There are a surprising number of companies that manufacture acoustic pianos and even though I have not researched every single manufacturer, I still stand by my statement that all pianos made today would be of a reasonable quality.
Here’s why I think that there are no poorly made pianos anymore; if someone was looking to buy a brand new piano at a really low price, then they would opt for an electric piano. Electric pianos are a very good option because they have the weighted keys like an acoustic piano and the sound of the electric pianos are excellent. I would say that an authentic sound for the electric pianos was achieved at least fifteen years ago. So why would someone buy an acoustic piano that was not very well made, when they could buy an electric piano that sounded really good for the same price or less? It just wouldn’t make sense.
Another reason why there would be no bad pianos made today is that people still buy pianos in person. Purchasing a piano wouldn’t happen online because it is the sort of purchase that you want to experience before you buy, a bit like buying a car. However, unlike buying a car, you would know whether a piano was a lemon when you played it, because it would actually be obvious.
Another reason why I don’t think any poor quality pianos are made anymore is because a music store would not risk their reputation by selling a brand of pianos that were not of a decent quality. Music stores are not just about making a sale but they also freely give information and advice. If you take my local music store, it originally started as a family owned music store and operated successfully for decades. In the last twenty years it has joined a chain of other music stores but it has still maintained its high standards and quality service. I don’t believe it is the exception. I’ve visited a number of music stores over the years and I have always found them staffed by friendly musicians who know their stuff and pride themselves as individuals and as a company, to provide their customers with the best of what they need. Selling a brand of pianos that are of inferior quality is the opposite of what these music stores are all about.
While I really don’t believe poor quality pianos are not being produced, doesn’t mean that all acoustic pianos are of a decent quality. Many second hand pianos started out as decent instruments but have not been looked after and that’s why you would need to be very careful in buying a second hand piano. Obviously some second hand pianos are in an excellent condition and they are often good value for money.
The only pianos that I consider were poorly made are those pianos that have a wooden instead of an iron frame. When wooden framed pianos were made, they thought it was a cheaper way of making a decent piano. The problem, though is that when a piano has a wooden frame (as opposed to an iron frame) it is basically impossible to tune the piano and have it stay in tune.
If you are considering buying a brand new piano, be assured that whatever brand you select, you will be getting a quality piano. Just make sure that you have selected one that really sounds nice to you.