Our Favourite Pianos This Month: Five Showroom Highlights

Last month we picked out our favourite pianos for beginners. This month we are casting the net wider, because some of the most interesting instruments in the showroom right now sit a step or two up from starter territory. Here are five pianos we keep coming back to. As ever, prices are correct at the time of writing, and since almost every piano we sell is a one-off, it is worth checking the website or calling ahead before you visit.

Knight Upright, £3,995

British-built Knight pianos have a loyal following for their solid construction and clear, even tone. This one comes in a rare polished blue lacquer that we have never seen on another Knight. If you want a piano that plays seriously and starts conversations, this is it.

Reid Sohn Grand, £3,995

An excellent entry point into grand piano ownership. The Reid Sohn offers the look, the feel and the responsive action of a grand at the price of a good upright, finished in a warm mahogany polyester cabinet.

Chappell Baby Grand, £4,795

A classic British baby grand from 1930 in striking polished black. Chappell was one of the great London piano houses, and this instrument has the warm, romantic voice that period British grands are loved for.

Yamaha U1N, £5,195

The Yamaha U1 is probably the most recommended upright piano in the world, and for good reason. This U1N comes in an unusual and beautiful cherry satin cabinet rather than the usual black, with the precise action and clear tone that make the U series the benchmark for serious students.

Bluthner Upright, £6,995

A fully restored, full-sized walnut satin upright from one of the world's most celebrated makers. Bluthner pianos have a singing, golden tone that is instantly recognisable, and a restored example like this offers a level of quality that would cost several times as much new.

Choosing between an upright and a grand

Two of this month's five are grands, and the choice between formats is less obvious than many people expect. A tall, well-made upright can outperform a small grand in both tone and touch, so the right answer depends on your room and your playing as much as your budget. We have set out the trade-offs in Should I buy an upright or grand piano?

Every one of these instruments has been checked, prepared and tuned by us, and all come with our warranty and delivery by specialist piano movers. For a wider look at what to consider when buying any acoustic piano in the UK, start with our guide to buying an acoustic piano, then come to Faringdon and play them for yourself.