What to Do with Grandma’s Steinway? A Legacy Worth Saving, Selling, or Sharing

When a Legend Lands in Your Living Room

Inheriting a Steinway piano isn’t just a stroke of luck—it’s a legacy. Whether it’s been passed down from a beloved relative or discovered in an estate, a Steinway isn’t your average piano. It’s a handcrafted work of art, built with precision and intention, designed to last for generations.

But once Grandma’s piano arrives in your home, you might be left wondering: What now? Do you keep it? Sell it? Restore it? Donate it?

This guide will walk you through your options and help you honor the instrument—and the story—it carries.

Step One: Identify What You Have

Before you can make any decisions, it’s important to determine exactly what kind of Steinway you own.

Look for the Serial Number

You’ll find the serial number near the tuning pins or cast into the iron plate inside the piano. Once identified, this number will tell you the model and the year it was built.

Common Steinway Models

Grand Pianos

Model S (5'1”) – Baby grand, excellent for smaller homes

Designed in the 1930s, the Model S is the smallest grand in Steinway’s lineup. Its compact size makes it a favorite for apartments, condos, and cozier homes—but don’t let its stature fool you. This piano still carries Steinway’s signature depth of tone and expressive range, making it a perfect blend of elegance and efficiency. Ideal for hobbyists and casual players who value beauty and performance in a smaller footprint.

Model M (5'7”) – Popular for private use, balanced tone

Often called the “medium” grand, the Model M offers a well-balanced sound that suits most home environments. With a responsive touch and warm, lyrical tone, it’s especially popular among serious amateurs, music teachers, and families looking to create a space where music and memory-making go hand in hand. It’s a true “forever” piano for many Steinway owners.

Model O (5'10”) – Versatile, rich sound

The Model O is known for its smooth, rich tone and slightly longer bass strings, giving it a fullness that rivals larger grands. It’s versatile enough for classical, jazz, and everything in between—making it a favorite among musicians who want one instrument that can do it all. This model replaced the L in Steinway’s lineup and continues to shine in private homes, studios, and performance spaces alike.

Model L (5'10”) – Discontinued, still desirable

Though no longer in production, the Model L remains a sought-after gem among piano lovers. Similar in size and sound to the O, the L is known for its crisp articulation and balanced dynamics. Well-cared-for Ls can still be found in homes, conservatories, and studios—especially among those who appreciate the history and craftsmanship of earlier Steinway designs.

Model A (6'2”) – Big, bold, and beautiful

With increased size comes greater dynamic range, richer bass, and a commanding presence. The Model A is bold, resonant, and built for serious players who demand nuance and projection. Whether used in teaching studios, large living rooms, or small performance venues, it’s a powerful instrument that holds its own—both sonically and visually.

Model B (6'11”) – The “perfect” Steinway for many pianists

Ask any seasoned pianist and they’ll tell you: the Model B is the gold standard. Revered for its balance, projection, and tonal color, this model is often called the most versatile Steinway ever built. It’s equally at home in conservatories, professional studios, churches, and concert halls. If you only ever own one Steinway, many would say this is the one.

Model C (7'5”) – Rare and extremely powerful

Less commonly seen than its siblings, the Model C is a powerhouse. With dramatic volume and rich tonal complexity, it’s perfect for large performance spaces and advanced players who want commanding sound without going all the way to a Model D. Because of its limited production, it’s also a collector’s dream.

Model D (8'11”) – The concert grand seen on major stages

The Model D is Steinway’s flagship concert grand—and the choice of 9 out of 10 concert pianists worldwide. Found on major stages from Carnegie Hall to the Berlin Philharmonie, this nearly 9-foot masterpiece delivers unmatched clarity, power, and expressive depth. Owning a Model D is like owning a Stradivarius: it’s not just a piano, it’s a legacy.

Upright Pianos

• Model K-52 – Rich tone, ideal for serious home players

• Model V – Discontinued, but respected

• Model Z – Older, European build

• Models 1098 / 45 / 40 – Standard upright sizes

  
  

Knowing the model and condition gives you a clearer picture of value, both sentimental and financial.

Option 1: Keep It – A Living Legacy Worth Restoring

Keeping and restoring your Steinway means preserving a piece of musical and cultural history. Many families find joy in keeping the instrument as a living heirloom that bridges generations.

Why Restore a Steinway?

• They’re built to be rebuilt. According to Steinway themselves, these pianos are designed for restoration—even decades after they were originally constructed.

