The Most Desirable Vintage Piano Brands to Look For
There is an undeniable romance to a vintage piano. It is more than just a musical instrument; it's a piece of history, a functional work of art crafted from materials we can no longer find, and a vessel of stories. Unlike a modern, factory-built instrument, a piano from the "Golden Age" of building has a soul and a character that is entirely its own.
But for the aspiring buyer, the vintage piano market can be a minefield. For every hidden gem, there are a dozen "piano-shaped objects"—instruments that, while old, were not built for greatness and are now past the point of economical repair. How do you distinguish a priceless Heintzman from a valueless "house brand"? What makes one old piano a treasure and another a liability?
As professional piano restorers and technicians, we have spent decades sourcing, studying, and rebuilding the world's finest vintage instruments. We live and breathe this history, and we know what to look for. This guide is our expert overview of the most desirable, sought-after, and valuable vintage piano brands that should be on every discerning buyer's radar.
What Makes a Vintage Piano "Desirable"?
First, let's clarify our terms. "Vintage" does not simply mean "old." The most desirable pianos come from a specific period, often called the "Golden Age" of piano manufacturing, which stretches roughly from the 1890s to the 1930s.
During this era, competition was fierce, materials were abundant, and craftsmanship was paramount. Pianos were built by hand, by artisans who had spent their entire lives mastering their craft. They used materials that are now scarce or protected, such as old-growth, slow-cured spruce for soundboards and genuine ivory and ebony for keytops.
What makes a piano from this era "desirable" comes down to a few key factors:
Brand & Pedigree: The piano was made by a respected manufacturer known for quality, not a "stencil" brand (more on that later).
Build Quality: The instrument was built with a robust "skeleton"—a strong rim, plate, and pinblock. These are the "bones" that allow for a full restoration.
Materials: The quality of the original wood, particularly the soundboard, is crucial.
Restoration Potential: This is the most important factor. A desirable vintage piano is one that warrants the significant investment of a professional restoration. A brand like Steinway or Heintzman is desirable because its "bones" are so good that, once restored, it can sound and perform as well as (or even better than) a brand-new instrument.
Unique Character: These pianos have a "mature" tone that new pianos cannot replicate. The wood has aged and settled for a century, producing a depth, complexity, and warmth that is the hallmark of a great vintage instrument.
When we talk about desirability, we are talking about instruments that are worth the time, effort, and expense of a full rebuild.
The Titans: Unquestionable Blue-Chip Brands
These are the "Big Three"—brands that are universally recognized as the pinnacle of piano building. They command the highest prices, hold their value, and are the most common subjects of six-figure restorations.
Steinway & Sons (American/German)
Founded in 1853 in New York by German immigrant Henry Engelhard Steinway, this brand is synonymous with the piano itself. Steinway's reputation is built on a relentless history of innovation, with over 125 patents to its name. They didn't just build pianos; they defined what a modern piano is.
Why They Are Desirable: Steinway's "Golden Age" (approx. 1890-1940) instruments are considered by many to be the peak of piano design. They were built by hand with uncompromising standards.
Key Innovations:
Diaphragmatic Soundboard: Tapered from the center to the edges, allowing it to vibrate more freely, like a violin. This helps create the rich, complex "Steinway sound."
Duplex Scale: Steinway engineered the "non-speaking" portions of the string (between the bridge and the hitch pins) to vibrate in sympathy with the main string, adding harmonic richness and a shimmering treble.
Hexagrip Pinblock: A 7-layer, cross-laminated hard-rock maple pinblock that grips the tuning pins with incredible force, resulting in legendary tuning stability.
The Sound: The Steinway sound is the benchmark. It is characterized by a powerful, thunderous bass and a clear, bell-like treble. It has an enormous dynamic range, from the softest pianissimo to a fortissimo that can cut through a full symphony orchestra.
Models to Look For:
Grands: The Model B (6' 11") is often called "the perfect piano" and is a studio and small-hall favorite. The Model O (5' 10") and Model M (5' 7") are the most desirable home-sized grands.
Uprights: The K-52 (52") and the Model 45 (45") are legendary "upright grands" that offer immense power in a vertical footprint.
