How Can You Afford a Steinway?

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Why are Steinways So expensive?
• Why Are Steinways So E...

[@Lion_McLionhead]

The real question has always been how to afford a room to put it in. That now has a $900k median tag.

[@LouisDargin]

Unless you live in Detroit.

[@Michachel]

Move to O block

[@reallynotpc]

My thought too!

[@painter1955]

I've played lots of new and used Steinways at my local Steinway dealer. Not every Steinway is "great", but when you find a "great" Steinway, there is simply nothing better. For a connoisseur of fine sound, price is not the issue. I agree that better value can be found if you close your eyes and not your ears. Nevertheless, I play with my eyes open staring at my 20 year old Steinway K-52 that sounds a lot better than the new Model M I played the other day. I paid only half the asking price of a new K-52, and I am thrilled with my "old" friend.

[@Beyondabsence]

Agreed. Not every Steinway is exceptional, but when you find a great one, few pianos can compare. Faziolis and Bosendorfers have a beautifully sweet sound, but over time, I find them a bit too sweet. A well-crafted, classic Steinway is like a rich, dark chocolate with 70% cocoa.

[@alanclarkeau]

The other thing to consider - you can get a large Yamaha or Kawai for less than a very small Steinway. Check them out and think about which is the better piano for you.

[@StevenPJames-fl1un]

Me, a broke grad music student with a 120-year-old Story and Clark I got for free:

[@radic888]

Your honest answer should have been: get rich!

[@tigerjeebs5048]

Steinway is the rolex of pianos. They sell partially due to brand recognition. For the price of their respective size, specifically the 5 foot steinway, it just doesn't make any sense. Sure, it'll largely hold its value. But 80k for a 5 foot piano makes no sense musically. No one can make a 5 foot piano sound good. The bass strings are just too short. They're shorter than good upright pianos. You can find 5 foot 10 to 6 foot pianos from great brands such as Yamaha and Kawai for less than a 5 foot steinway. They will sound much better. They just won't impress your rich friends.

[@garycitro1674]

I always *thought* that a 5' 7" Steinway M was the piano of my dreams that I would buy in retirement, despite it being like $80,000. But I learned of a used one in excellent condition that was available for 14K because the guy died. I went and played it and I was actually disappointed with the bass response, as you say. In the same showroom, was a 1941 6'3" Baldwin L that had a finish that was not ideal, old looking, and a rough action. But it sounded amazing, particularly the bass response. I bought it 3 days later for $3,000. Eventually I put another $16,000 into restoring (and not refinishing) it and I cannot be happier. The look and sound of it reminds me of some of the pre WW2 quality pianos I played in college. So your message definitely "resonates" with me!

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

It's probably the same thing with any baby grand from any brand I mean there is Bosendorfer, Fazioli🎹🎶

[@musicmine5680]

"The Steinway people have asked me to announce, that this is a Baldwin piano." ---Victor Borge

[@snafu313]

And Victor Borge said while playing a Bosendorfer.

[@warriorson7979]

Make friends with old lonely rich people who have one but only for decoration. Ask them if you can play on theirs.😌

[@2Hearts3]

Have never liked Steinway-- action too heavy, so not really a pleasure to play.

[@snafu313]

Amen to that.

[@alanclarkeau]

Try a Hamburg!! Or many of the Europeans. I bought a Grotrian, much nicer piano, and was much larger for the same $$$.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

Tried a Hamburg Steinway Model B a few months ago. Not that heavy at all🎹🎶

[@jd-py5nm]

my only concern with getting one used would be servicing/restoring one?

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Rebuilding can cost upwards of $40,000. That's why it makes sense to buy from a reputable seller. You can listen to videos of the pianos we sell! livingpianos.com/pianos/ Free U.S. Delivery

[@rekrapadept]

I was kinda hoping to get an answer to When can one responsibly afford a Steinway? - just cause one might have the cash, it might might not be responsible to get one.

[@qazsedcft2162]

For an amateur, never. Let's be real. Getting a Steinway is a snob show-off purchase, like a getting a Ferrari.

[@AL-pu7ux]

Steinway hall never discounts their Steinways

[@philbarone4603]

Techs can get the Steinway logo on those Chinese websites.

[@PianoRevisited]

If you have to ask this question, then you probably shouldn't be looking at Steinway. For the vast majority of piano players the determining factor of how good they will sound, assuming a decent piano that's in tune - will be their playing ability, not the piano. A Yamaha or Kawaii grand will sound great and give years of service and not break the bank. I have a 40 year old Yamaha C3 and both my wife and I think it sounds significantly better than my son's brand new Steinway of similar size. If you don't believe me, listen to Jon Michael Ogletree play" Misty "on KZbin and see for yourself. He's playing an older Yamaha G3. Not even the C3. Now - if moneys no object - by all means get the Steinway.

[@AL-pu7ux]

Synchrony is how it’s possible! Not many musical instrument lenders out there.

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Piano Credit Company is another one for you! www.pianocreditcompany.com/application/newapp.aspx?id=946

[@UUpianoman]

I tell my clients that glorious sound is relatively cheap and can be found at the hands of skilled and passionate rebuilders. When combined with new, shiny and the status of a well known brand name, glorious sound will cost you….. a LOT.

[@thomasmcclain8116]

What happened to Baldwin? They used to be ranked with Steinway

[@LivingPianosVideos]

Sadly, Baldwin suffered a bankruptcy in the early 2000's. Gibson, the guitar company, bought them and a few years later closed the factory. They currently import various Chinese pianos and brand them as Baldwin. The great Artist Series grand pianos like this are no longer made: livingpianos.com/pianos/baldwin-sf-10-7-foot-grand-piano/