How Much Does an Upright Piano Cost (2023)

Beginner pianists often find themselves asking how much an upright piano costs after they’ve been playing for a while. I was exactly the same. Like most, I started playing the piano on a low-end digital piano. After I had a few lessons and thought playing the piano was something I’d be doing for a long time, I started to wonder how much an upright piano costs. But with a wide range of options available, the answer can be quite varied. 

I decided to write my own guide to provide an in-depth understanding of the various factors that contribute to the cost of upright pianos, as well as the different types of pianos available in the market. This article covers everything from digital pianos to grand pianos, and from the most affordable options to the high-end models.

Upright Pianos: A Brief Overview

Upright pianos, also known as vertical pianos, are one of the most popular types of acoustic pianos. They are characterised by their vertical soundboard and strings, making them a more compact and space-saving option compared to grand pianos. Upright pianos are available in various sizes, including console pianos and studio pianos, which cater to different skill levels and budgets.

Price Range of Upright Pianos

The cost of an upright piano can vary greatly depending on factors such as brand, size, materials, and age. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere between £2,000 to £25,000 for a new upright piano. However, used upright pianos can be found at a lower price, sometimes even for a few hundred pounds, depending on their condition and age.

Popular Upright Piano Brands

Some of the renowned brands of upright pianos include Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Kawai, and Baldwin. The reputation of these piano makers often plays a significant role in the price of their instruments. Professional upright pianos such as Steinway & Sons upright piano may demand a higher price compared to a lesser-known brand, due to the prestige and quality associated with the name.

Price Comparison of Popular Upright Pianos

Here is a table comparing the prices of some pianos from popular brands. I have a Kawai K-200.

Brand	Model	Price Range (in pounds)
Yamaha	U1	£4,000 – £6,000
Kawai	K-200	£3,500 – £5,500
Steinway & Sons	Essex EUP-123E	£6,000 – £8,000
Roland	LX706	£2,500 – £4,000
Schimmel	C120	£5,000 – £7,000
Blüthner	Model A	£7,000 – £10,000
Bechstein	Academy A	£6,500 – £8,500
Petrof	P125 F1	£4,500 – £6,500

Digital Pianos: The Affordable Alternative

For those looking for a more affordable option, digital pianos serve as an excellent alternative to acoustic pianos. They are electronic keyboards that use recorded samples to produce the sound of a piano. Digital pianos are available in various price ranges, starting from as low as £100 to £200, making them an ideal choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.

Here’s a comparison of some popular brands and models of digital pianos. As you can see, they are significantly less experience. 

Brand	Model	Price Range (in pounds)
Yamaha	P-125	£500 – £700
Roland	FP-30	£550 – £750
Kawai	ES110	£550 – £750
Casio	PX-770	£600 – £800
Korg	B2	£400 – £600
Nord	Piano 4	£2,500 – £3,500
Kawai	MP11SE	£1,800 – £2,500
Yamaha	DGX-660	£600 – £800

Digital Pianos vs. Upright Pianos

While digital pianos may not offer the same level of sound quality and authenticity as an acoustic piano, they do come with several advantages. They are generally more portable, require less space, and are low maintenance compared to their acoustic counterparts. Additionally, digital pianos often come with built-in features such as metronomes, headphone jacks, and the ability to connect to computers for recording purposes.

Category	Digital Pianos	Upright Pianos
Sound Quality	Sampled piano sounds, often customizable	Acoustic sound produced by physical strings
Size and Space	Compact and space-saving	Larger and require dedicated space
Maintenance	Minimal maintenance required	Regular tuning and maintenance necessary
Portability	Lightweight and easy to move	Heavy (200KG+) and less portable
Cost	Generally more affordable	Can vary widely in price range
Connectivity	MIDI and USB connectivity	No electronic connectivity
Touch and Feel	Key weight and action may differ	Natural key weight and action
Sound Projection	Amplified sound through speakers	Sound resonates in the room
Traditional Feel	May lack the traditional piano aesthetics	Classic and traditional appearance

Upright Pianos with a Silent System

One reason why many pianists opt for a digital piano is that they can lower the volume or play with headphones so they don’t disturb their family or neighbours. But you can buy upright piano models with a silent system that allows you to activate a pedal that prevents the piano hammers from hitting the strings and instead plays through headphones or speakers. This use of modern technology is the perfect choice for those wanting a piano with better quality sound than a digital one but has the option to play at unsociable hours. 

I have a Kawi K200 with the ATX4 silent system which allows me to play with headphones, as well attach speakers, USB, midi and various other features so I can record to music software such as Logic Pro.

New pianos with a silent system cost around £2000 – £3000 more than a piano without. My Kawai cost around £7000. Here’s the average cost of some popular modes. 

Brand	Model with Silent System	Price Range (in pounds)
Yamaha	U1 with Silent System	£6,000 – £8,000
Kawai	K-300 with Silent System	£6,500 – £8,500
Schimmel	C126 Tradition with TwinTone System	£7,000 – £9,000
Petrof	P131 K2 with Silent System	£7,500 – £9,500
Blüthner	Model A with Silent System	£8,000 – £10,000
Bechstein	Academy A with TwinTone System	£8,500 – £11,000
Yamaha	YUS5 with Silent System	£10,000 – £12,000
Schimmel	K169 Classic with TwinTone System	£12,000 – £15,000

Baby Grand Pianos: A Step Up

For those looking to upgrade from an upright piano, baby grand pianos offer a more impressive range of features and aesthetics, without taking up as much space as a full-sized grand piano. Baby grand pianos typically cost between £10,000 to £20,000, although high-end models can easily reach up to £100,000 or more.

