| The country of origin is often the best indicator of the | | | | are 2 companies which are the largest and second |
| quality of pianos. Since production began in Germany | | | | largest manufacturers of these instruments in the |
| and the United States, these represent the very best, | | | | world: |
| pianos. | | | | - Yamaha |
| The United States only has 3 manufacturers left | | | | - Kawai |
| although there used to be hundreds of piano | | | | Both companies have factories throughout Asia (not |
| companies building in America. Today we have only: | | | | just in Japan) and the best instruments they build are |
| - Steinway, which makes about 2500 pianos a year | | | | made in Japan. They offer everything from budget |
| - Mason & Hamlin which builds only 250 pianos per | | | | instruments to hand-made pianos rivaling the best |
| year | | | | German and American pianos. |
| - Charles Walter, a relative newcomer which builds | | | | Korea has been making pianos for quite some time. |
| only about 65 instruments each year | | | | While not as refined as the Japanese pianos, they |
| The best European pianos come primarily from | | | | continually improve. There are 2 Korean piano |
| Germany: | | | | manufactures both of which have factories in other |
| - Bechstein | | | | countries: |
| - Bluthner | | | | - Samick |
| - Bosendorfer (from Austria) | | | | - Young Chang |
| - Fazioli (from Italy) | | | | Samick sells instruments under many different brand |
| The Eastern European pianos are not as refined but | | | | names including Kohler and Campbell, Knabe, Sohmer, |
| offer excellent value: | | | | Pramberger, Remington and many more. These are |
| - Petrof/Weinbach (The same company produces | | | | referred to as "stencil pianos" since the original |
| both pianos.) | | | | manufacturer is either out of business or it is a made |
| - Estonia | | | | up name. Young Chang sells pianos under the Weber |
| Japan makes the best Asian production pianos. There | | | | name. |