5 Best Baby Grand Pianos Under $10,000: Reviews & Buying Guide
A baby grand piano is a larger version of the traditional upright piano. It has vertical strings arranged on three levels which are longer than the standard 88-key upright piano even though its overall height is shorter.
Finding the best baby grand pianos under $10,000 can be a complicated undertaking.
There are many brands and models to choose from, with quality ranging from excellent to subpar. Baby grand pianos are known for the variety of colors and finishes they come in, so you should have no trouble finding one that fits your design aesthetic.
No matter what your personal choice is, it’s safe to say there’s a baby grand piano out there that will suit your look and sound just right.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend more than ten grand for a high-quality baby grand piano! Just use the buyer’s guide below as your “secret weapon” in sorting through all of the confusion.
We’ll give you an overview of top brands and models at different price points, and our exclusive buying advice, so you never spend more money than necessary on your new piano.
So stick with this article until the end for this must-read buyer’s guide… We think it will prove very helpful!
5 Top Baby Grand Piano Models Under $10,000 (2022 Update)
Each of these models has its benefits. Most people can be happy with any of these pianos, so read through them all to help you decide which one would best suit your needs/lifestyle.
On the other hand, if you have a particular musical need that warrants an additional feature or two, you could also consider some of their other baby grand model options within the same brand.
This is a list of the best baby grand pianos that are sold under $10,000. This price tag is a special entry price for any student to use anywhere. Here’s our list.
1) Suzuki MDG-400 bl
2) Kawai GL10
3) Artesia AG-50 Grand Digital Piano
4) Artesia AG-30 Micro Grand Digital Piano
5) Donner DDP-100
1. Suzuki MDG-400 bl
This Suzuki piano model is a beautiful digital baby grand piano that won’t break the bank. It has a high-gloss rubbed finish on the furniture cabinet and a simulated maple inner board.
As it is a digital piano, this is perfect for anyone interested in recording music, performing or experimenting with sound. You can even wirelessly hook it up to your speakers.
Specs:
- 88-key
- Velocity-graded hammer action keys
- LCD display
- Bluetooth compatible
- 128 general MIDI
- 122 voices and 100 rhythm styles
- 2 speakers
- Approx $4000
Pros:
- Huge range of digital features, voices and connectivity
- Great sound and real piano feel
- Elegant design
Cons:
- It is not acoustic for those looking for this
- Product comes unassembled
2. Kawai GL10
A beautiful baby grand made by Kawai, an established and high-quality piano manufacturer. What stands out about this piano is the amazing quality of the tone as well as the smooth feel to play. It comes in at an attractive price point for what you get.
Specs:
- 88-key
- Smooth wooden finish
- Great looks
Pros:
- Amazing tone and touch
- Premium materials
Cons:
- Some people prefer a metal finish
3. Artesia AG-50 Grand Digital Piano Deluxe Bundle
This digital micro grand piano is a great option if you are looking for something smaller than a grand at a great price. It has an elegant look and it comes in a deluxe set which includes a bench, songbook and thumb drive. We love the sound quality and voice options, as well as the weighted keys which really do feel like you are playing a real piano.
Specs:
- 88-key
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Approx $3000
Pros:
- Comes in deluxe bundle with bench, songbook and drive
- Natural, weighted keys
- Sleek, ebony finish
- Range of sounds
Cons:
- Piano needs setting up on delivery
4. Artesia AG-30 Micro Grand Digital Piano Deluxe Bundle
Another Artesia deluxe bundle here and an even cheaper price point. Another of their micro grands, the AG-30 Micro Grand is a decent instrument. The size and shape make it perfect for someone with limited space. It has a realistic feel and good sound quality, with the perks of being digital.
Specs:
- 88-key
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Approx $2000
Pros:
- Comes in deluxe bundle with bench, songbook and drive
- Natural, weighted keys
- Smaller size to fit in limited space
Cons:
- A micro grand is not quite the same as a baby grand
5. Donner DDP-100 Digital Piano
OK, so this last one is not actually a baby grand. But I’m throwing it in as a great alternative for anyone who has realized that a baby grand is just too darn expensive.
