AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Grand Pianos for Jazz 2026
The top pick is Yamaha T100C 2-Channel 100-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo ($36,926). Kawai GL 10 E/P Grand Piano gives you the most for the money at $12,437. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 39 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 10, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Yamaha T100C 2-Channel 100-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
C 2 X SH3 PE Silent Grand · Yamaha
4 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight314 kg
The C 2 X SH3 PE is a fantastic choice for serious students or apartment dwellers who crave the feel and tone of a real grand piano without the acoustic volume. The SH3 Silent system is a big step up in realism, and the CX series build quality is undeniably solid—a beautifully crafted, versatile instrument.
Pros
- SH3 system offers remarkably authentic piano sound reproduction.
- Compact size (173cm) makes it suitable for smaller spaces.
- Excellent Yamaha CX series build quality and stability.
Cons
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for most musicians.
- Silent system, while good, isn't a perfect acoustic piano experience.
85AudioFu
Index↓ 5.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$39,164 · Aug 17$36,926 now$36,926€32,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight265 kg
- Keys88 keys
The GB1 K SC3 PE is a fantastic choice for serious students, hobbyists, or those with limited space who still crave a genuine grand piano experience. The Silent System is a game-changer for practice and versatility, and the Yamaha action delivers a surprisingly refined feel for the price point. It's a well-built instrument that bridges the gap between acoustic tradition and modern convenience.
Pros
- SC3 Silent System provides incredibly realistic acoustic piano and diverse digital sounds.
- Compact 5' size makes it suitable for apartments or smaller performance spaces.
- Yamaha's renowned action delivers a responsive and consistent playing experience.
Cons
- Silent System’s speaker quality is adequate, but not a substitute for high-end external speakers.
- The single sustain pedal functionality can feel limiting for advanced pianists.
65AudioFu
Index↓ 14.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$17,338 · Aug 17$14,876 now$14,876€13,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight249 kg
- Keys88 keys
You get a baby grand with 88 keys, three pedals, and a bench included. It takes the duplex scale of Yamaha's C1 Grand, but it is built with cost-saving materials and production methods. This could suit you if you want a grand piano with a polished white finish and you have room for it, since it measures 161 cm long and weighs 249 kg.
Pros
- Duplex scale design, the same as the coveted C1 Grand
- Built with cost-saving choices in materials and production
- Polished white high-gloss finish that looks sharp in a room
Cons
- Large footprint at 161 cm long and 146 cm wide needs real floor space
- Heavy at 249 kg (627 lbs), so moving it takes several people
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$25,285 now$25,285€22,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight299 kg
This is a compact grand from Yamaha's CX series, and the SH3 Silent System lets you play quietly when you need to. You get 25 sounds, MIDI and USB recording, and Bluetooth, so it suits you if you want a real grand that also connects to computers and devices. It comes with a piano bench and headphones, so you can sit down and play right away.
Pros
- SH3 Silent System lets you play quietly while keeping a real grand piano feel
- 25 built-in sounds, including Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand pianos
- MIDI recording and playback with 10 songs, plus a USB audio recorder
Cons
- At 299 kg and 161 cm long, it needs a large room and a strong floor
58AudioFu
Index↓ 3.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$36,366 · Aug 17$35,247 now$35,247€31,490 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight317 kg
The GL 30 AURES 2 is a beautifully crafted hybrid piano, ideal for serious students or those wanting both acoustic and silent practice options. The action feels remarkably natural, and the AURES 2 system’s sound is surprisingly good for quiet practice. It’s a premium-priced instrument blending the best of both worlds.
Pros
- Millennium III action offers exceptional responsiveness and stability.
- AURES 2 system provides silent practice with high-quality digital sound.
- Mahogany hammer cores deliver a warm, nuanced tonal character.
Cons
- The hybrid design limits the pure acoustic piano experience compared to a traditional grand.
- Size and weight make relocation and placement challenging for many homes.
57AudioFu
Index↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$26,852 · Aug 17$25,733 now$25,733€22,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight282 kg
The Kawai GL 10 E/P is a seriously impressive instrument – a great balance of acoustic feel and modern convenience. It's ideal for students progressing to a grand piano, or for smaller spaces where a full-sized grand isn't feasible. The action is genuinely rewarding to play, and the sound is surprisingly rich for its size.
Pros
- Millennium III action offers remarkably consistent key response.
- ABS Styran components enhance durability and stability over time.
- The polished black finish provides a classic, elegant aesthetic.
Cons
- The 153cm length limits bass frequencies compared to larger grands.
- The ABS construction, while durable, lacks the warmth of traditional wood.
55AudioFu
Index↑ 1.1%since Aug 17$12,301 · Aug 17$12,437 now$12,437€11,111 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight275 kg
This is a 1918 Steinway grand piano in a black mat finish, rebuilt by Steinway specialists and a master piano builder. It comes with a high quality piano stool, so you can sit down and play right away. It suits you if you want a classic Steinway grand and have the room and help to place a 275 kg instrument.
