Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Grade for piano brand

I heard that there is a grading list for all the piano brands. Can anyone help me find that list? I view it once but don't know where to find it. It states for example, Steinway made in US is grade B while Steinway made in German is grade A. It also includes all other brand names such as Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin, Estonia etc..

There are probably different ranking systems out there, but I think that one that many people here are familiar with is in the Larry Fine "The Piano Book", which rates pianos by "Tiers", with a Tier 1 group of pianos being the best (all subjective of course, though based on input from Mr. Fine and others).

You can buy the book here at Piano World. See near the bottom of the column on the right.

Thanks. However, I find an unofficial ranking in here: http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/1/8503.html

Bear in mind the AKindWord, who wrote the rankings you linked to, has been banned from the Piano Forum for spreading misinformation.

His opinions were not generally respected.

Thanks for the information.
BTW, can someone tell me which piano is the best for the size of 5'8"? or some sizes around that because I got the limitation of space in my home.

VERY un-unofficial!

Lots of nice ones, Mason & Hamlin, Schimmel, Estonia, Petrof... depends of your budget.

Get Larry Fine's Book - it's the best way to start your education.

Since you're in Vancouver, I would recommend you drop in and meet Norbert at Heritage Piano ( www.heritagepianos.com ). Tell Norbert you're a PW member and I'm sure he will help you in your search.

Note: This is not a paid plug for Norbert. Simply one PW member trying to help another find information. No specific brand names were mentioned in this post. Any specific brands or countries of origin have been changed or removed to protect the innocent.

What you ask is very subjective and answers will likely lead to more confusion.

Perhaps it would be better to post information on what, in particular, you are looking for. Price range? Experience level of player(s)? Tonal qualities desired? Etc.

Steve is right.

Asking for the *best* piano opens a can of worms and very subjective ratings.

Just ask in any store and see them rush to the answer: "OURS".....



[Now: if you start to ask "what's the best piano for the $$"....you'll inch perhaps a little closer to a hopefully more sensible answer.... ]

norbert

Thanks for all your informations. I'm looking for a grand to play classical music. The piano I am having now is almost 40 years upright...the keys are loose. I don't have a definite price range yet because I would like to spend more for a better piano. I know for sure in general bigger the piano, better the sound. However, I don't have much room to fit in any piano > 6'.

I also don't mind buying a second hand piano, therefore, I really can't tell what my budget is. For example, $30000 can't get a good new piano but it can get a good second hand piano(assume it is nicely used).

Can't get a good new piano for $ 30000??

Did'ya hear that people??

How much change may I give you to take home??

norbert

Down boy.....
Down boy.....

sorry Norbert. I'm just giving an example.

Don't feel *sorry*,siuju - we're here to help:

what piano for $ 30,000 [!] - or any other price range for that matter - did you see out there that wasn't [at least] *good*??

If you just "gave an example", it's better to indicate your actual $ range and compare pianos within that stated range.

And when you really play and listen to some instruments within that particular range - you will [hopefully!] inch a little closer to your targer as you go.....

Unfortunately, some dealers,especially in this area, have a hidden agenda to sell you perhaps a better known,more expensive and - of course - more *profitable* piano right upfront, and by realizing you don't have quite the funds for it - make you believe you now have to restrict your search to some "lesser" or "not-as-good" piano.

Trust me that this does not have to be the case.

Please note: since you're in my own area in Vancouver, B.C. I won't be able to comment when you start giving your actual choices and options available to you out there.....

I'm sure others will!

Good luck in your search!

norbert

Very sorry to hear that the Looney has tanked so badly.

If everyone think a price range is really matters, then I will set the price range to $25K.
Thanks for all the information.

siuju,

Price range is the first obstacle you will overcome. No use shopping for a Ferrari if the budget won't allow for it.

Incidentally, you will have the pick of the litter if your budget is truly $25k and the size limit is 6 feet!

We're talking Tier 2 pianos and maybe some Tier 1s!!

TIER 1 ---
Bosendorfer
Bluthner
August Forster
Steingraeber & Sohne
C. Bechstein
Fazioli
Grotian
Mason and Hamlin
Steinway and Sons
Baldwin SF10

TIER 2 ---
Broadwood
Haessler
Sauter
W. Hoffman
Charles Walter
Baldwin M1, R1, L1
Shigeru Kawais
Yamaha S
Schimmel
Seiler
Petrof
Schulze Pollman
Estonia

http://www.pianos.co.uk/info/ratings.php3

Maybe this wa the link you were referring to...

Thanks for the ranking.
Yar I'm a bit too harsh in setting the price. But really, I think of buying not a new piano but instead buying a used one with that price.