The Essex line of pianos, introduced by Steinway & Sons in 2001, emerged as part of the company’s strategic expansion to offer quality instruments at a more accessible price point. Designed in collaboration with renowned furniture designer William Faber, Essex was envisioned as a tribute to the idea that beautiful piano styles and finishes should be attainable across all budgets. Initially manufactured through an OEM agreement with Young Chang, the early Essex models featured an “aggressively Art Deco” aesthetic that failed to resonate widely with consumers, marking a rocky start for the brand. Despite this, Steinway aimed to leverage its expertise to create a “good-better-best” lineup alongside its flagship Steinway and mid-tier Boston brands, positioning Essex as an entry-level option infused with Steinway’s design DNA, such as tapered soundboards and wide-tail grand designs.

Over time, the Essex brand evolved significantly, distancing itself from its initial missteps. By 2005, production shifted to the Pearl River factory in Guangzhou, China, where Steinway refined the line to incorporate its latest engineering standards and design specifications, including all-wood actions and premium spruce soundboards. This reboot emphasized quality and consistency, backed by Steinway’s rigorous inspection process and a 10-year trade-up promise toward a new Steinway grand. Today, Essex pianos are celebrated for delivering impressive musical performance and traditional styling at their price range, solidifying their place in the Steinway family while appealing to beginners and budget-conscious buyers seeking a connection to the iconic Steinway legacy.

Serial # E145204C

Local delivery (within 30 miles of our store to a ground level location) of an upright this size would typically cost $200, and is included at no extra charge with purchase.

Out of town/out of State moves require a custom quote from our Assistant Manager Eric. Call us for details.