The Cost of a Steinway Piano

STEINWAY GRAND PIANO PRICING

WHAT THEY COST AND WHAT DRIVES THE PRICE

The cost of a Steinway piano varies primarily by model, size, and finish. New Steinway grand pianos are built in two primary factories—Queens, New York and Hamburg, Germany—with each location producing instruments that share comparable dimensions but differ slightly in construction details, finishing options, and pricing.

STEINWAY GRAND PIANO PRICING – QUEENS, NEW YORK

Steinway grand pianos built in the Queens, New York factory are offered in six standard models, with pricing driven primarily by size and finish. As models increase in size and complexity, prices rise accordingly.

Standard finishes range from satin ebony to high-polish ebony, with select models available with specialty hardware and upgraded finishes at higher price points.

Last updated: January 20, 2026
Pricing reflects current MSRP and price increases are typical each year.

Model S — 5′ 1″
Approximately $96,500

Model M — 5′ 7″
Approximately $103,700

Model O — 5′ 10 1⁄2″
Approximately $115,400

Model A — 6′ 2″
Approximately $133,100

Model B — 6′ 10 1⁄2″
Approximately $146,900

Model D — 8′ 11 3⁄4″
Approximately $246,900

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INDEPENDENT GUIDANCE FROM STEINWAY SPECIALISTS

At Bradfield Piano, we do not sell pianos, so there is no pressure to buy from us. We provide independent evaluations, appraisals, and restoration guidance to help clients understand a piano’s condition, value, and long-term considerations before making a decision.

STEINWAY GRAND PIANO PRICING – HAMBURG, GERMANY

Steinway grand pianos produced in Hamburg are comparable in size to their Queens counterparts but are built using different production methods and specifications. These instruments are typically offered in polished ebony and are widely regarded as Steinway’s most premium production models.

In practice, Hamburg-built Steinway grands imported into the United States are consistently priced above equivalent New York models, most often by approximately 15–30 percent, depending on model, configuration, and market conditions. Final pricing is set by authorized Steinway dealers and is typically provided only through direct consultation.

Steinway pianos are highly valued because of their exceptional construction materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. A defining element of Steinway grand and upright pianos is the diaphragmatic soundboard design, which contributes to their distinctive tonal clarity, projection, and dynamic range. Steinway pinblock construction utilizes multiple laminated layers with alternating grain orientations, helping provide long-term tuning stability and structural reliability.

Both grand and upright Steinway pianos incorporate extensive solid wood components and reflect a high level of craftsmanship throughout the instrument. When comparing Steinway piano types, upright models are generally the most accessible from a pricing standpoint, followed by grand pianos. Specialty instruments and limited-production designs typically command higher prices due to rarity, materials, and finishing complexity.

Steinway Upright Piano Pricing

Steinway upright pianos are built in Astoria, New York and are offered in three primary models. Like Steinway grand pianos, upright models vary in size, finish, and overall value, making them suitable for a range of home, educational, and professional settings.

  • Model 4510: The Model 4510 and 1098 are identical technically, but the 4510 is slightly smaller, measuring 45″, and features a period style cabinet for decorative appeal in home use. The 4510 Steinway upright piano has a Sheraton satin ebony finish and costs $68,000
  • Model 1098: The 1098 is slightly larger at 46 1/2″ and is better-suited for school use or where appearance is not the primary concern. The 1098 is available in satin ebony for $64,200
  • Model K-52: The K-52 is the largest upright model at 52″ and is listed at $74,700 for polyester polished ebony. The K-52 offers a resonant voice and is popular among professional players.

Specialty Steinways Pricing

Steinway offers a range of specialty pianos that emphasize distinctive design, custom finishes, and limited production. These instruments are typically priced above standard models due to their materials, craftsmanship, and collectability.

Collections such as the Pops Collection and Onyx Duet focus on visual contrast and contemporary styling, while the Crown Jewels Collection features rare wood veneers and traditional finishing techniques. Within the Crown Jewels lineup, Macassar ebony is among the most expensive options due to its scarcity and dramatic grain pattern. As a reference point, a Model D Steinway finished in Macassar ebony can exceed $300,000.

Steinway has also produced period-style designs, including Louis XV and Chippendale models, as well as Limited Edition pianos released in small numbers. These instruments tend to command higher prices, though value varies widely based on condition, originality, and market demand.

When evaluating a specialty Steinway, pricing should be considered alongside long-term ownership factors such as maintenance, preservation of original materials, and overall condition. The visual appeal alone does not always translate to sustained value without careful stewardship.

