AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Pianos for Jazz 2026
The top pick is Yamaha U1 Acoustic Piano ($12,286). Yamaha B10 PE gives you the most for the money at $4,796. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 48 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 4, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight228 kg
- Keys88 keys
The U1 Q is a classic for a reason - it's a dependable, well-built piano that delivers a clear, consistent tone. Perfect for serious students, dedicated hobbyists, or anyone needing a reliable workhorse piano for performance or teaching. It’s a step up from entry-level instruments and offers a quality feel and sound you’ll appreciate for years.
Pros
- Solid spruce soundboard delivers a rich, resonant tone.
- Yamaha's Graduated Hammer Action provides excellent responsiveness.
- High-gloss polished white finish elevates the aesthetic appeal.
Cons
- The substantial weight makes moving it a significant undertaking.
- Premium-priced, representing a considerable investment for many.
87AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$12,286 now$12,286€10,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight210 kg
- Keys88 keys
This piano combines a real acoustic sound with digital technology using the Aures mute system. The Millennium III action feels great to play and the ABS parts keep it stable. It suits players who want the acoustic experience but need digital convenience.
Pros
- Millennium III action offers responsive touch
- ABS carbon parts ensure long-term stability
- Aures mute function enhances acoustic sound
Cons
- No soundboard material details provided
- Headphones included only for demonstration
65AudioFu
Index↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$10,721 · Aug 17$10,274 now$10,274€9,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight200 kg
- Keys88 keys
This piano offers a huge sheet music stand and a soft cover that feels nice to use. It arrives tuned and delivered by pros, but the description skips the wood inside and the action feel. Great for a home studio or teacher who wants a full set up without extra costs.
Pros
- Spacious sheet music stand covers almost full width
- Soft-close keyboard cover protects keys when not in use
- Comes with initial tuning service included right away
Cons
- No soundboard wood type is listed in description
- Action mechanism details are completely missing from text
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,796 now$4,796€4,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight220 kg
- Keys88 keys
This piano feels like a solid workhorse for a home or small studio. It comes with a big music stand and a cover that closes softly so the keys stay protected. The five-year warranty and included tuning service make it feel very safe for a buyer. It is heavy and polished black, so it looks great but is hard to move around.
Pros
- Spacious sheet music stand covers most of the piano width
- Soft-close keyboard cover protects keys when not in use
- Includes on-site initial tuning service with delivery in Germany
Cons
- Polished Black finish may show fingerprints and dust easily
- Heavy 220 kg weight makes moving the instrument difficult
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,473 now$6,473€5,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight232 kg
- Keys88 keys
This piano feels like a complete workstation with its huge music stand and soft cover. The heavy build gives confidence, and the included tuning service is a nice touch. It suits both students and pros who need reliable gear on the go.
Pros
- Spacious sheet music stand covers almost the full instrument width
- Soft-close keyboard cover protects keys from dust and debris
- Includes initial on-site tuning service right at your location
Cons
- No internal material specs like wood type or string gauge listed
- Soundboard dimensions and action mechanism details are missing
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,658 now$7,658€6,850 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight227 kg
- Keys88 keys
The K-300 AURES 2 is a seriously impressive hybrid instrument. It combines the feel of a traditional acoustic piano with the versatility of digital technology, offering a unique and refined playing experience. Ideal for serious pianists and institutions wanting a high-quality, nuanced instrument with recording capabilities.
Pros
- Millennium III action offers exceptional responsiveness and stability
- AURES 2 system provides a unique hybrid acoustic/digital experience
- Mahogany hammer cores deliver a warm, nuanced tonal character
Cons
- The substantial weight makes moving it a significant undertaking
- Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for budget-conscious buyers
61AudioFu
Index↑ 1.0%since Aug 17$11,056 · Aug 17$11,168 now$11,168€9,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight228 kg
- Keys88 keys
The YUS1 PWH is a serious instrument, a workhorse for institutions and dedicated players. Yamaha's consistently excellent build quality shines here, and the sound is warm and powerful—perfect for classical, jazz, or anything requiring a refined touch and reliable performance. It's a premium choice for those prioritizing longevity and a traditional piano experience.
Pros
- Solid spruce soundboard delivers rich, resonant tone and projection
- Yamaha's renowned action provides responsive, even touch across the keyboard
- Polished white finish offers a classic, elegant aesthetic suitable for performance spaces
Cons
- Premium-priced, represents a significant investment for many aspiring pianists
- Its upright design limits space and potentially sound projection compared to grands
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$14,522 now$14,522€12,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight257 kg
- Keys88 keys
This silent piano offers 88 keys and 25 recorded sounds so you can hear the famous CFX and Imperial pianos. It connects via USB and Bluetooth and even records 10 songs for playback. Perfect for students or teachers who need a quiet practice tool with big sound options.
