Steingraeber & Söhne: The Finest Piano in the World, Now in the Pacific Northwest
- pianosnowportland
- Jul 17
- 4 min read

In the world of piano making, one name stands apart for its uncompromising pursuit of perfection: Steingraeber & Söhne. Handcrafted in Bayreuth, Germany, these rare instruments are revered among concert artists, educators, and discerning pianists who refuse to settle. At Pianos Now, we are proud to be the only certified Steingraeber retailer in the Pacific Northwest, offering direct access to what many consider to be the finest piano in the world.
This is not hyperbole. Steingraeber pianos are uncompromising works of precision and artistry. They are built in small numbers, by hand, by artisans who have passed their knowledge down through generations. Their tone is rich with color, their construction free from industrial compromise, and their feel utterly responsive to the intentions of the player.
For those seeking an instrument of uncommon distinction, Steingraeber is more than a piano. It is an inheritance of beauty and an invitation to depth.
A Tradition of Musical Integrity
Founded in 1852 and still operated by the Steingraeber family today, the company has remained small by design. While most piano manufacturers long ago transitioned to mass production, Steingraeber continues to craft each instrument in a historic 18th-century building in Bayreuth. Every soundboard is shaped, every bridge notched, and every key balanced with care that borders on obsession.
This restraint—this refusal to grow large for its own sake—has protected something rare: an unwavering fidelity to sound, touch, and authenticity. While other manufacturers compete on volume or marketing, Steingraeber competes only with itself. The result is a piano that does not merely perform but transforms.
Why Steingraeber is Considered the Best
The distinction of being “the best piano in the world” is not claimed lightly. Steingraeber earns it through several defining characteristics:
Unmatched Resonance and Projection
Steingraeber pianos are celebrated for their clarity, power, and range of tone. The bass is thunderous yet controlled. The treble sings with purity. And the midrange carries a warmth that rewards emotional playing.
Absolute Precision in Touch
The action is finely calibrated to allow for the subtlest gradations in dynamics and articulation. The result is an almost telepathic connection between artist and instrument.
A Living Tradition
These pianos are not frozen in time. They are continually refined through feedback from concert artists and technicians, leading to innovations that matter to musicians.
At Pianos Now, we offer new Steingraeber pianos as they were meant to be experienced: uncompromised, perfectly prepared, and ready to reveal themselves over a lifetime of playing.
Exclusive to Pianos Now in the Pacific Northwest
As the only certified Steingraeber retailer in Oregon, Pianos Now provides something that cannot be found anywhere else in the region: direct access to a living European piano tradition without the need to import or travel. This includes:
Personalized consultations with Steingraeber-trained staff
The opportunity to try select models in person, by appointment
Coordination of custom orders for unique finishes or features
Ongoing care, service, and expertise from a team who understands what makes these pianos extraordinary
We have spent years earning the trust of this esteemed maker, and we are honored to represent them in the Pacific Northwest.
Innovation Rooted in Tradition
While Steingraeber is guided by heritage, it is also a hub of modern innovation. Unlike manufacturers who apply technology for convenience or cost-cutting, Steingraeber introduces advancements only when they serve the music.
The Sordino Pedal
Inspired by 18th-century fortepianos, this optional fourth pedal lowers a strip of felt between the hammers and strings, creating a veiled, ethereal sound. Ideal for late-night practice or for composers seeking subtle color, the sordino adds a layer of expression unavailable on standard grands.
The Mozart Rail
A simple but ingenious addition, the Mozart Rail shortens the key dip, replicating the shallow action of early Viennese pianos. With a single switch, modern pianists can experience the finger technique required by classical composers like Mozart and Haydn, opening up new dimensions of period accuracy and control.
Lightweight Lid and Carbon Fiber Components
Steingraeber incorporates lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber where appropriate, such as in the concert grand lid and certain structural reinforcements. These enhancements improve resonance, reduce unwanted vibration, and contribute to the remarkable projection of their instruments.
Ergonomic Uprights
Steingraeber’s concert upright pianos are designed to perform like grands. With full-length keys and vertical soundboards that mimic the tonal palette of their horizontal counterparts, these uprights are serious instruments for professionals with limited space.
These features are not gimmicks. They are the result of decades of dialogue between builders and musicians, ensuring that innovation never comes at the cost of musical depth.
Concert Instruments for the Home and Stage
Whether you are seeking a salon-sized grand for your home, a concert model for the stage, or a conservatory upright, Steingraeber offers configurations to suit the most refined settings. Models range from the A-170 baby grand, which has the tonal body of a much larger instrument, to the E-272 concert grand, which rivals or exceeds any piano in the world for clarity and power.
These are instruments intended not just to impress, but to inspire.
The Steingraeber Experience at Pianos Now
Choosing a Steingraeber is an act of discernment. It reflects a desire for music at its highest form, where every detail contributes to the experience of beauty.
At Pianos Now, we take that process seriously. We offer a quiet, private space to explore these instruments without pressure. Our team is made up of pianists, technicians, and music lovers who understand the gravity of choosing a piano of this caliber.
When you purchase a Steingraeber from us, you are not buying a product. You are joining a legacy of musical excellence that stretches across continents and centuries. We are here to support that journey from the first note to the last.
Visit Us to Experience Steingraeber
If you believe, as we do, that music deserves instruments of the highest quality, we invite you to visit Pianos Now and try a Steingraeber piano for yourself. Contact us for a private appointment or consultation.
Pianos Now is the only authorized Steingraeber retailer in the Pacific Northwest. Let us help you discover why the world’s most discerning pianists choose this extraordinary piano.
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