My Rental Experience with Steinway & Sons
My Rental Experience with Steinway & Sons
I chose a studio-type upright from the Boston brand, which is owned by Steinway & Sons. I selected it because the sound quality is close to that of a grand piano.
At the time, I had no U.S. credit history, so I paid a cash deposit of about $900 and rented it for $97 per month.
Piano Showrooms on 58th Street
Most major piano showrooms are located around West 58th Street in Manhattan. Steinway’s showroom is now near Midtown, not far from Times Square.
Types of Upright Pianos
There are four main types of upright pianos:
- Spinet Piano
- Console Piano
- Studio Piano (the type I rented)
- Professional Upright
The studio upright has a richer, more resonant sound. It’s a great choice if you want something closer to a grand piano but don’t have the space.
Piano Moving Costs
Steinway works with professional piano movers who carefully handle transportation. My move cost about $300 plus tip. If your building doesn’t have an elevator, expect extra fees—often charged per staircase step!
Affordable Option: Piano Piano
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly rental, I recommend Piano Piano. You can rent a Yamaha piano for around $155 per month, which is a great value.
Conclusion
That was my experience renting a piano in New York City. If your child wants to start learning piano, I highly recommend renting a real acoustic piano rather than a digital keyboard. A beautiful sound helps develop finger strength, train the ear, and boost motivation.
Playing on a real instrument brings joy—and makes practice more inspiring.
