There are countless piano makers around the world but only a few own the soul, history, and create beautiful sounds. In this article, we will introduce the most extraordinary German piano brands that get anyone inspired and elated. Once learning more about these artisanal makers, you can find the right piano to embark on your musical journey.
Top 6 Best German Piano Brands In The World List
1. Bechstein (1853)
Out of German piano brands, C. Bechstein is the champion due to its simple yet elegant design and world-class pianos. The C letter here is for Carl Bechstein, a German piano craftsman. His vision surpassed conventional piano-making shops and drove him to establish the company in 1853.
The grand dedication to precision and making of every part of the pianos in Seifhennersdorf makes Beinstein got widely recognized. And through the endorsement of well-known pianists, Bechstein soon became the most valuable brand in the world. The brand produced over 5,000 pianos every year by 1900.
The name goes along with the exceptional grand and upright pianos from domestic to premium concert models. These don’t only represent the optimum dynamics but also render the pianist’s emotion for any solo performance.
2. Blüthner (1853)
Blüthner piano company was set up in 1853 by Christian Blüthner-Haessler. Like Bechstein, he wanted to bring the idea of perfection, precision, and quality of the piano to life. For him, selecting a piano is a personal experience. More than that, you need to fall in love with the sound of that instrument.
It’s a waste not to mention the brand’s tragic history. Throughout World War II, the factory of the Blüthner family got torn down in a bombing raid. After the war, they could reconstruct it successfully. Not until the fall of the Berlin Wall, the factory was back to its rightful owner.
Like most German-made pianos, Blüthner instruments are famous for their warm, clear, and rich sound. They come up with a bit of treble but never irritate listeners. Everything seems well-balanced like a choir. Go to their website and choose your favorite among Blüthner Classic, Blüthner Supreme, Blüthner PH Grand, and Blüthner Crystal.
3. Schimmel (1885) – Best antique German piano brand
Schimmel is another old piano brand gaining wide attention across Germany. The company was founded in 1885 by Wilhelm Schimmel in Leipzig. It has been making decent instruments for more than 100 years and had made over 1,000 pianos by the mid-1890s.
This antique German piano brand now produces about 3,000 pianos annually. It delivers musical instruments in four degrees of quality. The entry-level uprights get made in China while the highest quality ones get built in Germany.
Getting made at the factory, their pianos are the wonderful results of the ongoing research and making of the artisans. For this reason, most customers feel pleased with the clear and rich tone of the instrument. The treble and bass are well-balanced, which makes the Schimmel piano a fantastic option for home use and studios.
4. Steingraeber & Söhne (1852)
Among the finest German piano brands, Steingraeber & Söhne is an outstanding piano manufacturer in Bayreuth, Germany. In 1852, the art of making world-class upright and grand pianos began with the participation of 35 craftsmen and women.
The Steingraeber pianos have gained international prizes since 1867. In 1906, the company hired some reputed designers to make piano cabinets more fashionable.
In the present, the manufacturer uses a European sound palette in which the sound remains pure in the bass. It makes the audience feel as if it never gets overwhelmed by muddiness. The pianos from Steingraeber give the players a chance to express the subtle nuances of the art.
You can feel that in both upright and grand models. Several pianists give compliments and see it as a superb and distinctive instrument on the market.
5. Feurich (1851)
It’s another piano manufacturer with the root in the city of Leipzig, Germany. The company was established in 1851 by Julius Gustav Feurich. In the 1990s, the Feurich family set up a new factory and started making pianos again. However, it was sold to an Austrian company (Wendl & Lung) in 2012.
Feurich is an expert in traditional piano-making for more than 165 years. With such an extensive history, the brand owns some of the finest and respected models. It also has innovative instruments that have inspired piano lovers around the world. Most of them are under the strict quality control of European technicians.
The sound of Feurich pianos is pleasant through the bass while the treble range feels quite deep. In other words, the instrument never overpowers even when you’re in a small room.
6. Grotrian-Steinweg (1835)
It’s family-owned and now in the 5th and 6th generations. In 1835, the first piano factory of Grotrian-Steinweg get founded by Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg. As it’s not a German digital piano brand, the generations kept developing innovations for their grand and upright pianos.
Today, Grotrian-Steinweg is a trusted German brand of prestige pianos and is situated in the US. You easily find premium upright and grand pianos that were born of sophisticated manufacture. They produce about 500 uprights in six sizes and 100 grand pianos in five sizes. Each one might need 8 months of making.
Whenever thinking of luxury items, Louis Vuitton or Tiffany may come up in your mind. Grotrian can stand for that kind of level in pianos. Not only the powerful bass, but the treble of the instrument is also extraordinary. It’s delicate and subtle at the same time.
Read more: Top 8 Best German Guitar brands
Final Words
Many famous pianists in the world choose these German piano brands as their strong vehicle to express their souls and creativity. They offer better quality than mass-manufactured models with similar regular sound.
If you love romantic and deep tones, then go with Blüthner pianos! They cover a full sound that is darker, warmer, and more lyrical than expected. If you don’t like it, feel free to leave a comment below to let us know what piano you want to practice on.