A restored vintage Steinway is more than an instrument; it's a blue-chip investment and a family heirloom. The Piano Boutique's Steinway Showroom is a testament to our belief in the enduring legacy of these incredible instruments.
Bösendorfer (Austrian)
If Steinway is the global standard, Bösendorfer is the Viennese connoisseur's choice. Founded in 1828 in Vienna by Ignaz Bösendorfer, this brand has a unique, romantic, and slightly darker tonal philosophy.
Why They Are Desirable: Bösendorfers have always been built in very small numbers. Their "Golden Age" instruments are rare, prized, and built with a different philosophy than their American and German counterparts.
Key Innovations:
The "Imperial" Grand: The most famous Bösendorfer, the Model 290, features 97 keys, with nine extra notes in the sub-bass. Even on models with a standard 88 keys, the wider rim and frame design required for these extra strings contribute to a massive, orchestral bass resonance.
Spruce Rim: Unlike most grands, which use a maple rim, Bösendorfer's "Vienna Concert" models use solid spruce in the rim, allowing the entire case of the piano to resonate and contribute to the tone.
The Sound: The Bösendorfer sound is often described as "orchestral," "dark," and "warm." The bass is less percussive than a Steinway's and more of a fundamental "bloom" of sound. The treble is pure and sweet. It's an instrument that invites introspection and is beloved for chamber music and art song.
Models to Look For: Any pre-war Bösendorfer grand is a significant find. The 290 (Imperial), 225, and 200 are the most sought-after.
Bechstein (German)
The third of the "Big Three," C. Bechstein, was founded in Berlin in 1853. Bechstein was the piano of choice for the great romantic composers like Franz Liszt, who praised its "singing" tone, and Claude Debussy.
Why They Are Desirable: Bechstein represents the pinnacle of German "Golden Age" piano building. The craftsmanship is meticulous, and the instruments were built to satisfy the most demanding virtuosos of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Sound: The classic Bechstein sound is the most "singing" of the three. It is known for an incredibly clear, crystalline, and bell-like treble that is almost "glassy" in its perfection. The bass is rich and supportive but never overpowering. It is a piano of immense clarity and refinement.
Models to Look For: The Model B (6' 8") and Model A (6' 0") grands are fixtures in the vintage market. The "Concert" and "Model 8" uprights are also legendary instruments that are highly prized when properly restored.
The Canadian Crown Jewel: Heintzman & Co.
As a proud Canadian company, The Piano Boutique has a special place in its heart for what is, without question, Canada's greatest contribution to the piano world: Heintzman & Co.
Founded in 1866 in Toronto by Theodor Heintzman, this company built a reputation for creating instruments of staggering quality. Heintzman was not trying to be a "Canadian Steinway"; they were on their own mission to build the best, most durable, and most musical piano possible, and they succeeded.
Why They Are Desirable: A "Golden Age" Heintzman (approx. 1900-1935) is one of the best-kept secrets in the vintage market. They were built like absolute tanks, using high-quality, old-growth Canadian woods like rock-maple for their pinblocks and rims. This incredible "over-building" makes them prime candidates for restoration.
The Sound: The Heintzman sound is unique and glorious. It is often described as a perfect hybrid of American and European sensibilities. It has the power, projection, and robust bass of a classic American piano (like a Steinway or Mason & Hamlin) but retains the warmth, long sustain, and rich "singing" quality of a European piano (like a Bechstein). The tone is full, patriotic, and profoundly musical.
Construction: Heintzman's scaling and plate designs were brilliant. Their uprights, in particular, are legendary. Many technicians will tell you that a fully restored 52" Heintzman "E" or "125" upright from the 1910s will outperform many new baby grands, with a depth of bass and richness of tone that is simply shocking for a vertical piano.
Models to Look For:
Uprights: The 52" models, often designated "E," "H," or "125," are the most sought-after. The slightly smaller "G" and "K" models are also fantastic.
Grands: Heintzman grands (like the 6' 1" Model C or the 5' 8" Model B) are rarer but are magnificent instruments that represent incredible value when restored.