The Donner DDP-100 is an awesome digital piano, that has a high level of quality you just can’t beat. It has triple pedals along with authentic weighted keys. You can test and adjust the details of the timbre to make it as authentic sounding as possible too.
Specs:
- 88-key
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Built in amplifier
- Approx $600
Pros:
- Comes in beginner bundle with stand, power adapter
- Natural, weighted keys
- Smallest nd most affordable option
- Streamlined design
Cons:
- Not a baby grand
- Digital for those that want acoustic
Baby Grand Piano Brands to Avoid
We do not recommend buying pianos from worryingly low price point brands.
This is not to say that super cheap pianos are terrible pianos by any means. They might be excellent instruments for you, but our research shows that baby grand pianos under $5000 should be avoided due to issues with reliability/durability (how long the piano will last).
For example, there have been complaints about the disintegrating of keytops (the plastic on top of keys) after a few years of regular use. Some people also complain about the keys having sharp edges after heavy usage.
Similarly, there have been complaints about specific models breaking down frequently. This may be due to poor craftsmanship/materials for these pianos, although they are still serviced under warranty.
People also report that these pianos do not keep their tuning well– they are often off-tune by a noticeable amount within just a few months of being tuned.
Stability issues have been reported where certain parts rattle or come loose during use. If you want peace of mind knowing your piano will last, it is best to avoid buying from these brands.
But don’t worry – we’ve done all the research, so you don’t have to!
Our Exclusive Buyer’s Guide for Best Baby Grand Pianos Under $10,000
Now that you’ve seen our top picks, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of what to look for when buying a new piano.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to research these brands and models (don’t rely only on ours). You will find many different opinions out there regarding which pianos are good or bad.
Also, be aware that models can vary significantly in terms of quality even within the same brand. Some people might like some features more than others (for example, maybe one person wants an action better than another model; or perhaps they prefer some sound samples over some other sounds).
Keep in mind that things will vary even more based on where you are located. Things like shipping costs, dealer-to-dealer price differences, and availability could all play a part in the final price you end up paying for your piano.
That said, here are some essential tips to help you get started with your research:
How to find a baby grand piano under $10,000?
If you are struggling to find a baby grand for under $10,000 here are some alternative options.
- Try looking at auction – You may well get a great deal on a baby grand either at local or online auctions
- Go second hand – you can often find great quality pianos second hand at a fraction of the price, just be careful that it is in working order
- Clearance – many brands will hold sales to get rid of excess piano stock at clearance prices
1) Be aware of internet scams
It is always best to buy from a reputable dealer or brand if possible. That way, you know they won’t be hiding any fees or require additional unexpected payments at pick-up or delivery time (like “processing fees”). Also, avoid sellers who only advertise through Craigslist. At least try to find them on Google so you can see other reviews/ratings for them.
2) Consider what you will be using the piano for
This is one of the most important factors! For example, if you are mostly just playing around at home with friends or family, this doesn’t necessarily need to be a “high-end” piano that could last through generations. But keep in mind that all pianos (regardless of price range) still require regular maintenance and tuning over time.
So if you want it to last as long as possible, do your research on each brand/model to know which ones have the best track record for durability/longevity. Also, consider your climate– where you live & how humid it is there could affect which pianos are suitable for you. You want to avoid excessive humidity since it can warp wood and cause problems with the action/strings over time.
3) Consider your budget
It is always best to stick to a budget if possible. If you do not have enough money for a specific model, don’t fret! Maybe it would be good to wait until you have more saved up, or check out used pianos instead.
4) Be sure to test the piano yourself
Sometimes, reviews can paint an inaccurate picture of how an instrument will feel once you get your hands on it yourself.
So listen carefully when trying them out
- Are they easy to play?
- Are there any sticking keys?
- Does each essential sound equally loud when played?
- Does the piano sound nice when playing at different volumes, or does it start to lose its tone as you turn it down?
- Do all of the pedals work well?
- Is there an even volume across the keys, or are some sticking/harder to press down?
- Does each hammer line up correctly with the strings underneath (i.e., do they move even when pressing a key)?
- Is it too noisy or inconsistent regarding how much noise/feedback it gives off while being played?
If you are considering buying used, then be sure to have a technician check out the instrument beforehand– so you aren’t stuck with something that is broken and unfixable.
