Our Favourite Beginner Pianos This Month

One of the questions we hear most often is simply this: which piano should we buy for a beginner? The honest answer is that it depends on your home, your budget and your ears, which is why we keep a wide range of starter pianos in the showroom. But there are always a few instruments we find ourselves recommending again and again. Here are five of our current favourites, all in stock at our Faringdon showroom as we write. Prices are correct at the time of writing, and because most of our pianos are one-offs, they do sell, so it is always worth checking the website or calling ahead.

Challen Upright, £1,795

A classic British upright from 1931 in a lovely aged mahogany cabinet. The Challen has a warm, characterful tone that flatters a beginner and plenty of charm in a period home. It is the most affordable piano on this list and a great deal of instrument for the money.

Waldstein 109, £1,895

A compact, practical upright that suits beginners, students and casual players. At 109cm tall it fits neatly into smaller rooms, and it offers an easy, forgiving touch for early learners.

Kemble Classic, £2,295

Kemble built well-regarded pianos in Britain for decades, and the Classic is exactly what its name suggests: a solid, reliable upright in a warm mahogany satin finish. An ideal family instrument that will comfortably take a learner through their grades.

Kawai CE7, £2,395

A Japanese upright with the mellow tone and dependable action Kawai is known for. Japanese pianos of this era were built to a very high standard, and the CE7 is a sensible step up in precision for a serious young learner.

Cranes, £2,495

A compact upright in an attractive cherry satin cabinet, well presented and reliable. A good choice if you want something a little brighter and more modern looking in the room.

How to choose between them

Any of these five would serve a beginner well, so the deciding factors are usually tone, cabinet and budget. If you can, come and play them side by side. Ten minutes at the keyboards will tell you more than any description. For a deeper look at what makes a piano right for a learner, read our guide to the best acoustic pianos for beginners, and if you would like us to suggest options within your budget before you visit, just get in touch.