Top 13: Best Baby Grand Piano Complete Guide for 2024

With numerous models and brands available in the market, it is essential to understand the factors contributing to these magnificent instruments’ quality and performance. This article will discuss some of the best baby grand pianos and the key features to look for.

Baby grand pianos are not only elegant additions to your home but also offer exceptional sound quality and playability in a compact form. They are easily good enough for professional piano performances.

Best Baby Grand Piano: Ideal for Limited Space

Due to their smaller size, these instruments are ideal for those with limited space without compromising on the rich sound, tone, and resonance that larger grand pianos provide. Top brands include Fazioli, Blüthner, Steinway, C. Bechstein, Yamaha, Bosendorfer, Steingraeber & Söhne, Sauter, Kawai, and Story & Clark.

As you explore the world of baby grand pianos, it’s critical to consider factors such as the size of the instrument, the materials used, and the quality of sound it produces.

Acoustic Pianos

Acoustic baby grand pianos are traditional with strings and hammers that create sound when you play the keys.

These pianos have a rich, warm tone and dynamic range, making them the preferred choice for professional musicians and passionate pianists. They come in various sizes and styles, with most baby grands measuring around 65-75 inches long, 58-60 inches wide, and about 36 inches tall.

Some top-quality acoustic baby grand pianos are:

1. Fazioli Model F156

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’2″
• Weight: 639 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Fazioli Model F156 is a grand piano that is perfect for those who have limited space but still want a grand piano’s sound and touch. Despite its small size, the F156 delivers a rich, full tone that is characteristic of Fazioli pianos.

It is handcrafted in Italy and is known for its precision action and dynamic range. The F156 is a great choice for both professional musicians and serious amateurs.

2. Blüthner Model 11

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’5″
• Weight: 562 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Blüthner Model 11 is a baby grand piano that offers a beautiful blend of size and sound. Known for its warm, romantic tone, the Model 11 is a favorite among musicians worldwide. It features Blüthner’s patented Aliquot stringing, which adds a harmonic richness to the sound.

This piano is perfect for both home use and smaller concert venues.

3. Steinway Model S

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’1″
• Weight: 540 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Steinway Model S is the smallest of Steinway’s grand pianos, but it still delivers the powerful, resonant sound that Steinway is known for. Despite its small size, the Model S has a large soundboard area, which allows for a rich, full tone.

This piano is a great choice for those with limited space but who still want the Steinway sound and touch.

4. C. Bechstein Model L167

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’6″
• Weight: 595 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The C. Bechstein Model L167 is a grand piano that offers a perfect balance of size and sound. It is known for its precise action, wide dynamic range, and rich, colorful tone. The L167 is handcrafted in Germany and is a favorite among professional musicians and serious amateurs.

This piano is a great choice for both home use and smaller concert venues.

5. Yamaha Model C1X

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’3″
• Weight: 517 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Yamaha Model C1X is a baby grand piano that offers a beautiful blend of size and sound. Known for its bright, clear tone and precise action, the C1X is a favorite among musicians worldwide.

This piano is perfect for both home use and smaller concert venues. It is a great choice for both professional musicians and serious amateurs.

6. Bosendorfer Model 155

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’1″
• Weight: 524 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Bosendorfer Model 155 is a baby grand piano that offers a beautiful blend of size and sound. Known for its warm, rich tone and precise action, the Model 155 is a favorite among musicians worldwide.

This piano is perfect for both home use and smaller concert venues. It is a great choice for both professional musicians and serious amateurs.

7. Steingraeber & Söhne Model A-170

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’7″
• Weight: 595 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Steingraeber & Söhne Model A-170 is a grand piano that offers a perfect balance of size and sound. Known for its warm, rich tone and precise action, the A-170 is a favorite among musicians worldwide.

This piano is perfect for both home use and smaller concert venues. It is a great choice for both professional musicians and serious amateurs.