5) Check if any trade-ins are available
If you have a used piano from years ago, it might be worth checking with the dealer to see if they will offer any trade-in incentives. For example, some dealers will offer free shipping and financing if you buy a new piano from them. While this is nice in theory, always beware that “offers” like this often have lots of fine print that only benefit the dealer– while being hidden from view on their website.
So it’s best to read through all disclaimers before signing anything!
6) Check feedback info for each brand/model
Most reliable brands will have feedback scores over 98%.
7) Be sure to get your questions answered before purchasing
If the dealer tries to rush you or force you to decide before you are ready, this is not a good sign! Try calling around different dealers for advice instead. This way, you will find someone more trustworthy who cares about giving quality customer service. Also, be wary of any seller that doesn’t email back within 24 hours during business hours (i.e., do NOT include weekends/holidays, since they often don’t work those days).
Not only does this show lack of effort on their part, but it could also mean they are hiding something. And again, make sure to read all disclaimers/fine print! It can be easy to miss some essential details, especially when you are in the heat of the moment.
Look into buying or leasing used instead
Brand-new pianos (even those that cost less than $10k) still require regular maintenance and tuning over time. So if you want it to last as long as possible, do your research on each brand/model to know which ones have the best track record for durability/longevity.
Also, consider your climate– where you live & how humid it is there could affect which pianos are suitable for you. You want to avoid excessive humidity since it can warp wood and cause the instrument’s mechanics.
Look into rent-to-own options
One of the best ways to get a high-quality piano on a budget is by signing up with Rent-A-Center or another similar company. This way, you pay only a tiny fraction of the regular price for it (using your credit score and income as collateral).
Once you make all required payments (for anywhere from 6 months to 3 years), then the instrument becomes yours! And each price goes towards paying off more of the total cost of what you owe until eventually, it’s 100% yours. So this option keeps costs down while also giving you time to save up more money if needed (and allows you to keep making payments even after the instrument is yours).
Look into Used Pianos
If you don’t want to pay thousands of dollars for a new piano, then consider used instead! You can often find great deals on quality pianos that have been barely played and are well-kept. While there are obvious risks with buying anything used (especially for something as expensive as a piano), many people take this route and never run into any problems.
However, if you go this route, be sure to read through Amazon’s policies regarding their ” Warehouse Deals “so you know what to expect BEFORE purchasing one– such as that Amazon will NOT refund your money even if the item is defective. Then be sure to search around (and ask for advice ), so you know what to look for in terms of quality, sound, etc.
Also, play it before buying it (if possible) and make sure there is a money-back guarantee of some sort– which hopefully the seller will offer.
What is a baby grand piano?
A baby grand piano is a mid-sized piano larger than a spinet or console but smaller than an upright or acoustic grand. Baby grands are not as common as other types of pianos. A baby grand often has the exact dimensions of an upright piano, with an overall height of about 94 cm (37 inches) and width of 141 cm (5 feet).
Baby grands require more space than uprights while offering less practical portability since they weigh much more. The lower strings on the baby grand tend to be longer than those found on most upright pianos.
Another characteristic of the baby grand design is that it is smaller than the average grand piano. Grand pianos are acoustic pianos, meaning that they produce sound by striking strings with small wooden hammers rather than plucking them with metal plectra, as in a harpsichord or electric piano.
Grand pianos have huge frames and soundboards and are generally much heavier than uprights. Their strings also run at an oblique angle to their keyboard, allowing for long grand piano strings (some are more than 10 meters end-to end).
Baby grands are slightly smaller but otherwise cosmetically similar to full-size grands. The less expensive models will generally use laminated wood construction on both the frame and the soundboard. Laminated soundboards are also used in some less costly uprights.
One of the benefits of having a baby grand is that it can be played in smaller spaces than larger grants. This may be useful in homes where the area is at a premium. However, there are many other alternatives to consider if space is limited, including upright pianos and digital pianos (see the guide to home pianos).
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About the Author Linda Ritter
Linda Ritter is a passionate pianist and a songwriter for more than 7 years. With a Masters in Music, she has explored the world of music and has collaborated with several musicians and brands like Roland, Tune Core, and plenty of blogs.
