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Restored Boston Pianos: A Steinway Alternative?

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Boston pianos were developed by Steinway & Sons to offer a high-quality instrument at a more accessible price point, and they have quickly earned a reputation among musicians and educators alike. Designed by Steinway engineers and built by Kawai in Japan and Indonesia, Boston pianos blend European tonal ideals with advanced manufacturing techniques.


At Pianos Now, we regularly restore and offer Boston grands and uprights that meet our standards for tone, reliability, and structural integrity. These pianos are often chosen by players who want something with Steinway lineage, a smooth touch, and long-term dependability.


Click here to view our selection of pre-owned Boston pianos.

The Origins of Boston

The Boston line was introduced in 1992 as part of Steinway’s “Family of Steinway-Designed Pianos,” which also includes Essex pianos. Boston instruments were created to provide a more affordable alternative to Steinway pianos while preserving many of their core design principles.


To achieve this, Steinway developed the scaling, string layout, and action geometry at its headquarters in New York, then partnered with Kawai to manufacture the instruments using high-quality materials and precision techniques. The result is a piano that carries much of the Steinway design DNA while benefitting from the technological innovations of Japanese manufacturing.


Boston pianos are widely used in music schools, universities, and homes across the world, and they have become a favorite for pianists who value both tone and consistency.

What Makes Boston Pianos Stand Out?

Boston pianos are not simply budget models with a big name attached. They are thoughtful, well-built instruments with several design features that distinguish them from other pianos in their class.


Here’s what defines a Boston:


  • Wide-Tail Design

    Boston grands use a widened tail shape, giving them a larger soundboard area than other pianos of the same length. This contributes to a richer, more powerful tone.


  • Duplex Scaling

    Like Steinways, Boston pianos use duplex scaling to enhance harmonic resonance. Extra string length vibrates sympathetically with played notes, producing a more colorful and singing tone.


  • Steinway-Style Action Geometry

    The action design is closely based on Steinway geometry, resulting in a balanced, responsive feel. This makes Boston pianos a popular choice for students preparing to perform on Steinways.


  • Premium Materials

    Boston pianos use high-quality Sitka spruce soundboards, maple inner rims, and genuine hardwood action parts for long-term stability.


  • Smooth Touch and Tone

    These pianos are known for their easy action and even tonal palette. The sound is clear and full, with a gentle warmth that suits a wide range of repertoire.

Our Restoration Standards

Many of the Boston pianos we offer are lightly used instruments from conservatories, homes, or institutions. Others come to us with minor wear or cosmetic issues that we address in our in-house workshop.


Each Boston piano we restore receives:


  • Detailed inspection of the pinblock, soundboard, bridges, and action


  • Action regulation to restore optimal responsiveness and dynamic control


  • Tone voicing to bring out clarity, richness, and tonal balance


  • Cabinet cleaning or refinishing as needed


  • Full tuning cycle and pitch stabilization


  • Key leveling and alignment for comfort and consistency


Because these are relatively modern pianos, full rebuilds are rarely needed. Most of the work involves refining and optimizing what is already a well-designed instrument.

Popular Boston Models

Boston produces both upright and grand pianos in a variety of sizes. The most common models we carry include:


  • Boston UP-118S and UP-126E Uprights

    These are solid institutional or home uprights with a smooth action and warm, balanced tone. The UP-126E, in particular, is a favorite among teachers and practice studios.


  • Boston GP-156 Baby Grand

    A compact 5'1" piano with impressive tonal depth for its size. Thanks to its wide-tail design, the GP-156 outperforms many other pianos in its class.


  • Boston GP-178 Grand

    A 5'10" piano with a concert-level soundboard area and powerful bass. This is one of the most sought-after models in the Boston lineup and a good choice for advanced students or performers.


  • Boston GP-215 Performance Grand

    The 7'1" model is ideal for serious players who need a practice instrument with projection and dynamic range.


All Boston grands include a slow-close fallboard, solid spruce soundboard, and the Steinway-designed action geometry that gives them their characteristic feel.

Who Should Consider a Boston Piano?

Boston pianos are ideal for those seeking a high-quality grand or upright with a modern, precise feel and a refined tone. They are particularly well suited for:


  • Students and Teachers

    Because of their consistency and responsive action, Boston pianos make excellent teaching and practice instruments. They are also often used in university-level performance programs.


  • Musicians Preparing for Steinway Performances

    The feel and tone of Boston pianos closely approximate those of Steinways, making them a useful tool for those who will perform on Steinway grands in concert settings.


  • Homeowners Looking for a Reliable Piano

    Boston pianos hold up well over time and can function as the centerpiece of a music room. Their finish and cabinet work is tasteful and contemporary.


  • Pianists Who Value European Sound with Modern Reliability

    Boston pianos offer a more lyrical tone than many modern Asian instruments, while retaining the precision and durability of Japanese production.

Why Buy a Pre-Owned Boston Piano from Pianos Now?

We specialize in high-quality acoustic pianos that offer long-term value and musical satisfaction. When you purchase a Boston piano from us, you get:


  • A fully inspected and serviced instrument

    Every piano in our inventory is thoroughly examined, regulated, and voiced to bring out its best qualities.


  • In-house restoration and preparation

    We do all of our own work, so we know exactly what each instrument has been through. No guesswork, no shortcuts.


  • Nationwide delivery

    Your piano arrives in concert-ready condition, delivered and set up in your home by professional piano movers.


  • Personal support from musicians

    Our team is made up of piano players, technicians, and teachers. We care about helping you find an instrument that suits your playing style and musical goals.

Explore Our Current Inventory

Boston pianos represent a successful blend of heritage and innovation. Whether you're preparing for conservatory auditions or just want a piano that feels and sounds great, a well-maintained Boston is an excellent choice.


Click here to see which Boston pianos we currently have available, or contact us with any questions. We’re happy to help you compare models and find the right fit for your home or studio.

 
 
 

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