Bösendorfer Grand Pianos: History, Models and Prices
Few brands capture the warm, round Viennese piano tone quite like Bösendorfer. Built in Vienna since 1828, the brand ranks alongside Steinway among the best-known names in concert grand building. This guide covers the history, models and realistic used prices.
Bösendorfer: A Brief Brand History
Ignaz Bösendorfer founded the company in Vienna in 1828. By 1839 the firm had already earned a strong reputation for the durability of its instruments, after a legendary concert by Franz Liszt during which several other pianos couldn't withstand his playing. In 1866, Bösendorfer was officially named Imperial and Royal Court Purveyor.
Yamaha acquired the brand in 2007, but production stayed in Vienna. Bösendorfer grand pianos are still built largely by hand in the Austrian capital today, with the characteristic soundboard construction known as the Viennese principle.
The Typical Bösendorfer Sound
What sets the Bösendorfer sound apart from other concert brands:
- Warm, singing tone: Compared to Steinway, the Bösendorfer sound is considered rounder and warmer, with less brilliance in the treble but a very lyrical midrange.
- Solid frame construction: The case is traditionally built from solid spruce rather than plywood layers used by many other makers, which contributes to its characteristic resonance.
- Extended bass register on the largest models: The 225, 280VC and the legendary Imperial 290 have extra bass notes below the usual range, for a fuller foundation in the low register.
Bösendorfer Models at a Glance
Bösendorfer is best known for its grand pianos, but currently also builds two upright models (120 and 130). Here's an overview of the grand piano lineup:
- Model 155: Compact grand: The smallest model, for living rooms with limited space. New from around $120,000. Used from around $35,000 to $50,000 depending on age and condition.
- Model 170 / 185 / 200: Mid-size concert grands: Versatile enough for homes, music schools and smaller concert halls. Used around $45,000 to $80,000.
- Model 214VC / 225 Vienna Concert: The first models with the extended bass register, concert-ready. Used rarely under $70,000.
- Model 280VC / Imperial 290: Top-tier concert grands, with the Imperial 290 offering 97 keys instead of the usual 88. New from around $300,000, considerably more depending on configuration. Used usually well over $100,000.
Price Overview: What Does a Used Bösendorfer Cost?
Bösendorfer grands hold their value very well, older instruments built in Vienna before the Yamaha acquisition are especially sought after by collectors:
- Compact grand (155, used): approx. $35,000 to $50,000
- Mid-size models (170-200, used): approx. $45,000 to $80,000
- Concert models (214VC-280VC, used): approx. $70,000 to $200,000
- Imperial 290 (used): approx. $100,000 and well beyond, depending on build year and condition
What to Check When Buying Used
An instrument in this price range deserves extra care:
- Check whether it was built before or after 2007: Instruments predating the Yamaha acquisition are considered especially value-stable by some collectors, but individual condition matters far more for sound quality than build year alone.
- Condition of the soundboard and action: At this price point it's always worth having a professional inspection by an experienced piano technician before buying, ideally one with Bösendorfer experience.
- Provenance and service history: Ask about previous owners, location and maintenance records. A concert grand from a climate-controlled hall is usually in better shape than one that moved between private homes.
Questions and Answers
Does a Bösendorfer sound different since the Yamaha acquisition?
Production still happens in Vienna following the original design principles, with the same soundboard approach and the same craft tradition. The fundamental character of the sound has stayed intact, even though Yamaha has modernized some manufacturing processes.
Why are Bösendorfer grands more expensive than comparable models from other brands?
The largely hand-built production in Vienna, the solid frame construction and the low production volume compared to mass manufacturers all drive up the price. On top of that comes collector value, especially for older, historic instruments.
Does Bösendorfer also build uprights, or only grand pianos?
Yes, alongside its grand pianos Bösendorfer currently also builds two upright models, the 120 and the 130. They're much rarer on the used market than the grand piano models, though.
A Bösendorfer is an investment in Viennese piano tradition and a distinctive sound character, suited to concert halls as well as discerning private collectors.
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