Pros
- Built in 1918 and rebuilt by Steinway specialists and a master piano builder
- Finished in black mat for a clean, matte look
- Comes with a high quality piano stool included
Cons
- Weighs 275 kg, so moving it takes planning and help
- Measures 170 cm long and 147 cm wide, so it needs a good amount of floor space
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 28Sep 28$29,091 now$29,091€25,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight331 kg
- Keys88 keys
This piano suits you if you want a real piano that can also play itself and record what you play. Silent Piano technology lets you practice with headphones, which is handy in a shared home. It is a good fit for a growing family, a recreational player, or someone who enjoys listening as much as playing.
Pros
- Built-in recording and playback functions let you capture and replay your performances
- Silent Piano technology lets you play quietly, so the piano can be used in a shared home
- DSP Servo Drive System monitors and calibrates all key and pedal movements in real time during playback
Cons
- Weighs 331 kg, so it needs a firm spot in the room and careful delivery
55AudioFu
Index↓ 5.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$44,761 · Aug 17$42,522 now$42,522€37,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight329 kg
This is a silent grand piano, so you can practise late without disturbing people nearby. It gives you 25 sounds, MIDI and audio recording, and Bluetooth, which suits you if you want to record your playing or connect to other gear. Because it is big and heavy, plan on setting it up in one fixed spot.
Pros
- Silent SH3 System lets you play with the sound reduced for quiet practice
- 25 sounds, including the Yamaha CFX grand piano and the Bösendorfer Imperial
- MIDI recording and playback of 10 songs, plus a USB audio recorder
Cons
- At 329 kg and 186 cm long, it needs a permanent spot in the room
55AudioFu
Index↓ 1.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$44,761 · Aug 17$43,977 now$43,977€39,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight305 kg
- Keys88 keys
The GC 2 PE is a solid choice for students or institutions needing a reliable, expressive grand piano at a more accessible price point. It captures the essence of Yamaha’s renowned sound quality while streamlining production. Expect a bright, clear tone and responsive action, perfect for developing technique and enjoying a classic piano experience.
Pros
- Duplex scale design enhances sustain and resonance.
- Cost-effective entry into Yamaha’s grand piano lineage.
- Glossy black finish provides a classic, elegant aesthetic.
Cons
- Materials are optimized for cost, potentially limiting long-term durability.
- Smaller size (173cm) may restrict low-frequency response.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$24,613 now$24,613€21,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 39 grand pianos
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Yamaha DGC2 EN ST Black PolishedYamaha53Stable$47,559€42,490$47,559€42,490Check ↗
- 12
Yamaha D C1 X EN Black PolishedYamaha53Stable$51,029€45,590$51,029€45,590Check ↗
- 13
Yamaha C 7 X PE Grand PianoYamaha53Stable$55,954€49,990$55,954€49,990Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha D C3 X EN Pro Black PolishedYamaha53Stable$61,550€54,990$61,550€54,990Check ↗
- 15
Kawai GX 2 ATX 4 E/P Grand PianoKawai · 3 finishes52Stable$38,829€34,690$38,829€34,690Check ↗
- 16
Steinway & Sons B-211Steinway & Sons · 3 finishes52Stable$57,073€50,990$57,073€50,990Check ↗
- 17
Kawai GX 6 E/P Grand PianoKawai50↑ 3.3%$52,036€46,490$52,036€46,490Check ↗
- 18
Kawai GX 3 E/P Grand PianoKawai49↑ 4.6%$38,605€34,490$38,605€34,490Check ↗
- 19
Steinway & Sons O-180Steinway & Sons · 2 finishes49Stable$45,432€40,590$45,432€40,590Check ↗
- 20
Yamaha GCB Black PolishedYamaha46Stable$14,540€12,990$14,540€12,990Check ↗
- 21
Yamaha GCB SH3 Black PolishedYamaha46Stable$21,591€19,290$21,591€19,290Check ↗
- 22
Yamaha C 5 X PEYamaha46Stable$45,880€40,990$45,880€40,990Check ↗
- 23
Yamaha C 6 X PEYamaha46Stable$50,917€45,490$50,917€45,490Check ↗
- 24
Thomann GP 160 E/P Grand PianoThomann45↓ 11.8%$6,705€5,990$6,705€5,990Check ↗
- 25
Seiler 208 Professional Grand PianoSeiler45↓ 7.5%$41,403€36,990$41,403€36,990Check ↗
- 26
Steinway & Sons S-155Steinway & Sons44Stable$35,806€31,990$35,806€31,990Check ↗
- 27
Steinway & Sons A-188Steinway & Sons44Stable$43,082€38,490$43,082€38,490Check ↗
- 28
Kawai GL 50 E/P Grand PianoKawai43↑ 1.1%$30,210€26,990$30,210€26,990Check ↗
- 29
Seiler 186 Maestro Grand PianoSeiler43↓ 2.9%$36,926€32,990$36,926€32,990Check ↗
- 30
Seiler 168 Virtuoso Grand PianoSeiler42Stable$33,568€29,990$33,568€29,990Check ↗
- 31
Seiler 214 Concert Grand PianoSeiler42Stable$52,596€46,990$52,596€46,990Check ↗
