The definitive list of the top 8 most influential grand pianos of the 20th Century. Leaving off 9-foot concert grands, we have put this list together to highlight the best grand pianos of the last 100 years. We have included Steinway, Kawai, Yamaha, Baldwin, and Mason & Hamlin. Let's check them out.

 

 

1. Steinway Model B

There is some kind of piano magic that occurs around the 7-foot range and the Steinway Model B has a lot of that magic.  The scale is beautifully balanced in this range with a glassy treble section, powerful middle section, and booming bass. They still make these today.

2. Baldwin SF-10

A 7-foot scale piano that holds it's own next to a Steinway B. Often used for touring, this piano was very popular in its time. Renner hammers and action, wood frame solid rim, and some other touches make this a very desirable model. 

3. Yamaha C3

The Yamaha C3 is very sought after. A true workhorse of a piano, it can be heard on countless studio recordings. A 6'1" great sounding piano that is loved by many.

4. Kawai KG-2

The baby grand measures 5'10" in size, so is made to fit most spaces. The KG series pianos (manufactured in the 1970's) are equivalent to the current GX-series Kawai grands. The KG2 was one of Kawai's better quality pianos at the time, not the entry level (which were known as the GE-series pianos - currently GL-series).

5. Mason & Hamlin Model A

The Mason & Hamlin 5'8" model A is often called the loudest and most full sounding baby grand available. A popular model that is built with the tension rod patented technology that keeps the frame sturdy and and the soundboard curved properly and keeps the pianos in top condition over the years.

6. Kimball, model 670-S, 6'7" Grand Piano (Viennese Classic--Bosendorfer)

In the mid 1980's, Kimball created the Viennese Edition and then later, the Viennese Classic as a joint design venture with Bosendorfer. Utilizing many Bosendorfer design features and ideas, they created a line that was to compete as a performance piano with Yamaha, Kawai and others. A 6'7" piano with imported Schwander action and imported felts, this piano really stands the test of time.

7. Baldwin Model L & Model R

These Baldwins have showed up on many recordings and been taken on many tours through the years. Incredibly full sounding pianos are easily one of the most influential of the century.

8. Yamaha C7

One of the most recorded piano of the last 50 years. One of the most sought after pianos in the world for stage, recording, live music venue, theater, and preferred by more artists than any other, this is the 7 foot 6 inch infamous Yamaha C7. Through the years this model piano went from 7'2" to 7'4" to 7'6".