Brand	Model	Price Range (in pounds)
Yamaha	GB1	£10,000 – £12,000
Kawai	GM-10	£9,000 – £11,000
Steinway & Sons	Model S	£18,000 – £20,000
Schimmel	C169	£14,000 – £16,000
Blüthner	Model 150	£16,000 – £18,000
Bechstein	Model A 160	£20,000 – £22,000
Petrof	P-159 Mistral	£12,000 – £14,000
Fazioli	Model F156	£35,000 – £40,000

Are Baby Grand Pianos Better Than Upright Pianos?

While baby grand pianos may have a higher price tag than upright pianos, the difference in sound quality and overall experience may not be as significant for most people. Therefore, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and budget before deciding on which type of piano to invest in.

It would be a dream for me to down a musical instrument like this, but I don’t have space at the moment, so the vertical piano works well for now. 

Category	Baby Grand Pianos	Upright Pianos
Size and Shape	Longer and sleek, horizontal shape	Taller and more compact, vertical shape
Sound Projection	Sound projects outward and fills the room	Sound projects upward and is more localised
Aesthetics	Elegant and visually appealing centrepiece	Classic and traditional appearance
Key Action	Generally offers more responsive and precise touch	Key action may vary, typically lighter feel
Performance Space	Requires more space due to length and width	Requires less space, can fit in smaller rooms
Sound Quality	Rich, resonant tones with longer sustain	May have slightly different sound characteristics
Maintenance	More intricate maintenance, regular tuning needed	Requires regular tuning and maintenance
Price Range	Can be more expensive due to craftsmanship	Can vary widely in price range
Versatility	Suitable for larger spaces and professional use	Versatile for both home and professional use

Grand Pianos: A Dream for Professional Pianists

Grand pianos are the epitome of elegance and sophistication in the world of pianos. They are most commonly associated with professional pianists, orchestras, and concert halls. With their horizontal strings and soundboard, grand pianos produce a richer, fuller sound compared to upright pianos.

Different Sizes of Grand Pianos

Grand pianos come in various sizes, including baby grand, medium grand, large grand, and concert grand. The price of a grand piano increases with its size, with concert grand pianos being the most expensive. A baby grand piano can cost anywhere between £8,000 and £120,000, while a concert grand piano can range from £80,000 to £280,000. See the price points below.

Brand	Model	Price Range (in pounds)
Yamaha	C3	£25,000 – £30,000
Steinway & Sons	Model B	£60,000 – £70,000
Kawai	GX-2	£20,000 – £25,000
Fazioli	F156	£90,000 – £100,000
Bösendorfer	Model 170	£80,000 – £90,000
Schimmel	K280	£50,000 – £60,000
Blüthner	Model 6	£40,000 – £50,000
Bechstein	Model B 212	£60,000 – £70,000

First Piano: How Much Should You Spend?

Determining how much to spend on your first piano depends on your experience level and personal preferences. If you are a professional pianist or have been playing for a long time, it might be reasonable to spend anywhere between £3,000 to £10,000 on a new instrument. However, if you are just starting, it is advisable not to spend more than a few hundred pounds.

Considerations When Purchasing Your First Piano

When purchasing your first piano, it’s essential to consider factors such as:

• Your skill level and experience
• Your budget
• The type of piano that suits your needs (digital, upright, or grand)
• The space available in your home
• The reputation and quality of the piano brand

Additionally, it’s worthwhile to visit a piano store to try out various models and consult with a piano technician to ensure you’re making an informed decision. When I bought my Yamaha Clavinova, I went to a music store to play the digital pianos. Same when I bought my upright, I visit a local shop to see if I liked the feel and sound of the piano. 

Used Pianos: A Cost-Effective Alternative

Used pianos can be a more affordable option for those looking to purchase an instrument without breaking the bank. However, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the piano before making a purchase, as repairs can be costly. Some factors to consider when buying a used piano include:

• The type, size, and brand
• The materials and parts used in the piano
• The age and overall condition of the instrument

​I would advise against buying a second-hand piano unless you are knowledgeable or able to take someone who is with you, such as a professional musician or a piano technician who can tell you if the piano needs any work. Many people will sell second-hand pianos very cheaply, or even give them away for free just to avoid paying a removal company as this can cost upwards of £200. Pianos weigh over 200kg and need 2 or 3 men to move them with specialist equipment. 

If you make a second-hand piano purchase, there’s a good chance it will need a lot of money spending on it to restore and may go out of tune quickly. There’s also a possibility that it’s been stored in poor conditions and subject to dampness and humidity. 

If you don’t have a budget for a brand-new piano, buy a good quality second-hand or refurbished one from a reputable piano store that offers a warranty. 

How much does a new upright piano cost?

In conclusion, piano prices can vary significantly depending on the type, size, brand, materials, and age of the instrument. However, with some research and consideration, it’s possible to find a piano that suits your needs and budget, whether it’s a digital piano, an upright piano, or a grand piano. The key is to identify your preferences and requirements and find a piano that meets them within your allocated budget.

Finding the Right Piano for You

Ultimately, the right piano for you will depend on your personal preferences, skill level, and budget. By considering the factors mentioned in this guide and exploring the various options available, you can make an informed decision and find a piano that will enhance your musical experience and bring joy to your life.

A Final Note

Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of pianos or a professional seeking the perfect instrument, there’s a piano out there for everyone. By taking into account the different types, price ranges, and brands of pianos, as well as your specific needs and budget, you can find the ideal instrument to embark on your musical journey. I hope this article on the cost of a new upright piano was helpful!

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