New vs. Used Steinways

New Steinway pianos reflect the same core design principles and build quality that have defined the brand for generations. Modern Steinways continue to be selected for professional concert halls and performance venues worldwide, demonstrating their consistency, reliability, and tonal performance.

However, choosing between a new and a used Steinway often comes down to value rather than quality alone. Well-maintained or properly restored used Steinway pianos can deliver exceptional performance at a significantly lower cost, while offering access to models, tonal characteristics, or craftsmanship associated with earlier production eras.

Understanding the differences between new and used Steinway pianos helps buyers weigh price, condition, long-term value, and musical priorities before making a decision.

What to Know About Rebuilt Steinway Pianos

Because Steinway pianos are designed to be rebuilt, well-restored used Steinways can offer exceptional long-term performance. However, the quality of a rebuilt Steinway depends heavily on the restoration approach, materials selected, and adherence to original design principles.

Not all piano rebuilders follow Steinway design specifications or prioritize long-term performance when restoring an instrument. Substituting lower-quality materials or altering original construction details can compromise tonal character, touch, and overall value.

When evaluating a rebuilt Steinway, buyers should focus on how the piano plays, sounds, and responds — as well as whether the restoration work respects the instrument’s original design intent. Clear documentation, transparent explanations of the work performed, and an independent technical evaluation are often more meaningful than marketing claims.

Steinway Piano

DETERMINING YOUR STEINWAY BUDGET

When determining the right Steinway piano for your budget, it’s important to consider more than just the brand name. Size, model, condition, and intended use all play a major role in both cost and long-term satisfaction. Are you looking for a Steinway grand piano for a home, studio, or performance space, or a Steinway upright piano for an apartment, classroom, or teaching environment?

When comparing Steinway grand piano models, consider how much space you have available and how the instrument will be used day to day. Smaller grands are often well suited for private homes, while larger models are typically chosen for studios, schools, and concert settings where projection and tonal range matter more. Visual details such as finish, veneer, and cabinetry may also influence pricing, especially for buyers with specific aesthetic preferences.

It’s also important to view a Steinway purchase as a long-term investment in musical quality rather than a short-term purchase decision. While Steinway pianos tend to retain value better than most instruments, actual appreciation depends on model, condition, maintenance history, and market demand. Choosing the right Steinway for your needs — and understanding its true ownership costs — is often more important than focusing solely on initial price.

WHERE TO FIND STEINWAYS FOR SALE

Used Steinway pianos can be found through a variety of sources, including private sellers, piano dealers, restoration shops, and online marketplaces. While availability is broad, the quality, condition, and pricing of used Steinways can vary significantly depending on where the instrument is sourced and how it has been evaluated.

Some buyers gravitate toward large music stores or well known dealers, while others purchase directly from private sellers. Neither option guarantees value or condition. What matters most is not where the piano is sold, but whether it has been properly inspected, accurately represented, and priced based on its true condition.

When searching for a used Steinway, the safest approach is to work with a reputable piano professional who can independently evaluate the instrument, explain its history and condition, and help you understand its long term ownership costs.

Independent Technical Evaluation: A used Steinway should be evaluated by an experienced piano technician who can assess structural integrity, soundboard condition, action wear, regulation, voicing, and overall musical performance. A proper evaluation focuses on how the piano plays, sounds, and will hold up over time — not just its name or appearance.

Repair History Transparency: Reputable sellers should be able to explain what work has been done to the piano, when it was performed, and why. Understanding past repairs, maintenance, and restoration work helps buyers avoid surprises and better estimate future ownership costs.

Clear, Condition-Based Pricing: Fair pricing for a used Steinway is based on its age, model, condition, and the quality of any restoration work — not inflated retail markups or vague “collector” claims. Transparent pricing reflects the instrument’s real value and long-term reliability.

Before purchasing a used Steinway, it’s wise to consult a qualified piano technician who can independently evaluate the instrument, explain its condition in plain terms, and help you understand what ownership will realistically look like over time.

STEINWAY PIANO APPRAISALS AT BRADFIELD PIANO

Bradfield Piano is proud to offer accurate appraisals for used pianos, so you get the best price whether you’re selling or buying a Steinway piano. Our technicians rely on decades of experience and extensive knowledge of the piano industry when evaluating every piano. We also take into consideration the wear and tear on each piano, so you get the best price for your used Steinway piano.

To find out what a specific Steinway piano is worth, contact our experts today. We also offer a huge range of services for Steinway pianos including full restorations, tuning, professional moving, and climate controlled storage.