Pros
- Features 25 distinct recorded piano sounds including CFX and Imperial
- Includes MIDI recording and playback for exactly 10 songs
- Has built-in USB audio recorder and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Missing a listed soundboard material specification in description
- No mention of specific action mechanism type used
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$20,111 now$20,111€17,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight213 kg
- Keys88 keys
The P 116 M PE is a fantastic choice for apartments or smaller homes where space is at a premium, but you still want a genuine upright piano experience. It offers a surprisingly mature sound and a respectable action for its size, making it ideal for students, beginners, or anyone wanting a beautiful, compact instrument. The included accessories are a nice touch too.
Pros
- Compact size belies a surprisingly rich, full tonal range.
- High-gloss black finish elevates aesthetics for any room.
- Solid spruce soundboard contributes to resonance and clarity.
Cons
- Smaller size limits low-end extension compared to larger uprights.
- High-gloss finish can show fingerprints and require more maintenance.
54AudioFu
Index↓ 2.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$7,814 · Aug 17$7,591 now$7,591€6,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight235 kg
- Keys88 keys
The Yamaha U3 SQ PE is a beautifully crafted upright piano offering a professional level of touch and tone. It's an excellent choice for serious students, intermediate to advanced players, and those seeking a reliable, high-quality instrument for home or studio use—it nails the traditional upright piano experience.
Pros
- Advanced scale design delivers exceptionally even and rich tonal balance
- Specially selected hammer materials provide responsive and durable performance
- Soft-close fallboard adds a touch of luxury and protects the keyboard
Cons
- The U3’s footprint is substantial, demanding adequate space in a room
- Being a traditional upright, it lacks the dynamic range of a grand piano
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$14,522 now$14,522€12,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 48 pianos
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Kawai K 15 ATX 3-L E/P PianoKawai · 4 finishes53↑ 3.3%$6,920€6,190$6,920€6,190Check ↗
- 12
Kawai E 200 PianoKawai · 2 finishes52↓ 2.0%$5,028€4,498$5,028€4,498Check ↗
- 13
Kawai K-500 ATX 4 E/P PianoKawai · 3 finishes52↑ 3.2%$14,522€12,990$14,522€12,990Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha B3 PEYamaha · 5 finishes51↓ 3.2%$6,696€5,990$6,696€5,990Check ↗
- 15
Yamaha P 121 M PEC "Silver Edition"Yamaha · 5 finishes50Stable$9,379€8,390$9,379€8,390Check ↗
- 16
Kawai K-400 E/P PianoKawai · 2 finishes50↑ 1.1%$10,721€9,590$10,721€9,590Check ↗
- 17
Yamaha SU 118 C PEYamaha49Stable$18,322€16,390$18,322€16,390Check ↗
- 18
Yamaha SU 7Yamaha49Stable$30,172€26,990$30,172€26,990Check ↗
- 19
Kawai E 300 PianoKawai48Stable$5,802€5,190$5,802€5,190Check ↗
- 20
Yamaha YUS 5 SH3 PE Silent PianoYamaha · 3 finishes47Stable$22,347€19,990$22,347€19,990Check ↗
- 21
Kawai K-600 E/P PianoKawai46↑ 4.2%$13,851€12,390$13,851€12,390Check ↗
- 22
Yamaha b2 SC3 PWHYamaha · 2 finishes45Stable$8,149€7,290$8,149€7,290Check ↗
- 23
Seiler Piano 116 AccentSeiler · 2 finishes44↓ 3.9%$13,413€11,998$13,413€11,998Check ↗
- 24
Seiler 116 Konsole ChromSeiler · 2 finishes42Stable$16,198€14,490$16,198€14,490Check ↗
- 25
Yamaha DU1 EN PE Disklavier SilentYamaha42Stable$21,229€18,990$21,229€18,990Check ↗
- 26
Yamaha DYUS1 EN PE Disklavier SilentYamaha42Stable$22,347€19,990$22,347€19,990Check ↗
- 27
Seiler 116 Ritmo Modern blackSeiler39Stable$10,050€8,990$10,050€8,990Check ↗
- 28
Seiler 122 Ritmo, black polishedSeiler39Stable$10,609€9,490$10,609€9,490Check ↗
- 29
Seiler 116 Ritmo, black matSeiler39Stable$11,056€9,890$11,056€9,890Check ↗
- 30
Seiler 116 Ritmo, black polishedSeiler39Stable$11,168€9,990$11,168€9,990Check ↗
- 31
Seiler 116 Ritmo, white polishedSeiler39Stable$11,839€10,590$11,839€10,590Check ↗
- 32
Seiler 122 Ritmo, white polishedSeiler39Stable$12,733€11,390$12,733€11,390Check ↗
- 33
Seiler 126 Ritmo, black polishedSeiler39Stable$12,845€11,490$12,845€11,490Check ↗
- 34
Seiler 116 Impuls S ChromSeiler39Stable$15,080€13,490$15,080€13,490Check ↗
- 35
Seiler 116 Ritmo, black pol. AdsilentSeiler39Stable$15,639€13,990$15,639€13,990Check ↗
- 36
Seiler 116 Impuls Walnut waxedSeiler39Stable$15,975€14,290$15,975€14,290Check ↗
- 37
Seiler 122 Konsole black polishedSeiler37↑ 4.1%$13,963€12,490$13,963€12,490Check ↗
- 38
Thomann UP 121 E/P PianoThomann35Stable$3,343€2,990$3,343€2,990Check ↗
- 39
