If you’re curious to know about the world’s most expensive pianos in the world often make the list with their size, cost, and cultural value.
What’s interesting about the piano market is that, unlike other industries, the value of these pianos often has little to do with just their performance or design. Instead, it’s about rarity, historical value, or even who owned the piano.
We’ve put together a list of 10 pianos, some of which you might know, and others that could be new to you. Let’s look at the world’s most expensive pianos!
What Are The Top 10 Most Expensive Pianos in the World?
- Casablanca Piano
- Heintzman Crystal Piano
- C. Bechstein Louis XV
- NY Steinway & Sons ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ Model D
- NY Steinway & Sons Fibonacci Model D
- John Lennon’s Steinway Model Z Upright
- Gold Leafed Schimmel Pegasus Galaxy Grand
- C. Bechstein Sphinx Grand
- Kuhn Bosendorfer 225 Grand
- Bosendorfer Opus 50 Grand
1. Casablanca Piano
Sold Price: USD 3,410,000
The piano from the famous “Play it, Sam” scene in Casablanca was sold for a stunning $3.4 million in 2014. It featured prominently in the 1942 classic, it sat in the center of Rick’s Café, hiding important documents for Humphrey Bogart’s character. The piano was even modified so Bogart could easily stash papers under the lid.
Painted with Moroccan designs, this piano is an iconic piece of film history. However, we never actually hear its sound in the film. Actor Dooley Wilson, who played Sam, wasn’t a pianist. He simply mimicked the movements on the keyboard while a real pianist played off-screen.
Despite being a prop, not a real piano, it became the world’s most expensive piano when it sold at auction. Originally a functional piano, the prop department altered it for the film, shrinking it from 88 keys to just 15. The music you hear in the scene was added later by a different musician, making this famous piano more valuable for its cinematic history than its musical qualities.
2. Heintzman Crystal Piano
Sold Price: USD 3,220,000
The Heintzman Crystal Piano is a stunning transparent grand, built specifically for large concert halls. It got fame in the world when it was played by Lang Lang during the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, seen by nearly a billion people. After this one performance, the piano was retired and sold at auction for $3.22 million.
Though it’s called a “crystal” piano, it’s unclear if it was truly made from crystal. Most likely, it was crafted from acrylic, a material often used for such “crystal” pianos. Heintzman, a Canadian company, had the piano manufactured in China, where the pianos were made with some equipment imported from Canada.
Despite some mystery surrounding its construction, the piano was auctioned off after its Olympic debut for a high price, though it was only played once in public. While Heintzman was known for making mid-tier pianos, it’s assumed that this one was specially prepared for its public performance. However, little is known about its internal components or whether it differed from standard Heintzman models.
3. C. Bechstein Louis XV
Sold Price: Approx. $3,000,000 USD
Next on the list is the C. Bechstein Louis XV, a real luxurious piano. Only two original models exist, though Bechstein can still make replicas upon request. The original Louis XV was a gift from Bechstein to Queen Victoria to celebrate the opening of their London showroom and concert hall in the late 1800s.
This piano is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. It’s covered in 24-karat gold leaf, with the plate, rims, and legs. But the real beauty lies in the intricate carpentry and unique Louis XV-style carvings. Unlike a standard Bechstein, this piano was custom-built from scratch to epitomize luxury.
To mark a major anniversary, Bechstein recreated the Louis XV in the early 2010s, taking over three years to perfect. The replica now resides in Potsdam Palace in Germany. Though never sold, experts believe if it were to be auctioned today, it could bring around USD 3 million.
4. NY Steinway & Sons ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ Model D
Price: $2,500,000 USD
The next piano on our list is a limited edition Steinway & Sons Model D, a 9’ concert grand piano, created in collaboration with artist Paul Wyse. This one-of-a-kind instrument features a hand-painted finish that tells the story of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
The piano is a stunning work of art, with intricate paintings on both the inside and outside of the lid, as well as detailed carvings and figures on the legs. Its design is so unique that it’s hard to imagine it in a home, making it more suited for a museum setting.
