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