World of Pianos
Welcome to the World of Pianos! This page is designed to introduce you to the various piano brands available in North America, including Canada and the USA. Each piano is unique, and we analyze the characteristics of every model. You can also listen to sample sounds of each piano.
Note: All images and piano sounds are ORIGINAL recordings by Piano Reprise. If you wish to use any of these materials, be sure to credit the source .
YAMAHA P2
Known for its excellent sound, durability, and smooth touch. Part of Yamaha’s P-series, it offers a balanced tone with a responsive action, making it ideal for both beginners and intermediate players. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces, while its sturdy construction ensures long-lasting performance. The P2 is a popular choice for home use and educational settings due to its affordability and reliable quality.
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CHICKERING & SONS
Chickering & Sons, founded in 1853, became known for its warm, rich tone and responsive touch. Their grand pianos offer powerful bass and resonant sound, while uprights have a bright, clear treble. However, some models feature a heavier action that may not suit all pianists, and older pianos can have uneven tone balance. Despite these quirks, Chickering’s craftsmanship remains respected, though sound and touch consistency can vary with age.
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EVERETT
Everett pianos, founded in 1883, are known for their solid build and reliable performance. Their grand pianos often have a bright, clear sound with good projection, while their uprights are appreciated for their stable tuning and solid action. However, some models can have a slightly rigid touch, which may feel less responsive for certain pianists. The tone, while generally clear, can sometimes lack the depth and warmth found in higher-end brands. Despite these minor drawbacks, Everett pianos are a well-regarded choice for those seeking an affordable, durable instrument.
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J. D. GRANDT 115
The J.D. Grandt 115 is a compact upright piano known for its straightforward design and solid construction. It offers a clear, bright tone with a relatively focused treble, making it a good option for smaller spaces. The action is generally responsive, though some players might find it a bit stiff compared to higher-end pianos. While the sound lacks the depth and warmth of larger models, it remains consistent and reliable. The J.D. Grandt 115 is a good choice for beginners or those looking for an affordable, no-frills instrument.
Listen to J. D. GRANDT 115
JOHANNES SEILER GS122
The Johannes Sailer GS 122 is an upright piano known for its clear, bright sound and responsive action. The tone is even, with a focused treble and a clean, stable bass. The action is smooth, though some players might find it a bit firm compared to other mid-range pianos. While the sound lacks the warmth and complexity of higher-end instruments, it remains balanced and pleasant for general use. The GS 122 is a solid choice for those seeking a durable, entry-to-mid-level piano with a reliable touch and straightforward sound.
Listen to JOHANNES SEILER GS122
K.KAWAI GE 1A
The Kawai GE-1A is a compact grand piano known for its bright, clear sound and smooth action. The tone is crisp and even, with a well-defined treble and a solid, balanced bass for its size. The action is responsive, though it may feel a bit lighter compared to larger grands. While the sound lacks some of the warmth and depth of bigger models, the GE-1A is well-regarded for its consistent performance and durability. A great choice for those seeking a reliable, space-saving instrument with a bright, lively tone.
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KLINE CHICAGO
Kline Chicago pianos are known for their sturdy construction and straightforward sound. The tone is typically clear, with a solid mid-range, though the bass may lack depth and the treble can sound a bit sharp. The action is generally responsive, but it might feel a bit heavier compared to more modern pianos. While Kline Chicago pianos are durable and reliable, the overall sound can be somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the richness and warmth of higher-end brands. They are a good option for those seeking an affordable, no-frills piano for practice or casual play.
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KNABE & CO
Knabe & Co. pianos, established in 1837, are known for their rich, warm tone and exceptional craftsmanship. The larger grands often offer a full, resonant bass and a clear, expressive treble, with a responsive action that suits a wide range of playing styles. However, some smaller models can have a slightly lighter touch and less tonal depth. While Knabe pianos are respected for their build quality, the sound can occasionally be uneven, particularly in older instruments. Overall, Knabe & Co. pianos provide a strong blend of traditional sound and durability, ideal for those seeking a vintage, well-crafted instrument.