Thomann UP 123 E/P PianoThomann35Stable$4,349€3,890$4,349€3,890Check ↗
- 40
Johannes Seiler Piano 114 Modern ChromJohannes Seiler34Stable$6,137€5,490$6,137€5,490Check ↗
- 41
Grotrian-Steinweg Concerto G-113 WHP PianoGrotrian-Steinweg34Stable$15,639€13,990$15,639€13,990Check ↗
- 42
Seiler Piano 116 ImpulsSeiler33↓ 4.1%$12,855€11,499$12,855€11,499Check ↗
- 43
Seiler 132 RitmoSeiler31Stable$12,286€10,990$12,286€10,990Check ↗
- 44
Seiler 126 KonsoleSeiler31Stable$14,522€12,990$14,522€12,990Check ↗
- 45
Seiler 132 KonzertSeiler31Stable$17,875€15,990$17,875€15,990Check ↗
- 46
Blüthner Model CBlüthner · 2 finishes30Stable$21,229€18,990$21,229€18,990Check ↗
- 47
Steinway & Sons V-125Steinway & Sons · 2 finishes30Stable$21,788€19,490$21,788€19,490Check ↗
- 48
Blüthner Haessler Model HB 116Blüthner Haessler26Stable$12,956€11,590$12,956€11,590Check ↗
Pianos by the numbers
Measured across all 659 models we track, not a sample.
Median $10,385 — half of all pianos here cost less.
median of 626 models · 8.75 kg–305 kg
median of 214 models · 73–88
most common · 345 models
How to choose the best pianos
Tonal Character
Jazz demands a specific palette - think mellow, warm, and often with a slight 'honk' in the midrange. Bright, ice-picky highs aren't your friend. You want that buttery low-end thump without getting muddy, and a clear articulation across the spectrum. It's about the 'color' of the piano.
Action
This is HUGE. A heavy, sluggish action will kill your feel and make those delicate voicings impossible. You need something responsive, with a good amount of let-off, so you can get that subtle dynamic control. A graded hammer action is almost mandatory, but the quality of that action varies wildly.
Polyphony & Sampling Quality
While you're rarely stacking 128 notes in a jazz context, the quality of the individual samples matters. Lo-fi, grainy samples will sound thin and lifeless. Look for pianos that use multiple samples per note to capture the complexity of a real acoustic instrument.
Versatility & Voicing Options
While a classic Steinway sound is iconic, having a few other voices- Rhodes electric piano, vibraphone, even a decent clav-can be a real asset for expanding your sonic palette. But don't sacrifice the core piano sound for a bunch of mediocre extras.
Connectivity & Features
Beyond the basics, consider things like USB MIDI, multiple outputs for recording, and a decent headphone jack for late-night practice. Pedal responsiveness is also crucial for smooth legato lines and expressive dynamics.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a piano for jazz? It's more than just slapping any old digital piano in front of you. You need something that delivers that warm, woody tone, the responsive action for voicing those subtle nuances, and the headroom to cut through a trio or quartet. Finding the right instrument is half the battle in getting that authentic jazz feel - let's break down what to look for.
Don't chase the biggest name or the highest price tag. Often, the budget models will cut corners on the action, which is the single most important thing. Used pianos can be a goldmine, but factor in potential maintenance costs.
A good quality preamp and a decent pair of headphones are more important than a flashy piano with a mediocre sound engine.
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 141 pianos from the Thomann catalogue (of 659 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 a 'weighted' and 'graded hammer action'?
Weighted just means it has some resistance. Graded hammer action attempts to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano - heavier in the bass, lighter in the treble. It's a noticeable improvement for serious players.
Are acoustic pianos still relevant in the digital age?
Absolutely. Nothing truly replicates the complexity of a real acoustic piano, but digital pianos have gotten good. If you have the space and budget, an acoustic is always the gold standard.
What about hybrid pianos like Yamaha's NU1X?
Hybrids attempt to combine the best of both worlds - a real acoustic action with digital sound engines. They're often pricey, but the action is usually a significant step up from standard digital pianos.
How important are the pedals?
Very. Sustain is obvious, but the softer pedal (una corda) is essential for that mellow, intimate jazz vibe. Make sure the pedal response feels natural and doesn't sound artificial.
I'm on a tight budget - what's the best I can get?
Look for older Yamaha or Roland models (around 2010-2015). They often have surprisingly good action and sound engines for the price. Just be prepared to do your research and potentially deal with some wear and tear.
