Where to Buy a Piano in Sunnyvale and the South Bay: Guide to Piano Stores

Many of our students and their families ask where to purchase a piano in the South Bay. Should you buy new or used? What brands offer long-term reliability? Where is the best place locally to shop and try instruments? We’re happy to help you navigate these decisions. If you would like guidance in choosing a piano, or if you’re interested in piano lessons near Sunnyvale, we’re always glad to help.

What to Consider Before Buying a Piano

Before purchasing a piano, think about where it will go in your home and how it will be used. Uprights and consoles are ideal for smaller spaces, while grands fit better in rooms where sound can fully develop. Every piano requires regular tuning and maintenance, so it’s wise to factor that into your decision. A well-made piano should respond smoothly under your fingers and maintain stable tuning, but you can also work with a technician to voice the piano or work on the action so that it feels right to you.

A used piano in good condition can be a better value than a new one from an unknown brand. Always buy from a reputable source that inspects and services its instruments. When possible, bring a piano technician or an experienced player to help you evaluate condition, tone, and feel before you buy.

Piano Shops in Sunnyvale and Nearby

Here are several piano dealers and showrooms in and around Sunnyvale that carry a range of instruments for different budgets.

Silicon Valley Piano (near Highway 85)

Silicon Valley Piano has deep roots in the Bay Area’s piano community. It traces its history to the early 1960s when it began as Yamaha Peninsula Pianos in Mountain View. Over the years, the store rebranded to reflect its wider selection of European and Asian piano makers. The staff includes experienced consultants and technicians who guide customers through tone, action, and instrument size. Their focus on education and customer experience has made them a trusted local resource for families and institutions alike.

Phone: (408) 873-0900
Website: siliconvalleypiano.com

San Mateo Piano

San Mateo Piano has served Bay Area families for decades and is known as one of Northern California’s most trusted piano stores. The company is the authorized dealer for Kawai and Shigeru Kawai pianos and offers both new and used instruments, along with digital and hybrid models. Customers can take lessons, rent pianos, or use the store’s moving and tuning services. The staff includes pianists, technicians, and product specialists who give clear, practical advice. From concert grands to student uprights, San Mateo Piano helps musicians at every level find the right instrument for their home or performance space.

Website: https://sanmateopiano.com/
Phone: (650) 376-3812
 

South Bay Piano Store

South Bay Piano is the South Bay’s exclusive Kawai piano dealer, known for its collection of new, used, and hybrid instruments for students and professionals. Operated through the San Mateo Piano Store, it features the full Kawai and Shigeru Kawai lines, along with select Yamaha and Roland models. The staff is experienced, knowledgeable, and focused on helping each customer find the right piano for their goals. South Bay Piano also offers trade-in programs, flexible pricing, and piano rentals for homes and events. Their Shigeru Kawai selection is especially popular among serious players for its refined tone and responsive touch.

Phone: (408) 624-8668

Website: sanjosepiano.com

Colton Piano Gallery (San Jose)

Colton Piano Gallery has been part of the local music community for many years and is known for its approachable staff and broad selection of new and used pianos. The store allows customers to try multiple brands in one visit, helping them hear differences in tone and feel. Colton also offers in-house repair and restoration work; this gives buyers confidence that each instrument has been professionally prepared before sale. Many South Bay teachers recommend this store for its honest guidance and above-average customer care.

Phone: (408) 986-9900
Website: coltonpiano.com

Music Exchange (San Jose)

Music Exchange is a family-run business with a long-standing reputation for its large, varied inventory of acoustic, digital, and hybrid pianos. They also handle restorations, rentals, and trade-ins, making it a convenient one-stop shop for both beginners and advanced musicians. The team includes technicians who inspect every used instrument before sale, so buyers can feel confident in quality and durability. Many local studios, schools, and churches purchase from Music Exchange because of its balance between affordability and reliability.

Phone: (408) 241-9700
Website: muex.com

San Jose Piano (San Jose)

San Jose Piano offers both new and used pianos as well as rental options for students who want to try lessons before committing to a purchase. The store’s selection changes frequently, featuring upright and grand pianos from respected manufacturers. Because they also provide rental and maintenance services, San Jose Piano is an ideal option for families who want flexibility as they begin lessons. Their staff is known for friendly service and for helping new players find affordable, dependable instruments.

Phone: (408) 241-9700

Peninsula Piano Brokers (San Mateo)

Founded in 1987 by Greg Wurm, Peninsula Piano Brokers has earned a loyal customer base throughout the Peninsula and South Bay. The company sells both new and pre-owned instruments from leading European and American brands, including Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, and Petrof. They also take trade-ins and offer rentals, giving customers flexible options. Peninsula Piano Brokers has been praised for transparency, well-maintained inventory, and a knowledgeable team that takes time to help customers find a piano suited to their goals.

Phone: 650-887-6958
Website: peninsulapiano-brokers.com

Should You Buy a New or Used Piano?

Buying new means you’ll receive an instrument with a manufacturer’s warranty and a known history. However, new pianos sometimes need voicing or regulation after a few months as they adjust to your home environment.

Used pianos can offer excellent value, particularly from respected dealers who restore and inspect each instrument. Brands like Yamaha, Kawai, and Steinway are built to last for generations if properly maintained. The key is to buy from a source that guarantees condition and offers delivery and tuning.

If you buy privately through Craigslist or another marketplace, bring a piano technician or experienced player. They can check the soundboard, pins, keys, and overall structure before you make a purchase.

Digital and Hybrid Piano Options

If space or budget makes an acoustic piano impractical, consider a digital or hybrid model. Yamaha’s Clavinova and AvantGrand lines, as well as Kawai and Roland digitals, provide realistic sound and touch while requiring no tuning. Look for weighted keys, realistic pedals, and a cabinet that resembles a true piano. These instruments can be excellent for apartment living or late-night practice.

How to Shop For a Piano Intelligently

When visiting a store, bring music you know well so you can test the piano’s range and response. Listen for even tone across registers and how the action feels under your hands. Ask if delivery, a first tuning, or a bench is included in the price. Some stores may offer financing or trade-in programs, which can make upgrading easier later on.

It’s also helpful to speak with your piano teacher about what to look for. Many teachers have played or serviced the brands sold locally and can give helpful insight into which models best match your goals.

Bon Voyage on Your Piano Search - Call Us For Lessons

Buying a piano is an exciting step that can shape a student’s musical future for years. Take your time, visit a few showrooms, and choose the instrument that feels inspiring to play. If you need help comparing options or want advice from teachers who play professionally, our team at Silicon Valley Second School is happy to help. We can recommend models, brands, and trusted technicians who keep pianos performing at their best.

When you find the right piano, we’ll help you make the most of it through structured piano lessons in Cupertino that develop sound, technique, and artistry.