Steinway & Sons has long been synonymous with craftsmanship and artistry in the world of instruments. Those interested in buying their own pianos can choose between a new or used Steinway. This decision is affected by your budget as well as your emotional connection to the instrument.
M. Steinert & Sons will explore the benefits, challenges, and key factors to consider when deciding whether to invest in a new or used Steinway piano. This guide can help you determine whether buying a new Steinway piano or opting for a used one is the best choice for your needs.
Steinway & Sons, the company German craftsman Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg founded in 1853 in New York City, is one of the most revered names in the piano world. Steinway pianos represent a legacy of superior craft, innovative engineering, and unmatched sound quality. Each handcrafted Steinway piano uses over 12,000 individual parts and takes approximately a year to build.
What sets Steinway apart is the company’s technical excellence, continuous innovation, rich history, and cultural significance. Countless celebrated pianists have played Steinway pianos. Many people regard owning a new or used Steinway as a mark of musical and personal achievement.
Purchasing a new Steinway piano is a lifetime investment for many musicians. Before acquiring this pristine instrument, you should consider several factors.
When purchasing new, a Steinway piano comes in flawless condition with Steinway’s five-year manufacturer warranty. If you opt for other Steinway piano lines, such as Boston or Essex pianos, they even come with a 10-year warranty. This gives you peace of mind regarding quality and craftsmanship.
A new Steinway also provides a more consistent playing experience than older instruments, as you won’t have to account for varying levels of wear from previous owners. Most technicians will tell you that the best Steinways are the ones being built today due to innovations in manufacturing, design, and process control. Steinway’s long-held credo is to “Build the best piano possible,” and this philosophy continues to this day.
The primary drawback of a new Steinway is its high price. A brand-new Steinway Model D concert grand piano, for example, can cost upwards of $200,000.
A new Steinway experiences initial depreciation, should you decide to sell it in the future. However, over time, the value of a used Steinway tends to increase as the price of a new Steinway increases, especially when compared to other manufacturers. Steinway pianos historically have increased in price by about three to five percent annually because Steinway does not compromise their design, construction, or materials used. Many musicians buy brand-new Steinway pianos with the intention of passing them down to their family members.
A used Steinway can be appealing because it offers its own set of advantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of buying a used Steinway piano.
The most notable benefit of buying a used Steinway is cost savings. Well-maintained, used Steinways are more affordable, with their price dropping by 20–50 percent, depending on the model and condition.
Additionally, used Steinways often come with a unique history and character. These historic pianos sometimes carry a sense of uniqueness and individuality.
Used Steinways require extra care during the buying process. Without a new piano warranty, buyers are responsible for repairs and maintenance costs. Over time, wear and tear on the piano, particularly on strings, hammers, and action mechanisms, negatively affect its performance. Pianos mainly get their value due to musical quality, which diminishes over time due to the immense tension of the strings and stress of the percussive action. So, a used Steinway is closer to the end of its useful musical life than a new one.
Resale value is another aspect to consider. Pianos naturally experience wear due to their quantity of moving parts and use over time. Piano hammers can become compressed, tuning pins will loosen, and the piano’s sound quality can diminish. Rebuilding, repairing, or reconditioning a used piano can be an expensive endeavor. It can even be difficult to find a rebuilder in the first place, especially because only Steinway can rebuild its pianos properly.
Pianos requiring major restoration could yield lower returns upon resale. Used buyers should note that some less reputable restoration services may use non-Steinway parts, which can lessen the value and musical quality of the piano. Thoroughly assess the piano’s condition, parts, provenance, and potential for warranties before purchasing.
When deciding whether to purchase a new or used Steinway piano, consider several personal and financial factors. Determine your budget, and consider the purchase price, financing options, and the cost of future maintenance.
Your taste in sound, touch, and aesthetics should also guide your decision. Some pianists are drawn to the warm tones of a new Steinway, while others appreciate the character that older pianos can develop over time. Visit showrooms, play different pianos, and understand which sound and feel resonate most with you.
Lastly, consider your long-term goals. Are you purchasing a piano that you hope will last a lifetime, or do you envision upgrading to another instrument in the future? Reflect on the role you want this piano to play and how it will fit into your musical journey over the coming years or decades. Whether it’s for practice, performance, or personal enjoyment, aligning your decision with your goals will help you make the best choice.
When purchasing a new or used Steinway piano, you can make a confident and informed decision with the following tips:
Request documentation, such as a serial number and maintenance logs, particularly in the case of used Steinways. Ask if the seller can provide details on repairs or replacements the piano has undergone, especially if it involves replacement parts. Ensure the parts are authentic Steinway parts to protect their musical quality.
Hire a certified piano technician to assess the condition of the instrument. They can identify issues such as cracked soundboards or worn-out components that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.
If you buy a used piano, budget for immediate or future repairs. Check that you have access to a certified Steinway dealer or repair service that can provide authentic parts and repairs, such as Steinert & Sons.
To avoid potential scams or low-quality instruments, purchase from reputable dealers such as M. Steinert & Sons, a trusted Steinway piano dealer and industry name since 1860.
Buying a new Steinway piano or opting for a used one depends on your priorities and circumstances. Some people may appreciate the pristine quality and assurance of a new piano, while others may cherish the affordability and character of a used Steinway. Visit M. Steinert & Sons to take the next step in transforming your passion for music into a lifelong pursuit.