Finding a Heintzman with its original soundboard intact is to find a piece of Canadian treasure. We specialize in giving these instruments the restoration they deserve, bringing their uniquely powerful and warm voice back to life for a new generation. We invite you to visit our showroom to experience one of these national treasures for yourself.
Other Legendary American & European Brands
Beyond the "Big Three" and Heintzman, the Golden Age was populated by dozens of other high-quality makers. Finding one of these in good condition can be a fantastic opportunity.
Mason & Hamlin (American)
The other great American piano. Founded in 1854 in Boston, Mason & Hamlin was Steinway's most direct and formidable competitor. They built their pianos with a "cost-is-no-object" philosophy.
Why They Are Desirable: They are even more robustly built than Steinways. Their "Tension Resonator"—a massive metal "spider web" bolted to the inner rim—is a unique and brilliant invention that ensures the rim's shape (and thus the soundboard's crown) is maintained for life. This makes them incredibly stable.
The Sound: Powerful, muscular, and profound. The bass is legendary, often described as even more powerful than a Steinway's. The tone is less "shimmery" and more fundamental, with an incredibly long sustain.
Models to Look For: The Model BB (7' 0") and Model A (5' 8") are the most common and desirable grands.
Blüthner (German)
Founded in Leipzig in 1853, Blüthner pianos are known as "the poet's piano." They offer a distinct alternative to the Bechstein sound.
Why They Are Desirable: Blüthner's "Aliquot" stringing system is their most famous innovation. In the upper treble, a fourth, un-struck string is added to each note. This string simply vibrates in sympathy, like a tiny echo, adding a complex, shimmering, and ethereal halo to the tone.
The Sound: Lyrical, romantic, and warm. They are known for a very light, responsive action and a delicate pianissimo. Where a Bechstein is clear and crystalline, a Blüthner is warm and shimmering.
Models to Look For: Any pre-war grand or large upright is a worthy candidate for restoration.
Baldwin (American)
Based in Cincinnati, Baldwin was another one of the great American piano powerhouses.
Why They Are Desirable: "Golden Age" Baldwins were exceptionally well-made. They were known for a 41-ply, cross-laminated pinblock that offered (and still offers) incredible tuning stability. They became a favorite of jazz and pop artists for their robust, clear tone.
The Sound: A classic, all-American sound. Bright, powerful, and clear, with a very strong bass. A vintage Baldwin grand is a workhorse instrument.
Models to Look For: The SD10 (9' 0") concert grand is legendary. Artist-grade grands like the "L" (6' 3") and "M" (5' 8") are fantastic instruments.
Knabe (American)
Originally from Baltimore, Wm. Knabe & Co. was one of the premier American "art-case" piano makers of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Why They Are Desirable: For a period, Knabe was the official piano of the Metropolitan Opera. Their pre-1930s instruments are known for their beautiful cabinetry and a distinct tonal character.
The Sound: The Knabe sound is often described as the "sweetest" of the American pianos. It's known for a very clear, lyrical, and "singing" tone that is less powerful than a Steinway or Mason & Hamlin but exceptionally beautiful.
Models to Look For: Any grand or large upright from their "Golden Age" (before they were absorbed into the Aeolian-American conglomerate) is a find.
A Note on "Stencil" Pianos vs. "Golden Age" Gems
This is the most important warning for any vintage piano buyer. During the piano boom of the early 20th century, hundreds of "brands" existed. However, many of these were not true manufacturers.
A "stencil" piano is an instrument built by a large, often lower-quality, manufacturer, who then "stenciled" a different brand name onto the fallboard for a specific department store or dealer. A "house brand" is a similar concept.
These pianos were built to a price, not a standard. They used inferior materials, less-skilled labor, and were not designed to last 100+ years. You may find an old piano with a beautiful cabinet and a lyrical-sounding name, but it is likely a stencil brand. The "bones" are not good, the pinblock is likely shot, and the soundboard is often of poor quality.
This is why the "free piano" is almost always a trap. The cost to move and then fully repair a low-quality stencil piano will far exceed its value. A key part of our job is distinguishing the true "Golden Age" gems from the stencils that are, unfortunately, just taking up space. For most people, a good quality new or used instrument is a far safer bet than a "free" vintage piano, as we explore in our guide: Should You Buy a New or Used Piano? Pros and Cons.
