Overview

The Steinway Model S is a five-foot-one baby grand piano that brings the Steinway name and craftsmanship into smaller living spaces, delivering the legendary Steinway tone in the most compact grand piano format the company offers. Like all Steinway grand pianos, the Model S is handcrafted using the same materials, techniques, and quality standards applied to the concert grand Model D. The rim is bent from layers of hard rock maple, the soundboard is Sitka spruce, and the action is Steinway's proprietary Accelerated Action with individually weighted hammers. The resulting tone is unmistakably Steinway with a warm, complex character that rewards expressive playing with rich overtones and beautiful sustain. The action is responsive and precise, allowing nuanced dynamic control from pianissimo to fortissimo. Despite its smaller footprint, the Model S projects surprisingly well in intimate settings and recording environments. The polished ebony cabinet is elegant and timeless, making it a stunning centerpiece in any room. Every Model S undergoes the same year-long construction process and meticulous hand-finishing as its larger siblings. This piano is perfect for serious pianists with limited space, luxury home installations, and collectors seeking an authentic Steinway experience in a compact format. The shorter string length does mean the bass register cannot match the depth and power of Steinway's larger models.

Acoustic Pianos

Steinway's most compact grand piano bringing legendary craftsmanship and unmistakable tone into smaller living spaces with the same materials as the concert grand.

Instrument Details

$74,300 Professional
Brand Steinway & Sons
Type Baby Grand Piano
Made In United States
Year 1936
4.6 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.6 /5

The Steinway Model S represents the pinnacle of small-scale piano engineering, managing to squeeze the legendary New York soul into a five-foot-one frame. It avoids the 'boxy' tonal trap many baby grands fall into, thanks to the high-tension scale and the same Diaphragmatic soundboard technology found in their concert grands. The result is a surprisingly rich harmonic palette and a treble that sings with clarity and sustain.

The touch is exceptionally responsive. Steinway's Accelerated Action provides a level of control over dynamics and repetition that is rarely matched in this size bracket. However, potential buyers must be realistic: while the bass is clear and punchy, it cannot replicate the profound depth or sub-harmonic richness of the larger Model B. You are also paying a significant premium for the handcrafted New York heritage compared to high-end mass-produced alternatives from Japan.

This is an instrument for the professional who demands a specific tactile response and tonal color but is constrained by urban living spaces. It's a lifetime investment that holds its value remarkably well, though it requires a dedicated technician to keep it performing at its peak. For those who prioritize the 'Steinway Sound' and prestige above all else, the Model S is the only compact grand that truly delivers without compromise in build quality.

Category Ratings

Acoustic Pianos
4.6
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Steinway Model S Baby Grand Piano Screenshot

Added: Feb 14, 2026

steinway.com/pianos/steinway/grand/model-s