Essex Acoustic Pianos|Upright Pianos|Grand Pianos

Essex Pianos FAQs

Are Essex pianos good quality?

Essex pianos are exceptionally good quality. Steinway first launched the Essex piano in 2001 and then relaunched them again in 2006. This relaunch involved an immense amount of time and effort to make sure that the Essex pianos were deserving of the Steinway association. Essex pianos were not reproduced designs of old pianos, but completely new and innovative designs from expert Steinway engineers. As well as incorporating cutting edge technology and superior materials, Essex pianos come in a variety of regular and exotic veneers in high polish polyester and satin lustre finishes.

Is an Essex piano the same as a Boston piano?

Essex pianos were produced after Boston pianos as an attractive option for keen piano enthusiasts who weren't looking to spend as much as they would on a Steinway or Boston piano. Like Steinway’s Boston pianos, the Essex line was designed with a lower tension scale. Both ranges incorporate many Steinway-designed refinements including:

• A wide tail design, allowing the bridges to be positioned closer to the more lively, central part of the soundboard, smoothing out the break between bass and treble.

• A thinner, tapered solid-spruce soundboard, that produces a tone with a longer sustain. An all-wood action with Steinway geometry.

• Rosette-shaped hammer flanges to preserve hammer spacing

• Pear-shaped hammers with reinforced shoulders and metal fasteners

• Vertically laminated bridges with a solid maple cap

• Duplex scale

• Radial bracing in the grand pianos

• Staggered back posts in vertical pianos

Which is the best Essex piano?

Essex pianos come as both acoustic grands and acoustic verticals. The Essex EUP 116 upright piano is available in seven different and striking cabinets designed by Steinway & Sons and renowned furniture designer William Faber. These stunningly designed pianos not only play beautifully, but with hand crafted features and finishes they are a focal point for any home or concert hall. It is also one of the most affordable pianos in the Essex collection.

Are Essex pianos expensive?

Essex pianos start at a little over £7000 for an upright and can cost almost £20,000 for a grand piano. For comparison, an entry level Boston piano will cost around £10,000, making Essex the more favourable in terms of price. Essex pianos have many of the same features as other premium pianos and will last a lifetime when cared for correctly. You can, of course, also look out for second hand Essex pianos which have been refurbished and offer a superior quality piano at an affordable price.