8. Sauter Model 160

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’3″
• Weight: 595 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Sauter Model 160 is a grand piano that offers a perfect balance of size and sound. Known for its warm, rich tone and precise action, the Model 160 is a favorite among musicians worldwide.

This piano is perfect for both home use and smaller concert venues. It is a great choice for both professional musicians and serious amateurs.

9. Kawai Model GX-2BLK

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’11”
• Weight: 689 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Kawai Model GX-2BLK is a grand piano that offers a perfect balance of size and sound. Known for its bright, clear tone and precise action, the GX-2BLK is a favorite among musicians worldwide.

This piano is perfect for both home use and smaller concert venues. It is a great choice for both professional musicians and serious amateurs.

10. Story & Clark Model H60A

Quick Specs:

• Size: 5’0″
• Weight: 560 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Story & Clark Model H60A is a baby grand piano that offers a beautiful blend of size and sound. Known for its warm, rich tone and precise action, the H60A is a favorite among musicians worldwide.

This piano is perfect for both home use and smaller concert venues. It is a great choice for both professional musicians and serious amateurs.

Digital Pianos

Digital baby grand pianos, on the other hand, use electronic components to generate sound. These pianos have the advantage of offering different instrument sounds, built-in metronomes, and the ability to connect with computers and recording equipment.

Digital grand pianos are generally lighter and more portable than their acoustic counterparts, making them a popular choice for those with limited space or who need to move their instrument frequently.

Some well-regarded digital baby grand piano models include:

11. Suzuki Digital Baby Grand Piano

Quick Specs:

• Size: 2’5″
• Weight: 200 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Suzuki Digital Baby Grand Piano is a compact and lightweight digital piano that offers a realistic grand piano experience. It features 88 hammer action keys that provide a realistic feel, and its advanced sound engine delivers a rich, resonant tone.

The piano also includes a variety of digital features, such as built-in rhythms, voices, and recording capabilities. This piano is perfect for those who want the grand piano experience but have limited space or budget.

12. Kurzweil Home KAG100

Quick Specs:

• Size: 2’7″
• Weight: 180 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Kurzweil Home KAG100 is a digital grand piano that offers a realistic piano experience in a compact size. It features 88 fully-weighted keys that provide a realistic feel, and its advanced sound engine delivers a rich, resonant tone.

The piano also includes a variety of digital features, such as built-in rhythms, voices, and recording capabilities. This piano is perfect for those who want the grand piano experience but have limited space or budget.

13. Yamaha Clavinova CLP-765GP

Quick Specs:

• Size: 3’1″
• Weight: 235 lbs
• Number of Keys: 88
• Pedals: 3

The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-765GP is a digital grand piano that offers a realistic piano experience in a compact size. It features 88 graded hammer action keys that provide a realistic feel, and its advanced sound engine delivers a rich, resonant tone.

The piano also includes a variety of digital features, such as built-in rhythms, voices, and recording capabilities. This piano is perfect for those who want the grand piano experience but have limited space or budget.

Best Brands

Steinway & Sons

Steinway & Sons is a renowned American and German piano company with a rich history and reputation for producing high-quality pianos. You can expect exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding tone with their Steinway Model S.

Built from the finest materials, Steinway pianos boast a unique combination of tradition and innovation, providing an unparalleled playing experience and a range of exclusive design elements.

Yamaha

As an established Japanese brand, Yamaha is a popular choice in the piano world. They offer various pianos, catering to various price points and skill levels.

The Yamaha Model C1X is a fantastic baby grand piano option for your home, resonating with a full and clear tone. The blend of reasonable price, quality, and aesthetics make Yamaha pianos a reliable choice for any avid piano player.

Kawai

Kawai is another reputable Japanese piano manufacturer praised for their precision-engineered pianos and dedication to quality.

Their Kawai GL-10 is an excellent baby grand piano, crafted with attention to detail and a focus on sound quality. Kawai’s comprehensive range of pianos ensures you’ll find the perfect instrument to suit your needs, regardless of skill level.