• A rebuilt Steinway can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

• Original craftsmanship can often be preserved and enhanced by skilled technicians.

  
  

Whether or not you play, the presence of a Steinway adds sophistication and warmth to any home. If you're considering piano lessons for your children, there's no better instrument to start on.

Fun Fact:

Studies have shown that piano training improves brain development in children and enhances academic performance. If you’re passing down the piano to the next generation, you’re not just gifting music—you’re supporting cognitive growth.

Restoration Services Might Include:

• Full action rebuild (new hammers, shanks, flanges)

• Restringing

• Pinblock replacement

• Soundboard repair

• Key rebushing and leveling

• Case refinishing and polishing

  
  

At Piano Planet Hawaii, we work with experienced master technicians who understand the delicate balance of preserving tone, structure, and legacy.

Option 2: Sell It – Let It Find a New Stage

If you can’t keep it, you can still ensure it goes to someone who will treasure it. The Steinway brand carries strong resale value, especially if your piano has been well-maintained or professionally rebuilt.

Who Buys Steinways?

• Professional musicians

• Music schools and conservatories

• Collectors of fine instruments

• Affluent families looking for high-quality pianos

  
  

How to Prepare Your Steinway for Sale:

1. Get a professional evaluation –

   1. Determine current condition and resale value.

2. Decide between private sale or consignment

   1. Piano Planet Hawaii offers secure, white-glove consignment for high-value instruments.

3. Make sure it’s tuned and presentable

   1. First impressions matter, especially for buyers shopping in the premium range.

      
      

We help present your piano in its best light—offering in-store display, professional tuning, and targeted marketing to attract serious buyers.

Option 3: Donate It – Share the Music

Donating your Steinway is a powerful way to support the arts and provide access to music education. Many schools, churches, nonprofits, and performance venues are eager to receive a quality piano.

Considerations:

• Ensure the organization has the space and ability to care for the instrument.

• Ask if they can handle restoration (if needed).

• Piano donations to 501(c)(3) organizations may be tax-deductible.

  
  

We can assist with:

• Appraisals for tax purposes

• Transport and delivery

• Connecting you with vetted music nonprofits

Option 4: Pass It Down with Intention

Steinways are often the most valuable thing left behind in a home, both emotionally and materially. If you have a child or grandchild who plays or is interested in learning, gifting them Grandma’s Steinway can be life-changing.

It’s more than an instrument—it’s a statement of love, commitment, and belief in their future.

Why Steinways Are Built to Last (and Be Reborn)

Steinway pianos are hand-built with materials chosen to endure. From their diaphragmatic soundboards to accelerated actions, every component is engineered for longevity and tonal clarity.

And as Steinway themselves say:

“A Steinway piano can be rebuilt and restored many times without losing the essence of its tone and character.”

This makes them unlike most other pianos on the market. Restoration isn’t just possible—it’s expected.

Key Takeaways

• Inheriting a Steinway is an opportunity, not a burden.

• Restoration can revive value, beauty, and playability.

• Selling or donating ensures the instrument continues to inspire.

• Passing it down connects generations through the shared language of music.

  
  

Final Thought

Often referred to as the crown jewel of home and professional studios, the Steinway Model B is widely considered the most “complete” grand piano ever built. Its size strikes a remarkable balance, large enough to deliver concert-quality sound, yet compact enough to fit comfortably in private residences, teaching studios, and smaller recital spaces.

Musicians are drawn to the Model B’s incredible tonal range, rich sustain, and responsive touch, making it ideal for both expressive solo work and collaborative ensemble settings. It effortlessly handles the demands of advanced repertoire while still remaining accessible to developing pianists.

For many serious buyers, the Model B represents the pinnacle of ownership—a piano that will grow with them, inspire creativity, and hold its value for decades. It’s a beloved choice among conservatories, recording artists, and anyone seeking a Steinway that embodies both power and precision.

Grandma’s Steinway is more than wood, wire, and ivory. It’s a bridge between the past and the future. Whether you choose to play it, restore it, pass it down, or let it move on to a new home—it deserves care, reverence, and respect.

Let us help you decide the best next chapter for your piano’s journey.

Need Expert Help with Your Steinway?

At Piano Planet Hawaii, we understand that every Steinway has a story. We offer professional services for restoration, consignment, appraisal, and guidance tailored to high-value instruments.

Visit us at:

Suite 2114B, Luxury Row

Waikikigeorge@pianoplanethawaii.com

Let us help you honor the piano—and the person—behind it.