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Howard Pianos: Expertly Restored, Quiet Strength, Classic Craftsmanship

Howard Pianos Logo

Howard pianos represent a quiet chapter in the story of American piano manufacturing. Built for decades under the stewardship of the Baldwin Piano Company, these instruments are not flashy, but they are reliable, thoughtfully built, and full of potential when properly restored. Today, a Howard piano is a strong choice for families, teachers, and musicians who want a classic acoustic piano with proven quality and a welcoming tone.


At Pianos Now, we restore vintage Howard pianos by hand and deliver them to homes across the country. Each one is selected for its structural integrity and musical potential, then reconditioned in our workshop to ensure it plays and sounds as good as it looks.


Click here to see our current selection of restored Howard pianos.

Who Made Howard Pianos?

Howard pianos were manufactured by the Baldwin Piano Company beginning in the late 19th century. Baldwin built the Howard line as a more affordable alternative to their flagship models. This allowed them to reach more households and institutions while still maintaining their high standards for materials and design.


Many Howard pianos were produced alongside Baldwin pianos in the same factory, with similar components and careful assembly. Though marketed as a budget-friendly option, they were never cheaply made. In fact, many Howard uprights and grands were built with the same woods and scale designs used in higher-end models, giving them a surprising amount of depth and resonance.

What Makes Howard Pianos Stand Out?

While Howard pianos were not intended to be the centerpiece of a concert hall, they were designed to sound good, last long, and serve real musicians. That practicality is one of the reasons we like them so much.


Here’s what stands out to us:


  • Reliable tone

    A well-restored Howard has a sweet, mellow voice that works well for classical, jazz, and casual playing. The tone is clear and balanced without being too bright.


  • Durable construction

    These pianos were built in the American Midwest using dense hardwoods, heavy-duty frames, and time-tested techniques. They hold up well to restoration and provide years of reliable use.


  • Classic design

    Most Howard pianos feature simple, tasteful cabinetry that blends easily into a living room, practice space, or teaching studio.


  • Underrated value

    Because they were originally marketed as mid-tier instruments, Howard pianos don’t always get the recognition they deserve. That makes them a smart choice for buyers looking for vintage quality without paying a premium for name recognition.

How We Restore Howard Pianos

At Pianos Now, every Howard piano is brought back to life in our own restoration shop. Our team includes experienced technicians and musicians who understand how to make an older piano feel and sound like new again.


Each piano we restore goes through a multi-step process:


  • Action and key regulation

    We adjust the mechanical parts so the keys respond evenly and predictably across the keyboard.


  • Voicing

    We shape and tune the hammers so the piano produces a consistent, expressive tone.


  • Tuning

    Each instrument is tuned multiple times during the restoration process to ensure pitch stability.


  • Cabinet detailing or refinishing

    We clean or refinish the case depending on condition, bringing out the natural beauty of the wood.


  • Interior cleaning and maintenance

    We remove debris and inspect all parts to make sure the piano functions reliably.


Our goal is not to erase the piano’s history but to prepare it for many more years of meaningful use.

Howard Models You Might Find

Howard pianos were available in both upright and grand configurations. Here are some of the types we see most often:


  • Howard Upright Pianos

    Ranging from 42 to 52 inches tall, these pianos are compact enough for smaller homes while still offering strong sound and touch. Many feature solid spruce soundboards and full-length keys, giving them excellent feel and tone.


  • Howard Grand Pianos

    Though less common, Howard grands have a satisfying depth of tone and a smooth action. They are well suited for more serious players or larger spaces.


Because of their Baldwin heritage, Howard pianos often include similar design elements and internal parts found in more expensive instruments from the same factory.

Who Should Consider a Howard?

Howard pianos are versatile and practical, making them a strong fit for a range of players and households:


  • Students and beginners

    A restored Howard upright provides an excellent learning tool, with a consistent feel and warm tone that encourages regular practice.


  • Teachers

    The reliability and responsive action of these pianos make them great for lesson environments or studios.


  • Experienced pianists

    Many advanced players appreciate the understated charm of a well-restored Howard and enjoy its clean tone for songwriting or performance.


  • Families

    If you want a real acoustic piano that won’t overwhelm your space or budget, a Howard could be the right match.

Why Buy from Pianos Now?

We know what it takes to bring an older piano back to life and deliver it in top playing condition. Each of our pianos is selected, restored, and delivered by people who actually play and work on pianos full-time.


Here’s what we offer:


  • In-house restoration

    Every piano we sell has been inspected and serviced in our own workshop by our team. We don’t outsource the work or cut corners.


  • Free nationwide delivery

    No matter where you live, your piano arrives fully assembled and ready to play. Delivery is always included in the price.


  • Personal support

    We’ll help you choose the right piano for your space, needs, and musical goals. Whether you are buying your first instrument or your fifth, we’re here to help.


  • Honest selection

    We don’t sell thousands of pianos. We sell a carefully curated group of restored instruments that we believe in and stand behind.

Howard Pianos Are Worth a Second Look

In a market full of flashy finishes and fast production, the quiet strength of a well-made Howard piano stands out. These are instruments built to last, and when restored properly, they still have a lot to offer. Whether you are looking for a reliable practice piano, a beautiful upright for your home, or a grand with character, a restored Howard might be the right fit.


Click here to see our current inventory of Howard pianos, or contact us to learn more about our restoration process. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you find the piano that fits your life.

 
 
 

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