Fazioli

Faziolo, an Italian piano manufacturer, is known for its top-of-the-line luxury pianos. The Fazioli Model F156 is a prime example of their outstanding craftsmanship, combining beauty, refinement, and powerful sound in one instrument.

With unmatched elegance and a prestigious reputation, Fazioli pianos elevate any space and provide exceptional playing experiences. These beautiful pianos are a great choice if you’re looking for outstanding performance.

By exploring the offerings of Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Kawai, and Fazioli, you can feel confident in finding the perfect baby grand piano suited to your style, needs, and preferences.

Features to Consider

When choosing the best baby grand piano for your needs, there are several key features to consider. This section will discuss the importance of sound quality, key action and responsiveness, and size and space requirements.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of a baby grand piano is an essential factor to consider. A well-built baby grand piano typically has a spruce soundboard and quality bass strings contributing to its overall sound quality.

Look for a piano with a consistent and rich tone that matches your personal preferences and the style of music you plan to play.

Key Action and Responsiveness

One of the most critical aspects of a piano is its key action and responsiveness. This refers to how the keys respond when you press them and how they feel under your fingers.

A quality baby grand piano will have longer keys and a responsive action to ensure better control over your playing. In addition, an even and stable key action will make it easier to improve your technique as you progress in your musical journey.

Size and Space Requirements

Before purchasing a baby grand piano, consider your home or studio’s size and space requirements.

Baby grand pianos can vary in size, with some models specifically designed for smaller spaces like apartments. When choosing a piano, ensure it will fit comfortably in your space without crowding other furniture or obstructing walkways.

Additionally, consider the piano’s outer rim and how it will visually impact the aesthetics of your room.

Remember these features as you choose your baby grand piano, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect instrument for your needs.

Price Range and Affordability

Budget Options

When searching for a baby grand piano within an affordable price range, you can find options that offer quality without breaking the bank.

A budget-friendly baby grand piano typically falls within the $501-$10,000 price range. Remember that while you may come across a free piano, the quality is often so low that it holds no musical value.

Some noteworthy and cost-effective baby grand pianos include:

• Korg Micro Piano 61 – Key Miniature Grand Piano
• Hape Happy Baby Grand Piano
• Amy & Benton Baby Grand Piano Keyboard
• Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play Piano

High-End Models

On the other hand, if your budget allows, high-end models provide exceptional sound quality, touch sensitivity, and craftsmanship. These pianos are an investment, with prices often around $20,000 and climbing upwards of $100,000.

High-end baby grand pianos often offer lifetime value, as they retain their sound quality and can be passed down from generation to generation.

Top-tier baby grand pianos include:

• Steinway and Sons Model S
• Yamaha C1X
• Bösendorfer Model 155
• Kawai GL-10

Remember, the most important aspect when choosing a baby grand piano, whether on a budget or looking for a high-end model, is to try the piano in person.

This lets you experience the sound, touch, and overall quality firsthand, ensuring you find the right instrument for your needs and preferences.

New vs. Used Pianos

When considering the purchase of a baby grand piano, you may find yourself debating between a new or used instrument. This decision can greatly impact your overall satisfaction and the investment required. Let’s explore both options while keeping your needs and preferences in mind.

New pianos offer several advantages. Firstly, they come with a warranty, providing peace of mind as you will be covered for defects. New baby grand pianos are built with the latest technology, improvements, and materials, ensuring a reliable playing experience and a pristine sound.

Furthermore, owning a new piano lets you know its full history, so you can be confident it has been properly maintained.

However, new pianos come at a higher price point which may not be suitable for all budgets. In this case, used pianos can be an attractive alternative.

With a used piano, you can potentially find a high-quality instrument at a significantly reduced cost. But for a used piano to be a worthwhile investment, it should be in good condition and have been well-maintained.

When looking for a used baby grand piano, keep the following factors in mind:

When deciding between a new and used baby grand piano, weigh the pros and cons of each option against your budget and personal preferences.

By being informed and making a thoughtful decision, you can purchase a piano that will serve you well for years.

