Piano supply shortage: How do I buy a Steinway in 2022?

February 25, 2022 Stephen Reed

PianoSupplyShortage


 

New Steinway Model D Sales of Steinway's new grands and uprights have been so strong in the past year that 2022 buyers may have to wait for their piano to be produced.
 

In 2022, you may well be told that the premier piano model you want to buy is not available at the moment.  Why?  Because piano companies like Steinway & Sons have an interesting problem on their hands.

Sales of their new grands and uprights have been so strong in the past year that those seeking those same models this year may have to wait for their piano to be produced.

In the case of Steinway, their American factory in Astoria, New York –which services the entire Western hemisphere–simply can’t keep up with demand.

Yes, Steinway is on it, and production is being gradually increased, as the company trains skilled workers.  However, this increase in production is never at the expense of the quality that is Steinway’s trademark.

This kind of limited supply is rare in the piano industry, and typically such supply catches up with demand in a relatively short amount of time.

Vintage photo of M. Steinert delivery truck and workers M. Steinert & Sons has helped customers with limited supply issues during five wars and one Great Depression. Our Premier Dealer status gives us a unique advantage in securing pianos in these remarkable times.
 

Nevertheless, a piano brand of choice having limited supply could pose a problem to the individual or institution who needs their new piano by a certain date.

In these times, what course of action should a piano buyer take to have the best chance of securing their preferred model when they need it?  We’ll explore this course of action below.

At M. Steinert & Sons, we have helped customers with limited supply issues during five wars and one Great Depression.  For over 160 years, we have learned how to secure quality new and used pianos for a wide range of customers.  Our Premier Dealer status gives us a unique advantage in securing pianos in these remarkable times.

By the end of this article, you’ll know what you can do, in tandem with a Steinway Authorized Dealer, to obtain your preferred premium model of piano by your deadline.

Authorized Dealers are allocated a certain number of Steinway pianos for 2022

2021 was an outstanding year for Steinway piano sales, better than expected.  As a result, the company is making the necessary adjustments to increase production.

Steinway craftsperson with soundboard The 2022 Steinway pianos aren’t all made yet but will get here throughout the year as they are finished.
 

“Demand has simply outstripped supply right now,” says M. Steinert & Sons President Brendan Murphy.  “So each Authorized Steinway Dealer has been allocated a finite number of new Steinways this year.  Because M. Steinert has represented Steinway & Sons pianos for well over a century, our allocation is greater than many dealers and has a greater number of larger Steinways, like the popular Model B.”

Brendan notes that those needing a piano by a certain date will want to place an order sooner than later.

“Though we have been allocated a certain number of Steinways, they aren’t made yet but will get here throughout the year as they are finished,” says Brendan.

What you can expect when buying a Steinway in 2022

Picture of person with a sign-up sheet Placing your deposit sooner than later is in your best interest in 2022.
 

Placing your deposit puts you at the top of the waitlist. Upon receipt of the piano at our Service Center, the piano will be fully prepped by our factory-trained technicians and you will be invited in for a private showing.  Our technicians are dedicated and talented and will work with you to make sure you are happy.

If you prefer to wait for the next piano to arrive from the factory, you may do so.  No piano will be delivered until you are fully satisfied.

Here are the steps to go through while waiting for a new Steinway this year:

  1. Schedule an appointment, now a more common approach.
  2. Prepare for your appointment by doing some self-education, learning about brands and models, and creating a budget for your upcoming purchase.
  3. Piano consultation in-store: Exploring with an experienced piano consultant how to meet your piano needs.
  4. Putting a deposit down sooner rather than later is in your best interest.
  5. Waiting game.
  6. Delivery.

A new Steinway: Worth the wait

If you can wait, purchasing the new Steinway you really want will be worth it.  After all, these popular models have a limited supply for a reason.
 

With a little bit of advanced planning, a new Steinway or another premium piano can still be purchased, despite the current limited supply.  Check in with your Authorized Steinway Dealer like M. Steinert & Sons to determine what we have allocated and when you can expect your desired model to be available.

If you can wait, purchasing the new Steinway you really want will be worth it.  After all, these popular models have a limited supply for a reason.

But if you need your piano sooner, we’ve got you covered with new models from Boston and Essex, the two Steinway-designed brands, as well as a range of top used models.

Learn more about new and used pianos in the article below:

New vs. Used Steinway

New vs. Used Steinway: Which is the better value for me?

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