- 32
Seiler 242 Concert Grand PianoSeiler42Stable$67,147€59,990$67,147€59,990Check ↗
- 33
Thomann GP 188 E/P Grand PianoThomann40Stable$9,503€8,490$9,503€8,490Check ↗
- 34
Steinway & Sons L Onyx Duet Grand PianoSteinway & Sons36Stable$44,985€40,190$44,985€40,190Check ↗
- 35
Steinway & Sons A-195 (A3)Steinway & Sons36Stable$45,880€40,990$45,880€40,990Check ↗
- 36
Steinway & Sons D-274Steinway & Sons36Stable$111,695€99,790$111,695€99,790Check ↗
- 37
Seiler 170 Professional Grand PianoSeiler34Stable$25,733€22,990$25,733€22,990Check ↗
- 38
Thomann GP 213 E/P Grand PianoThomann32Stable$15,659€13,990$15,659€13,990Check ↗
- 39
Blüthner Model 6Blüthner30Stable$26,852€23,990$26,852€23,990Check ↗
Grand Pianos by the numbers
Measured across all 75 models we track, not a sample.
Median $35,247 — half of all grand pianos here cost less.
median of 67 models · 101 kg–385 kg
median of 19 models · 88–88
most common · 6 models
How to choose the best grand pianos
Tone
Jazz demands warmth and complexity. We're not chasing bright, sparkly cleans; we want a rich, full sound with that fat midrange honk that cuts through a trio without sounding harsh. A little bit of vintage grit isn't a bad thing either - it adds character. Avoid anything that sounds brittle or overly modern.
Action
This is critical. A light, responsive action allows for those subtle dynamic shifts and nuanced voicings that define jazz playing. Heavy, clunky actions will strangle your expression. Look for something that allows you to play quietly and still get a defined tone, and that doesn't fight you when you want to dig in.
Sustain
Not endless sustain, but enough to let phrases breathe and notes linger. Too much sustain can muddy the sound, especially when comping. Too little, and you'll be constantly pedaling just to get a decent phrase across. It's a balance, and it's incredibly important for that legato feel.
Dynamic Range
The ability to play quietly and still have the piano be heard, and then to build to a powerful crescendo is key. A piano with limited dynamic range will feel flat and lifeless. This is where the quality of the hammers and soundboard really shines through.
Size/Space
A full-sized concert grand is overkill for most jazz players. A 5'6" to 6'6" piano is usually plenty. Consider your space - a massive piano in a small room will just sound boxy and unpleasant. Smaller rooms benefit from a piano with a more focused tone.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're serious about jazz and you're looking at a grand piano. Forget the concert hall monsters - those are built for power and projection, not the nuanced touch and intimate feel we need for jazz. We're talking about instruments that can whisper a bluesy phrase, or punch with a subtle authority, all while offering a responsive action and a warm, inviting tone. Let's find you a piano that swings.
Don't get blinded by brand names. A well-maintained older Yamaha or Kawai can often outperform a newer, budget-brand Steinway. Listen critically, and don't be afraid to walk away.
Action is king - it's far more important than a perfectly pristine finish. Be wary of pianos that have been heavily modified or "voiced" - a good tech can improve a piano, but a bad job can ruin it.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 64 grand pianos from the Thomann catalogue (of 75 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between 'warm' and 'muddy'?
Warm implies richness and depth without sacrificing clarity. Muddy means the low-end is overpowering, masking the other frequencies and making it difficult to hear individual notes.
Should I buy new or used?
Used is almost always the better value, but you absolutely need to have a qualified technician inspect it first. A good tech can spot potential issues that you might miss, and a full reconditioning can add years to a piano's life.
What about digital pianos? Can those work for jazz?
They've gotten better, but they still struggle to replicate the nuanced feel and complex overtones of an acoustic piano. For serious jazz playing, nothing beats the real thing. A good hybrid (acoustic action with digital sound engine) can be a decent compromise if space or budget is a major concern.
What does 'voicing' a piano mean?
It's adjusting the hammers to alter the tone - softening them for a warmer sound, or hardening them for more clarity. It's a delicate process best left to experienced technicians.
I'm on a tight budget. What should I prioritize?
Action, without question. You can live with a slightly less-than-perfect tone, but a terrible action will ruin your playing. Focus on finding a piano with a responsive, even action, and be prepared to compromise on other aspects.