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LESAGE
Lesage pianos are generally known for their affordable pricing and solid construction. They tend to have a bright, clear tone, though the sound may lack the warmth and richness found in higher-end pianos. The action is typically responsive, but some players may find it a bit stiff or less refined. The bass may not be as full or resonant as on more expensive models, and the overall tonal balance can feel a bit one-dimensional. Lesage pianos are often a good option for beginners or casual players who prioritize reliability over complex tonal qualities.
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MASON & RISCH (Century 2)
Mason & Risch, founded in 1889 in Toronto, gained a reputation for durable, well-crafted pianos. The Century 2 is a mid-sized upright that offers a warm, full tone with a smooth, balanced sound. The bass can be less pronounced than larger models, and the action may feel a bit heavier for some players. While not as refined as premium pianos, the Century 2 is reliable and consistent, making it a good choice for intermediate players. It reflects Mason & Risch’s legacy of building solid, quality instruments, even in their more affordable lines.
Listen to MASON & RISCH (Century 2)
NORD HEIMER
Nordheimer, founded in 1887 in Canada, is known for producing well-built, affordable pianos with a focus on reliability. Their pianos offer a clear, bright sound, though the tone can sometimes lack depth and warmth, especially in the bass. The action is generally responsive, but may feel a bit heavier or stiffer than higher-end models. Nordheimer pianos are solid instruments for beginners or intermediate players, offering durability and decent performance without the complexity or richness of more expensive brands. They are a good value for those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly option.
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SAMICK SU108P
Samick, founded in 1958 in South Korea, became one of the largest piano manufacturers worldwide, known for producing affordable yet reliable instruments. The Samick SU 108P is a compact upright with a bright, clear tone and even sound across the keyboard, though it lacks the depth and warmth of higher-end models. The action is responsive but lighter, which may not suit players preferring a heavier touch. While not as refined as premium pianos, the SU 108P offers solid value for beginners and intermediate players, providing a durable, budget-friendly option with consistent performance.
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Chickering B Grand
The Chickering B Grand, a mid-sized grand piano, is known for its warm, rich tone and good sustain. It offers a balanced sound, with a solid bass and clear treble, though some players might find the treble a bit bright or sharp. The action is responsive, but it can feel a bit heavier compared to more modern grands. While it provides solid performance, the tone can lack the depth and resonance of larger, more expensive grands. Still, the Chickering B Grand is a good option for those seeking a vintage piano with character and reliability.
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Kawai K300
The Kawai K300 offers a clear, balanced tone and responsive touch, making it a solid choice for intermediate players. Part of the K-series, it features a durable spruce soundboard and advanced action. While it delivers consistent performance, it may lack the depth of more premium models. Ideal for home and educational use, the K300 provides good value for its price.
Listen to Kawai K300
Kawai K400
The Kawai K400 is known for its rich tone and smooth touch, making it a great option for serious players. Part of the K-series, it features the Millennium III action for precise key response. While it offers excellent sound and durability, some may find its tone less dynamic compared to premium models. Still, the K400 is ideal for home or studio use, offering solid performance at a competitive price.
Listen to Kawai K400
Schimmel
The Schimmel piano brand has a long history of craftsmanship, dating back to 1885. Known for its exceptional build quality and rich, nuanced sound, Schimmel pianos are prized by both professional musicians and serious students. With a focus on precision and detail, Schimmel offers a responsive touch and clear tone. While its pianos can be on the pricier side, their durability and sound make them a top choice for those seeking a premium instrument for home or concert use.
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Sherlock Manning
Sherlock Manning pianos are known for their elegant design and solid craftsmanship. Established in the early 20th century, the brand has built a reputation for producing reliable instruments with a clear, balanced tone. While not as widely recognized as some larger brands, Sherlock Manning pianos offer good value for those seeking quality at a more affordable price. Their durability and responsive touch make them suitable for home use or smaller venues.
