Steinway & Sons Grand Pianos: History, Models and Buying Used

Steinway & Sons is the reference brand in grand piano making – used by the majority of professional pianists worldwide. This guide explains the model range, gives realistic price estimates for used Steinway grand pianos, and shows what to look out for when buying used.

Steinway & Sons – History and Reputation

Steinway & Sons was founded in 1853 by Heinrich Steinweg (anglicized: Henry Steinway) in New York. The Hamburg factory opened in 1880 and has since served the European market. Today Steinway grand pianos are made exclusively at these two locations.

Steinway holds over 130 patents – including cross-stringing, the cast-iron plate, and the duplex scale. These 19th-century innovations still define the characteristic Steinway sound today: powerful, dynamic, and with long sustain.

Steinway Models: From S to D

Steinway produces seven grand piano models in different sizes – all handcrafted:

  • Model S (155 cm): Salon Baby Grand: Steinway's smallest model. Used typically €15,000 – 35,000 depending on year, condition and origin (Hamburg vs. New York).
  • Model M (170 cm): Small Grand: Popular for living spaces. Used approx. €20,000 – 45,000.
  • Model O (180 cm): Studio Grand: Commonly found in music schools. Used approx. €22,000 – 50,000.
  • Model A (188 cm): Medium Concert Grand: Widely used in small concert halls. Used approx. €28,000 – 65,000.
  • Model B (211 cm): The Most Popular Concert Grand: The Model B is Steinway's best-selling model for professional use. Used approx. €35,000 – 90,000.
  • Model C (227 cm) / Model D (274 cm): Large Concert Grands: The Model D is the Steinway concert grand for major concert halls. New approx. €180,000 – 200,000. Used rarely below €60,000.

Buying a Used Steinway: What You Need to Know

Steinway grand pianos hold their value better than almost any other piano brand – but the spread between a well-maintained instrument and a neglected one is enormous. These are the points that matter:

  • Serial Number and Year of Manufacture: Steinway publishes official serial number lists – ask for the serial number before viewing, look up the year, and research which action generation that means. Instruments built before 1980 are often excellent, but may need significant restoration work. Ask the seller directly: has it been restored, and by whom?
  • Restored vs. Original – Ask for Documentation: Many used Steinways have been restored. A professional restoration (new strings, hammers, regulation, soundboard work) by a Steinway specialist costs €15,000 – 40,000 and adds real value. A botched restoration by an unqualified technician is worse than no restoration. Always ask for written documentation and the name of who did the work.
  • Hamburg vs. New York: Hamburg-built Steinways (the ones sold in Europe) are generally considered to have a slightly fuller, rounder tone compared to New York models. The difference is real but subtle – both are world-class instruments. Hamburg production is standard for the European market.
  • Always Commission an Independent Appraisal: For any purchase above €20,000, commissioning an independent piano technician – one with no relationship to the seller – is not optional, it's mandatory. Cost: approx. €150 – 400. A €500 assessment on a €40,000 instrument is the best insurance you can buy.

Questions and Answers

Is a used Steinway worth it?

Yes – used Steinway grand pianos in good condition are often the best value in the premium segment. A Model B for €40,000 – 60,000 used delivers more tonally and tactilely than most new grand pianos in the same price range. Condition is decisive: a poorly maintained Steinway is not a recommendation.

What is a Steinway Spirio and is it worth it?

The Steinway Spirio is a player piano system: the instrument automatically reproduces famous recordings (high-resolution MIDI). It is available in Models M, O, and B. Interesting for collectors and music lovers, but not a substitute for active playing. Used Spirio models are rare and expensive.

Steinway or Bösendorfer – which grand piano is better?

Both are world-class instruments with different characters: Steinway sounds powerful, direct, and brilliant – ideal for concert stages. Bösendorfer sounds warmer, darker, and more intimate – popular for chamber music and lieder. The choice is a matter of taste. Price and availability on the used market often favor Steinway.

A Steinway is an investment – but also one of the most value-stable instruments there is. With the right appraiser and patience in your search, an exceptional used instrument can be found.

View all Steinway listings on PianoHub – with price filter and direct contact to the seller.