If you’re taking piano lessons, your teacher will also be able to advice you on your best options.

Top Models

This section will discuss some of the best baby grand piano models available, focusing on Yamaha GB, Yamaha GC, and Fazioli Model F.

Yamaha GB Series

Yamaha is renowned for producing high-quality pianos; the GB series is no exception.

This series includes the GB1K, designed with room-filling sound and rich, resonant woods. It features hand-wound Yamaha bass strings, an advanced V-Pro frame, and a unique hammer design.

These features ensure that your GB1K piano delivers powerful resonance and tone, allowing you to bring out the subtle nuances of every note. You can expect a reliable and excellent instrument for years with the GB series.

Yamaha GC Series

Like the GB series, the Yamaha GC baby grand piano series offers exceptional craftsmanship and performance. The main models in this series are the GC1 and GC2, both known for their powerful resonance and tone.

These pianos are designed to emphasize the beauty of their sound, with features like an enhanced back post structure and an advanced V-Pro frame.

These models incorporate Yamaha’s signature hand-wound bass strings, ensuring your Yamaha GC baby grand piano delivers a rich and expressive playing experience.

Fazioli Model F156

Fazioli Model F156 is a top-tier baby grand piano model that combines elegance, lightness, and strength. This model is the smallest grand piano produced by Fazioli, a renowned Italian piano manufacturer known for its meticulous craftsmanship and astounding quality.

The F156 boasts exceptional tonal and aesthetic qualities, making it a perfect choice for professional musicians and passionate enthusiasts. The Fazioli Model F156 will surely exceed your expectations with its responsive touch and clear sound.

The Yamaha GB, Yamaha GC, and Fazioli Model F156 are among the best baby grand piano models available today. Known for their exquisite craftsmanship, exceptional performance, and reliability, these pianos can provide you with a truly remarkable playing experience.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Piano

As a baby grand piano owner, taking proper care of your instrument to ensure its longevity and maintain its beautiful sound is essential. One of the key factors to consider when maintaining your piano is to be mindful of temperature changes in the environment.

A Stable Environment

Control over the temperature and humidity in your piano’s room will greatly benefit its health. Strive to maintain a consistent temperature using heating and/or air conditioning.

Additionally, keeping the humidity of your piano room between 45-70% year-round will prevent issues caused by excessive moisture or dryness. Utilize a humidifier or dehumidifier if necessary to ensure a stable environment for your piano.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is vital for maintaining your piano’s appearance and functionality. Lightly dust the piano’s body and keys using a feather duster or a soft cloth, avoiding scratching the surface.

For baby grand pianos with high-gloss finishes, use a specially formulated piano polish, such as Cory Super High Gloss Piano Polish, to maintain the reflective lacquer.

Regular Tuning

Tuning your piano is another critical aspect of proper care. During the first year of ownership, it’s recommended to have your piano tuned at least three times to keep its pitch even while it acclimates to your home environment.

After the first year, you should continue to have your piano tuned regularly according to your piano technician’s suggestions.

Placement Of Your Piano

Understanding correct piano placement is important.

Avoid placing your piano near windows, doors, or heating vents to minimize the impact of direct sunlight and drastic temperature changes.

Additionally, be cautious with using piano wax or polish; consult the store where you purchased the piano or a specialty piano store to ensure the product will not harm your instrument.

By consistently maintaining a stable environment, regularly cleaning and tuning your piano, and properly protecting it from temperature changes, you’ll ensure your baby grand piano’s longevity and beautiful sounds for years to come.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect baby grand piano is a significant decision that can greatly enhance your musical journey.

This guide has provided expert recommendations for the best baby grand pianos, including top brands like Fazioli, Yamaha, and Kawai, and key considerations to help you make an informed choice.

Whether you’re drawn to the rich, warm tones of an acoustic piano or the versatility and convenience of a digital model, there’s a baby grand piano out there that’s perfect for your needs.

Remember, the best baby grand piano fits your space, suits your musical style, and brings you joy every time you play.