 6’6″ SK-5 Chamber Grand Piano | Polished Ebony
The Shigeru Kawai 6’6” SK-5 Chamber Grand Piano, recognized for its precision and exquisite tone, is an ideal choice for connoisseurs. Designed for intimate recital halls and larger teaching environments, this grand piano delivers remarkable performance.
The SK-5 piano offers:
Remarkable precision
Highest level of control and expression
Exquisite tone
Rich and nuanced sound
It is a preferred choice for discerning pianists who demand the best, and their questions are answered when they visit.
With its polished ebony finish, the SK-5 adds a touch of sophistication to any setting. Whether used for performances or teaching, this piano’s superior craftsmanship and sound quality make it a standout choice.
Steinway 5’10.5″ Model O Grand Piano | Mahogany | Pre-Owned
Exemplifying timeless craftsmanship, the Steinway 5’10.5” Model O Grand Piano, originally constructed in 1922, continues to impress. This pre-owned piano has been fully restored by PianoWork’s craftsmen in 2018, ensuring it remains in optimal playing condition.
The restoration process included a new Eastern White Spruce soundboard, a duplicate of the original factory type, and new hand-notched Sugar Maple bridge caps. These enhancements preserve the piano’s historical integrity while improving its sound quality.
New Steinway action parts such as:
hammers
shanks
flanges
repetitions
were also added, providing a fresh, responsive feel. The piano’s hand-rubbed satin lacquer finish in ‘fiddle-back’ brown mahogany adds a luxurious touch, making it a beautiful centerpiece in any room.
Priced at $39,999, reduced from $42,499, this Steinway Model O includes a 90-day full-service warranty and a piano bench, offering excellent value for a piece of musical history.
Kawai 5’11” GX-2 Classic Salon Grand Piano | Polished Ebony
Having bagged the ‘Product Excellence Award’ from Music Inc. Magazine in 2017, the Kawai 5’11” GX-2 Classic Salon Grand Piano is a decorated instrument. This grand piano is celebrated for its exquisite clarity of tone, making it a popular choice for homes, schools, churches, and teaching studios.
The GX-2’s versatility stems from its exceptional features:
Exceptional sound quality
Reliable performance
Suitable for practice, performance, or instruction
Delivers a consistent and engaging musical experience
With a retail price of $49,285 and a MAP of $42,295, the GX-2 offers excellent value for its superior craftsmanship and sound. Its polished ebony finish adds a touch of elegance, making it a beautiful addition to any space.
Yamaha U1 48″ Upright Piano | Polished Ebony
With its comprehensive redesign, the Yamaha U1 48” Upright Piano has raised the bar in the industry. Its enhanced features include:
Special rib configurations on the soundboard for increased strength, resonance, and stability
Improved key action for a more responsive and precise touch
Upgraded hammers for enhanced tone and projection
These enhancements elevate the U1 beyond its world-standard position.
The U1’s advanced scale design offers a richer, more resonant voice with a beautifully balanced timbre across the keyboard. Redesigned hammers ensure optimum tone production, responsiveness, and durability, making it a joy to play. The extra-wide music desk and soft-close fallboard enhance the playing experience, providing both functionality and safety.
Available in various finishes, including Polished Ebony, the Yamaha U1 fits seamlessly into any décor. Its dimensions and weight make it a substantial yet elegant addition to any home or studio.
Kawai K-300 48″ Upright Piano | Polished Ebony
The Kawai K-300 48” Upright Piano, upgrading the legacy of its predecessor, the K-3, integrates advanced materials and technology. The Millennium III Upright Action, made with carbon composite materials, offers an ultra-responsive touch and enhanced musical expression.
The K-300 features double felted mahogany core hammers and a solid spruce soundboard, providing a wide dynamic range and rich tonal quality. Its ‘Soft Fall’ closing system ensures the fallboard closes gently, protecting both the piano and the player.
With dimensions of 48 inches in height and 59 inches in width, the K-300 is a substantial instrument that fits well in various settings. Priced between $12,895.00 and $13,895.00, it offers excellent value for its quality and features.
