Why Preowned Steinway Pianos Are Still a Cut Above
- pianosnowportland
- Jul 5
- 4 min read

If you’re exploring the world of pianos and looking for an instrument with timeless prestige, unmatched craftsmanship, and musical depth, there’s one name that stands above the rest: Steinway & Sons. For over 170 years, Steinway has set the benchmark for piano excellence.
At Pianos Now, we specialize in pre-owned Steinways that are meticulously restored in-house by our team of master-level technicians. Whether you are a beginner with a love for quality or a lifelong pianist seeking your dream instrument, a restored Steinway from Pianos Now offers the legendary experience without the new price tag.
Click here to explore our collection of beautifully restored Steinway pianos, available now at Pianos Now.
The Steinway Legacy: Craftsmanship That Endures
Steinway & Sons was founded in New York in 1853 by German immigrant Henry Steinway. Since then, the name has become synonymous with concert performance, timeless design, and heirloom quality. Steinways are chosen by over 90 percent of concert pianists and are favored by conservatories, composers, educators, and serious musicians across the globe.
So what makes a Steinway different?
Unparalleled tone: Steinways are known for their warm, complex, and resonant sound that fills a room without being harsh or brittle.
Responsive action: The touch of a Steinway is both subtle and powerful, allowing the pianist complete dynamic control.
Handcrafted precision: Each Steinway takes nearly a year to build and involves over 12,000 individual parts and processes.
Proven longevity: With proper maintenance, a Steinway can perform beautifully for generations.
When you play a Steinway, you are not just playing a piano. You are engaging with a legacy of musical artistry that has stood the test of time.
Steinway Compared to Other Brands
If you are new to the piano world, you might wonder how Steinway compares to other well-known names. Here’s a fair, balanced perspective.
Versus Yamaha and Kawai: These Japanese brands offer excellent value, precision, and consistency. However, Steinway pianos are built for a different experience. Where Yamaha and Kawai emphasize clarity and reliability, Steinway focuses on richness, color, and emotional depth. For advanced players or those with a sensitive ear, Steinway often feels more alive and expressive.
Versus European brands like Schimmel: These are also elite instruments. Schimmel's have a darker, more orchestral tone. Steinway offers a more balanced, versatile sound that many pianists find ideal for a wide range of repertoire.
Versus boutique brands like Steingraeber: Steingraeber and others offer exceptional craftsmanship and are often customized for individual buyers. Steinway also provides the full combination of prestige, accessibility, and performance, backed by generations of tradition.
Why Buy a Pre-Owned Steinway?
Many buyers are surprised to learn that a carefully restored pre-owned Steinway can be every bit as good as a brand-new one. In fact, many musicians and technicians actually prefer vintage Steinways from the "Golden Era" of American piano making, roughly from 1890 to 1960.
That is exactly where Pianos Now comes in.
We specialize in pre-owned Steinways that have been fully restored in-house by expert technicians. Our pianos undergo a meticulous process that includes:
Cabinet refinishing and polishing
Action and key restoration
Soundboard repair or replacement as needed
Restringing and regulation
Hand voicing for tonal balance
Each Steinway we offer is brought back to life with precision and care, using materials and techniques that match or exceed factory specifications. We don’t just make them look beautiful. We make them sound and feel right.
The result is a concert-level Steinway for a fraction of the cost of new, with the added character that only a seasoned piano can offer.
Why Choose Pianos Now?
There are many places you could buy a Steinway. But here’s what makes Pianos Now different:
Master-level restoration in-house: Our technicians are not just piano mechanics. They are artisans. Every Steinway we sell is restored right here, under the supervision of experienced professionals who understand both the engineering and the artistry of these instruments.
Technician-curated inventory: We only carry pianos we believe in. If an instrument doesn’t meet our high standards for performance and musical potential, we won’t put it on the floor.
Nationwide delivery, free of charge: Whether you live in a major city or a small town, we’ll deliver your Steinway safely and professionally at no extra cost.
Personal attention: Our owner often handles or supervises deliveries personally, ensuring every piano arrives in the best possible condition.
Pianist-owned and operated: Everyone at Pianos Now is a musician. We know what a good piano should sound and feel like, and we only sell pianos we’d be proud to play ourselves.
Clear, supportive guidance: We are not here to pressure you. We are here to help you choose a piano that fits your space, your goals, and your budget.
Which Steinway Models Should You Know?
Here are a few of the most popular and enduring Steinway models that we often restore and carry:
Model S (5’1”) – A baby grand perfect for smaller rooms without sacrificing tone quality.
Model M (5’7”) – One of the most beloved Steinway models, offering warmth and clarity in a modest footprint.
Model O or L (5’10”–5’11”) – Ideal for serious students or home studios. These models offer concert-level sound in a mid-size grand.
Model A (6’2”) – A favorite among teachers and performers for its rich bass and singing treble.
Model B (6’11”) – Often called the “perfect piano,” this is the choice of many concert artists and institutions.
Model D (8’11”) – The flagship concert grand used on major stages around the world.
Each of these models has its own voice and character, but all carry the unmistakable Steinway sound.
Your Steinway Is Waiting
Buying a Steinway is more than a purchase. It is a long-term relationship with one of the finest instruments ever made. At Pianos Now, we are honored to help our customers discover the joy and depth that comes from owning a piano of this caliber.
Whether you are a parent choosing your family's first serious piano or a professional upgrading your instrument, our team will support you every step of the way.
Click here to browse our current collection of fully restored Steinway pianos.
When you are ready to make a decision you will never regret, we are here to help.
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