Steinway has valued this piano at USD 2.5 million, though it has not been sold yet.
5. NY Steinway & Sons Fibonacci Model D
Price: $2,400,000 USD
The Fibonacci Steinway Model D was made to mark Steinway’s 600,000th piano. It is designed by artist Frank Pollaro, the piano’s veneer is based on the Fibonacci sequence, featuring thousands of pieces of wood in a stunning, intricate design. This unique piano is valued at $2.4 million.
6. John Lennon’s Steinway Model Z Upright
Price: $2,300,000 USD
Next is John Lennon’s Steinway Model Z upright piano, the instrument on which he wrote Imagine. While Steinway uprights are generally regarded as decent but not as prestigious as their grand pianos, this one became valuable purely because of its famous owner.
The piano is marked with cigarette burns from Lennon himself, adding to its historical significance. When it went to auction, George Michael paid $2.3 million for it. Michael later used the piano to write and record his music before showcasing it in various museums and music exhibits.
While the piano itself is a modest console-style instrument, its value comes entirely from its connection to one of the Beatles.
7. Gold Leafed Schimmel Pegasus Galaxy Grand
Price: $1,365,000 USD
The next piano on the list is the Gold Leafed Schimmel Pegasus Galaxy Grand. It is a unique instrument that’s important, a Schimmel Pegasus piano modified by the luxury retailer Galaxy. While it’s not always clear, Galaxy adds gold leafing to the piano and installs a player piano system and a self-closing lid.
The Pegasus, a fiberglass piano made by German manufacturer Schimmel, has a unique shape and comes in two colors. Galaxy takes these instruments, applies their custom gold-leaf finish, and sells them as high-end, collectible pieces.
While it’s a high-quality, visually striking piano, it’s curious that the original Schimmel branding is often left unmentioned when the piano appears on lists. Still, with its unique design and luxury modifications, it’s a standout.
8. C. Bechstein Sphinx Grand
Price: $1,200,000 USD
Next is the C. Bechstein Sphinx Grand, priced at USD 1.2 million. Unlike the custom-built Louis XV, the Sphinx is based on the Bechstein B212, a highly regarded 7’ grand piano. However, the Sphinx features intricate inlay work, carvings, and design accents that blend French and Egyptian aesthetics, with a unique visual look.
While not as bespoke as the Louis XV, the Sphinx is still a top-tier instrument. It boasts a Val Di Fiemme soundboard, Bechstein-made walnut hammers, and an elaborate edge design, making it one of the highest-quality 7′ pianos available today.
9. Kuhn Bosendorfer 225 Grand
Price: $800,000 USD
Next on the list is the Kuhn Bosendorfer 225 Grand, priced at USD 800,000. It is designed by Kuhn, this piano features large diamond shapes made from smaller crystals on its side. While stunning, it didn’t quite reach Bosendorfer’s starting valuation of $1.2 million, likely because the design didn’t differ drastically from a standard Bosendorfer 225, which is available at a much lower price. Nonetheless, it remains a striking and expensive instrument.
10. Bosendorfer Opus 50 Grand
Price: $750,000 USD
Next is the Bosendorfer Opus 50, the 50,000th piano built by Bosendorfer. This instrument features excellent design, with a focus on intricate veneering on the outer case, similar to the Fibonacci Steinway. It sold for $750,000, and compared to the Kuhn Bosendorfer, the price feels more justified because of its stunning design and craftsmanship.
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Bottom Line:
The world’s most expensive pianos are more than just instruments; they are unique works of art, often valued for their historical importance, unique designs, and famous past owners. From iconic film props like the Casablanca Piano to custom creations by Steinway and Bechstein, these pianos blend craftsmanship with luxury. Whether due to their rarity, celebrity connections, or artistic features, these extraordinary instruments represent the pinnacle of musical and cultural heritage.