Baby Grand Pianos: Finding the Right Fit
When selecting the perfect baby grand piano, one should take into account multiple factors such as size, sound quality, and placement. Baby grand pianos typically range from 4’11” to 5’9” in length, impacting the sound quality due to the size of the soundboard and strings. Despite their smaller size compared to full grand pianos, they offer rich and resonant tones that can fill a room.
When measuring space for a baby grand piano, it’s essential to include an additional 3 feet for the stool or bench. The width of a baby grand piano is approximately 5 feet, similar to upright pianos, making them a versatile choice for various spaces.
Placement is crucial to ensure optimal sound projection and to protect the piano. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of the wood finish, and consider placing the piano lid to open away from the wall to enhance sound projection.
The cost of baby grand pianos can vary significantly, from $10,000 to $120,000. Higher-end models offer superior craftsmanship and materials, while mass-produced baby grands, typically priced between $10,000 and $20,000, provide a more affordable option without compromising quality.
Hybrid Pianos: Combining Tradition and Innovation
Uniquely blending traditional grand piano design with advanced digital technology, the Kawai GL-30 ATX4 Anytime Hybrid Piano is a trailblazer. It allows pianists to utilize 90 digital sounds independently or in combination with the acoustic grand piano, creating unique tonal experiences.
This hybrid piano features Kawai’s proprietary rendering and harmonic imaging XL technology, producing high-quality digital sounds. The Millennium III carbon fiber action offers exceptional touch and feel, making it a joy to play.
Enhancing the experience further, the PianoRemote app provides the following features:
Recording
Metronome
Split and layer modes
Bluetooth audio and MIDI connectivity
The acoustic piano can also be muted for silent play through headphones, making it ideal for quiet environments.
Learn more, check out Everything to Know About Hybrid Pianos
Enhancing Your Piano Experience
Considering investments in essential accessories and proper maintenance can truly boost your piano experience. Here are some items to consider:
Pedal extenders
Piano casters
Caster cups
Piano cover
Piano polish
Properly sized bench
These accessories and maintenance items are crucial for protecting and maintaining your instruments, improving their aesthetic appeal, and enhancing your playing experience for customers at your store.
Other useful accessories include piano lamps for better visibility of sheet music, metronomes for developing rhythm, and professional piano movers to avoid damage during transport. Maintaining stable humidity levels around 45% is also vital for reducing tuning needs and preserving the piano’s condition.
Combining the right accessories with proper care ensures a rewarding and sustainable piano journey. A well-maintained piano not only sounds better but also brings joy and satisfaction to every playing session.
Summary
In summary, selecting the right piano involves understanding the unique features and benefits of each model. From grand pianos like the Kawai GX-7 and Yamaha C3X to upright models like the Yamaha U1 and Kawai K-300, each offers something special. Enhancing your piano experience with the right accessories and proper care ensures that your investment brings joy and satisfaction for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Kawai 7′ GX-7 Grand Piano suitable for professional use?
The Kawai 7′ GX-7 Grand Piano is suitable for professional use due to its superb tone, consistent touch, and advanced features like the Millennium III Grand Action, providing an ideal instrument for professional pianists.
How does the Yamaha 6’1″ C3X Grand Piano produce a rich sound?
The Yamaha 6’1″ C3X Grand Piano produces a rich sound by using high-quality components such as music wire and hammers, along with a three-dimensional concave soundboard design called the ‘crown’. This design helps create a robust and resonant tone.
What improvements does the Kawai K-300 Upright Piano have over its predecessor?
The Kawai K-300 Upright Piano has improved touch and tonal quality due to its Millennium III Upright Action, double felted mahogany core hammers, and solid spruce soundboard. These enhancements make it a great choice for discerning pianists.
What should be considered when choosing a baby grand piano?
When choosing a baby grand piano, consider factors like size, sound quality, placement, and the impact of direct sunlight on the wood finish. These elements are crucial for making the best choice for your musical space.
How do hybrid pianos combine traditional and digital features?
Hybrid pianos like the Kawai GL-30 ATX4 combine advanced digital technology with traditional grand piano design, offering digital sounds, recording features, and silent play through headphones, providing a versatile playing experience.