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Steigerman ST 41
The Steigerman St 41 is a well-crafted upright piano known for its clear, bright tone and responsive action. Designed for both beginners and intermediate players, it offers solid performance at an affordable price. While its sound may lack the depth of higher-end models, the ST 41 provides good value with a durable build and reliable key action. It’s a practical choice for home use or educational settings, offering a great balance of quality and cost.
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Yamaha C3
The Yamaha C3 is a high-quality grand piano known for its rich, dynamic tone and precise action. A part of Yamaha’s esteemed Conservatory series, it has been a favorite among professional musicians and music schools since its introduction. While slightly larger than some models, its powerful sound and responsive touch make it ideal for both performance and practice. The C3 offers exceptional durability and excellent value for its price range.
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Yamaha C7
The Yamaha C7 is a renowned 7-foot grand piano, famous for its powerful sound and broad tonal range. Part of Yamaha’s premium concert series, it has been a preferred choice for concert halls and professional pianists worldwide. Its larger size offers a richer, more resonant tone compared to smaller models. While the C7 may be more expensive, its unmatched projection and depth make it ideal for serious performers and recording studios, ensuring exceptional performance for years.
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Yamaha M108
The Yamaha G5 is a versatile 6’7” grand piano, offering a clear, bright tone and responsive touch. As part of Yamaha’s G-series, it strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for both home use and educational settings. While it may not have the depth of higher-end models, the G5 provides solid durability and reliable sound, making it a great option for intermediate to advanced players.
Listen toYamaha M108
Yamaha M108
The Yamaha M108 is a well-regarded upright piano known for its clear, balanced tone and smooth action. Part of Yamaha’s M-series, it offers solid performance with a compact design, making it ideal for smaller spaces. While it may not offer the richness of more expensive models, the M108 provides reliable durability and consistent sound, making it a great choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for quality at an affordable price.
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Yamaha p22
The Yamaha P22 is a durable and reliable upright piano, known for its bright tone and smooth action. Designed for schools and institutions, it offers solid performance with a straightforward, no-frills design. While its sound may not be as rich as higher-end models, the P22’s strong construction and consistent playability make it an excellent choice for beginners and educational environments. Its affordability and long-lasting quality have made it a popular choice for many years.
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Yamaha p116
The Yamaha P116 is a compact upright piano that delivers clear, bright sound and responsive action. Known for its durability and solid construction, it’s an excellent choice for home use or smaller spaces. While it may lack the depth of larger models, the P116 offers consistent performance at an affordable price. Ideal for beginners and intermediate players, it provides reliable playability and a long-lasting, quality build.
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Yamaha U1
The Yamaha U1 is a top-tier upright piano known for its rich tone, precise action, and exceptional durability. A favorite in both professional and educational settings, it offers a responsive touch and balanced sound. With a solid spruce soundboard and advanced action, the U1 delivers outstanding performance and reliability. Its clear, dynamic tone and sturdy build make it a preferred choice for serious musicians, ensuring long-lasting value and exceptional playability.
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Yamaha U3
The Yamaha U3 is an exceptional upright piano, offering a fuller, richer sound compared to the U1. With a larger cabinet, it provides more resonance and deeper tonal depth. While the U1 is known for its reliability and balanced tone, the U3 excels in its projection and dynamic range, making it ideal for performance or larger spaces. Both pianos offer excellent touch and durability, but the U3 is the preferred choice for those seeking more power and tonal richness.
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Young Chang G185
Young Chang G185 is a 6’1″ grand piano known for its clear, bright tone and responsive action. It offers solid performance for intermediate players and smaller venues. While its sound may not have the depth of higher-end models, the G185 provides good value with a durable build and reliable touch. Ideal for home use or small performances, it offers a balance of quality and affordability.
Listen to Young Chang G185
Young Chang U116
The Young Chang U116 is a compact upright piano known for its clear, bright tone and smooth action. Designed for home use or smaller spaces, it offers solid performance at an affordable price. While it may lack the depth and warmth of larger models, the U116 provides consistent reliability and good playability for beginners and intermediate players. Its sturdy construction ensures long-lasting durability, making it a practical choice for those seeking value and quality in a smaller instrument.