Unlike Other Instrumentalists Who Can Carry Their Instruments With Them
Unlike other instrumentalists who can carry their instruments with them, pianists are more reliant than most musicians on the people who maintain and care for the instrument. For that reason there has always been a strong relation between pianists and piano makers, technicians and tuners . Oxford is really fortunate in having Marcus Roberts and Roberts Pianos. He has shown the same care and attention to the need of the professional pianist as any of these famous names from the past. For my annual Oxford Summer Piano Series Marcus went out of his way to make sure I had a superb instrument on which to prepare 8 taxing recital programmes while visiting the city, and his help has been invaluable. I would also not hesitate in recommending his business to the amateur pianist as much as the professional. All budding pianists, of whatever age and whatever level of skill, should always have access to the best instruments available, and Roberts Pianos, whose instruments are superbly maintained, is in a unique position to help.
Factors That Affect The Price Of Steinway Pianos
If youve ever been to a piano showroom or even shopped online for a Steinway piano, you might notice the prices vary greatly. This has a lot to do with the market. Even more so, the average price of a Steinway is greatly affected by the size of the piano and what materials are used in the finish.
The Piano Finish Affects The Price
For example, a Steinway D in a basic Polished ebony or Satin finish costs around $171,100. Now, compare that price to a new Steinway D made with a Mahogany finish that runs at $200,000.
There are even special models that come in unique finishes like polished white, finishes with unique engraving, encrusted precious stones, and much more. Some of the more unique and more expensive finishes include Indian Rosewood, Macassar Ebony, Dark Cherry, and Kewazinga Bubinga.
Generally speaking, custom or limited edition Steinway pianos are going to cost significantly more than a standard satin or ebony finish.
Bigger Pianos Cost More
Size really does play a part in the final price of a Steinway piano. The bigger the instrument, the more wood materials, action parts and labor required to build that piano. Bigger pianos provide much more tone, and aesthetically they look better.
In some situations, smaller pianos may actually fetch a bigger price than the bigger ones. This has a lot to do with the condition of the piano, whether its a state of the art design, or even if it has Steinways Spirio technology built-in.
Pricing Based On The Current Market
Browse Our Fine Selection
of Vintage Steinway Pianos
Chupps Piano Service, Inc. of New Paris, Indiana is proud to carry the largest selection of vintage, premium restored Steinway & Sons pianos in the Midwest United States. Our Rebuilding Facility and Showroom features an uncommonly fine array of grand and upright pianos of varying vintages and styles. With over forty years of experience in the piano industry, we are ready to help you find the piano of your dreams. Dedicated, knowledgeable, and intentional, our team of craftsmen is proud to continue the historic art of piano work and rebuilding. Contact us today!
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Van Cliburn Piano Competition Gold Medalist
Pearl Piano is a family business with five generations of experience. Our team now includes Wayne’s son and daughter, Carey and Pearl.
We continue to serve concert artists from around the world as well as major institutions, including Canada National Ballet School, Heliconian Club, and the CBC.
WHO WE ARE
Our story begins with Wayne Chen, whose great-grandfather founded the first piano-building company in China. After apprenticing with his grandfather for ten years, Wayne won the post of chief technician at Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.
In 1987, he was invited by Steinway & Sons to continue his training at the factory in Hamburg, Germany. Afterwards he traveled to the United States to work for Chicago Symphony Orchestra. During his time in the U.S., Wayne also worked at the renowned ProPiano Company in New York City, during which time he rebuilt concert grands for both the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Wayne came to Toronto in 1993 and started Pearl Piano in 1994 to realize his dream of rebuilding his own pianos. Until his recent semi-retirement, Wayne was the technician at all the major concert venues in Toronto including Massey Hall, St. Lawrence Centre, and the Toronto Centre for the Arts.
Rob has been playing piano and organ for almost fifty years, encompassing all styles of music, including but not limited to, classical, jazz, new-age, rock & roll and latin.
OUR TEAM
What our Customers Say about Us
Chun, Waterloo
Steinway & Sons Upright/vertical Pianos
Steinway Model 45 Upright Piano
For over 168 years, Steinway & Sons has been the leading name when it comes to the crafting of world-class Grand Pianos. Offering models ranging in size from the diminutive Model S to the imposing Model D, Steinway Grand Pianos have become the standard by which other pianos are often judged. Not as well-known however is the companys selection of upright/vertical pianos they have offered throughout their history.
The First Steinway Upright Scale Design Early History
Designed by Henry E. Steinway and his son Henry Steinway, Jr., the very first Steinway upright scale design featured a 24-note bass section a ¾ flat plate, and agraffes throughout. This was an 85 note/7 octave design and measured 4 9 3/8 tall. This was the first of many early upright scale designs that pre-dated the modern Steinway upright.