The Magic of Restoration: Bringing History Back to Life
A 100-year-old piano, even a Steinway or Heintzman, is not a "plug-and-play" instrument. It is a century-old machine made of wood, felt, and metal. The strings are fatigued, the hammers are worn, and the felt and leather parts of the action have degraded.
A desirable vintage piano is a candidate for restoration. The magic happens when expert technicians, like our team at The Piano Boutique, perform a full rebuild.
This process is intricate and costly, which is why it's only reserved for the great brands. It can involve:
Replacing the pinblock, strings, and all 230+ tuning pins.
Replacing the entire action with new hammers, shanks, flanges, and repetitions.
Restoring the original soundboard (if possible) to bring back its resonant "crown."
Regulating the action to a concert-level, precise touch.
Refinishing the cabinet to its original, historic beauty.
When this is done, you are left with the best of all worlds: a piano with the "Golden Age" materials and craftsmanship, the mature sound of 100-year-old wood, and the brand-new, responsive performance of a modern action. This is the core of our passion. You can learn more about the deep, meticulous work involved on our Piano Services page.
Finding Your Vintage Piano: A Buyer's Checklist
If you are set on finding a vintage instrument, here is a basic checklist.
Check the Brand: Is it one of the brands listed above, or a known, high-quality maker? If not, proceed with extreme caution.
Inspect the "Bones":
The Plate: Look at the large, gold-painted cast-iron plate. Are there any cracks? A cracked plate is fatal.
The Soundboard: Look underneath the piano. Are there many large, open cracks in the wood soundboard? While some hairline cracks are normal, numerous or wide cracks can be a sign of a "dead" soundboard.
The Bridges: Are the bridges (the wood strips the strings pass over) cracked or split?
Check the Action:
Play every note. Do any keys stick? Are there loud "clacking" or "buzzing" noises?
Look at the hammers. Are they flat and deeply grooved where they hit the strings? (They will likely need replacing, but this gives you an idea of wear).
Check the Tuning Pins:
Hire a professional. This is the most important step. A technician can test the "torque" of the tuning pins to see if the pinblock is still good. If the pinblock is "shot," the piano cannot hold a tune, and this is one of the most expensive repairs.
Get a Professional Inspection:
We cannot stress this enough. Never, ever buy a vintage piano without a full, written inspection from an independent, qualified piano technician.
A great resource for finding a registered technician in your area is the Piano Technicians Guild. They can provide an unbiased report on the piano's condition and the (often five-figure) cost of restoration.
The Eternal Debate: Restored Vintage vs. Modern Pianos
Is a restored vintage piano right for you? It's a question of personal philosophy.
A New Piano: A brand-new piano from a maker like Yamaha or Kawai offers a 10-year warranty, flawless performance out of the box, and access to modern innovations (like carbon-fibre actions). It is a consistent, reliable, and predictable tool.
A Restored Vintage Piano: A professionally restored Steinway, Heintzman, or Mason & Hamlin offers something different. It offers a story. It has a unique, complex, and mature voice that cannot be replicated. It is a piece of history you get to interact with. For many, the aesthetic of a classic art-case cabinet is also a major draw.
The choice is yours. There is no right answer, only the right piano for you.
Find Your Piece of History at The Piano Boutique
Navigating the world of vintage pianos is a journey of passion. It requires a deep knowledge of history, a technician's eye for detail, and a musician's ear for potential. The reward at the end of this journey is an instrument of unparalleled character and "soul."
You don't have to take this journey alone. We are specialists. Our entire business is built on finding the "diamonds in the rough"—the Heintzmans, Steinways, and Mason & Hamlins with "good bones"—and painstakingly restoring them to their former glory. We stake our reputation on every vintage instrument we sell.
We invite you to our showroom to experience the magic for yourself. Come and play a 1915 Heintzman next to a 1928 Steinway. Feel the difference, hear the history, and let our expert team answer your questions in a no-pressure environment.
Your piece of musical history is waiting. Call us today at +1 (416) 889-8667 to schedule your private consultation and discover the piano of your dreams.