During the late 19th and early 20th century, large, imposing instruments of close to 55 in height were built under the designations Model I in North America, and the virtually identical Model R in Europe. Two Art Case Model R uprights, alongside a matching Model B grand were placed into service in the First Class areas onboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic
Strive always to improve the instrument. Henry E. Steinway, Founder of Steinway & Sons
The Steinway Upright Piano A Historic Legacy
Steinway Model 40 Upright Piano
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Tips For Purchasing A Used Steinway
Purchasing a used piano can be a tricky task. Over the years prices for Steinway instruments has risen. While a used Steinway will always cost less than a new Steinway piano, the used price is entirely dependent on the latest price.
A typical used Steinway sells for 47% 50% of todays prices. For example, if a new Steinway S costs $72,000, then one can expect to pay between $34,000 $36,000 for the instrument. This of course only applies if you are purchasing the piano through a licensed dealer.
I like to classify used Steinways in a couple of categories:
Steinways Rebuilt With Genuine Parts
A Steinway that has been rebuilt with genuine parts holds significant value. This is basically a brand new piano. Steinway has been innovative over the years, perfecting their technique.
The materials they use in their pianos, as well as their methods for building pianos, has been fairly consistent for many years. A safe way to know youve got a genuine Steinway is to purchase it from a Steinway piano gallery.
These shops specialize in nothing but the Steinway brand and do a lot of the research on your behalf to make sure the instruments are genuine and in working order.
Its always a safe bet to make sure that the Steinway piano you have your eye on was rebuilt at the restoration center.
Steinways Rebuilt With Other Parts
A Legacy Of Innovationwhich Continues Today
The very first Steinway & Sons patent was granted in 1857, and since that time, the company has been granted more than 125 additional patents. As a consumer shopping for a used Steinway, it is important to consider when these patents were implemented, how theywork, and what benefits they provide for pianists like yourself.
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A Grand Guide To Buying A Used Steinway Piano
A Grand Guide to Buying a Used Steinway Piano is designed to assist you in your journey in selecting a genuine used Steinway pianofrom learning about how a Steinway is built and rebuilt, to what makes a Steinway a genuine Steinway and what factors to consider when shopping the used-Steinway market.
This 16-page guide covers a variety of topics about what to look for when shopping for a used Steinway piano such as:
7 Types of Used Steinway Pianos How to Determining the Age of a Steinway piano Does it have 100% Genuine Steinway Parts? How to Protect Your Investment
To download your free copy of A Grand Guide to Buying a Used Steinway Piano .
A Steinway Piano Is Built To Be Rebuilt
There are hundreds of companies and technicians who rebuild Steinway pianos. However, there is only one piano rebuilder in the world who is authorized by Steinway & Sons to restore Steinway pianos: the Steinway Restoration Center which operates out of the Steinway New York factory and the Steinway Hamburg factory. A piano restored by the Restoration Center is the closest piano possible to a brand-new Steinway.
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Determining Your Steinway Budget
When determining the right Steinway piano for your budget, consider the size, style and features you desire. Are you seeking a classic Steinway grand piano or a smaller Steinway upright piano for an apartment or classroom? When choosing the best model of Steinway grand piano, consider the space you have available and how you will use your piano. While smaller models are appropriate for home use, a larger model is the preferred choice for studios and concert halls. When choosing a Steinway piano for home or concert use, you may also consider aesthetic features, such as the finish or veneer.
Remember, buying a Steinway piano is an investment, not just a purchase. Steinway pianos appreciate over time, with each new model causing the value of existing models to rise, as well. The legendary history of Steinway piano appreciation means the best time to invest in a Steinway piano is always the present.
For Those Whose Desire For A Used Steinway Piano Is 100% Genuine
A Grand Guide to Buying a Used Steinway Piano is designed to assist you in your journey in selecting a genuine used Steinway pianofrom learning about how a Steinway is built and rebuilt, to what makes a Steinway a genuine Steinway and what factors to consider when shopping the used-Steinway market.
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Steinway Piano Costs By Model
Steinway pianos are highly valuable because of their excellent construction materials and the advanced construction techniques used. The Steinway Diaphragmatic soundboard is a signature component of Steinway grand and upright pianos that produce their distinctive Steinway sound. The patented Steinway Hexagrip pinblock features seven laminations laid with successive 45- and 90-degree grain orientations to provide superior tuning.
Grand and upright Steinway pianos feature many solid wood components and overall exceptional craftsmanship. When comparing styles of Steinway pianos, upright pianos are the most affordable, followed by grand pianos. Specialty pianos and other limited edition Steinway pianos are typically the most expensive due to their rarity.
A Note About Hamburg Steinways & Pricing
Steinway produces their pianos in two different locations. The most recognizable in the United States is in Astoria, New York. These Steinways are recognizable from their label located on the inside plate. The other location is in Hamburg.
Hamburg Steinways are much different than the New York version. Most notably is the overall pricing. A Hamburg Steinway costs around $86,500 for the 51 model. That nearly $20,000 more than the New York version. Models, A, B, C, and D are all north of $103,000, with the D priced near $180,000.
As far as how the pianos are built there are several big differences. Firstly, the Hamburg Steinways use beech wood for the rim compared to the hard rock maple found in New York Steinways.
The Hamburg pianos are also routinely finished in polished ebony. The Renner action, compressed hammers, strings, and even design of the piano arm are all much different.
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Built For A Steinway Piano
For more than 160 years, Steinway & Sons has been on a continuing quest to improve the Steinway piano. Continuous improvement means finding the perfect balance of the many thousands of parts which make up a Steinway piano. When a Steinway piano is rebuilt, it is imperative that Steinway parts be used in this process if the piano is to play and sound as a Steinway should play and sound.
A Steinway piano is designed to use genuine Steinway parts, and it performs its best when these parts are used. If the parts are not 100% Steinway, then the piano is not 100% Steinway and its performance and investment value will be compromised.
If It Doesnt Have 12116 Genuine Steinway Parts It Isnt A Steinway
Used, vintage, and restored Steinway pianos are often prized for their unique beauty and enduring value. However, for years, non-Steinway dealers and unauthorized piano rebuilders have created a great deal of confusion in the piano industry. Many piano rebuilders use inferior non-Steinway parts, seriously compromising an instruments performance and investment value.
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New Vs Used Steinways
In reality, new Steinway pianos feature the same excellent design and quality that has kept Steinway pianos at the forefront of the industry. The exceptional performance of new Steinway pianos is evidenced by the use of Steinways less than 10 years old in professional concert halls around the world.
Because Steinway pianos are designed to be rebuilt, used Steinway pianos can also offer excellent quality. Steinway pianos can retain their original quality for decades if you properly repair and maintain them. However, when considering a used Steinway piano, buyers should pay close attention to the condition of the instrument and where it was rebuilt or repaired. Not all piano rebuilders use genuine parts from Steinway when restoring a piano, which compromises the value and performance of the piano. Poor execution of repairs can also cause damage and lower the performance quality of a piano.
If a Steinway piano is rebuilt, it is paramount authentic Steinway parts be used. Steinways that are rebuilt with non-Steinway parts will not provide an authentic Steinway sound and have lower investment value. However, some piano rebuilders may use non-Steinway parts in repairs to cut expenses. These companies may not identify Steinways they repaired using non-Steinway parts. When shopping for a used Steinway piano, ask for written verification that the piano was restored with genuine parts.
Artists Demand The Finest
The myth of the Golden Age is easily disproved. Just look at the concert halls throughout the world who cater to the most discriminating pianists of our time. How old are the pianos you are hearing? On average, they are less than 10 years old. If the worlds most prominent pianists felt that pianos from a Golden Age were superior to those produced today, we would not see new Steinway pianos on these stages.
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Tips For Purchasing A New Steinway
Purchasing a new piano is a fairly straightforward process. While many piano dealers sell all types of pianos, its always in your best interest to go straight to an authorized Steinway seller.
Steinway piano galleries are where youll find the best quality pianos in your area.
You can shop in the gallery with confidence, knowing that the instrument is genuine, was shipped properly, and has been properly prepped for display.
When making an offer for the piano, its a wise idea to ask what kind of discounts you the seller can apply.
Although Steinway piano galleries dont compete with one another, its not out of the ordinary to talk the asking price down by at least 10%. Bigger down payments also lead to smaller monthly payments.
Dont be afraid to negotiate with the seller! Many times they can offer you unique warranties, free instrument maintenance, and special financing that is not advertised to the public.
Keep in mind that the piano will depreciate in value the moment it has left the showroom floor. to learn more about how pianos appreciate and depreciate over time.
To make sure you dont have buyers remorse, be sure to playtest several Steinway pianos. Try out several models, and never rush to a buying decision. The showrooms are always cycling new pianos in and out on a regular basis, and chances are one you really like make come into the store at a later date.
Used Steinway Pianos In Phoenix
For over 50 years, Riverton has worked to pair musicians with the finest instruments money can buy. That’s why we represent such top brands as Bosendorfer, Yamaha and Roland. Some folks, however, love the unique sound and touch of a Steinway piano, but aren’t interested in spending $70,000 or more on an instrument. That’s where we come in. Our stores source used Steinway pianos from wholesalers, private owners and institutions all across the US. We find used Steinway pianos, evaluate them and have our technicians put them in top playing condition using genuine Steinway parts. We then offer used Steinway pianos for sale in the Phoenix area at prices other dealers can’t match. Scroll down for a partial list of our current Steinway piano inventory.
All of our used Steinway pianos come with warranty and a FULL-TRADE UP guarantee. Contact us for details.
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% Steinway 100% Guaranteed
Pre-owned, vintage, and restored Steinway pianos are prized for their unique beauty and enduring value. However, for years, non-Steinway dealers and unauthorized piano rebuilders have created a great deal of confusion in the piano industry. Many piano rebuilders use inferior non-Steinway parts, seriously compromising an instruments performance and investment value. Buying a pre-owned piano directly from Steinway ensures that you have an instrument of the highest quality backed by the original builders.
