Danemann Piano Review: My Honest First Impressions After Playing the New Range

My First Impressions of the New Danemann Pianos

Published by Mark Crossland

If you’re looking for a quality upright piano between £3000 – £5,000, there’s a good chance you’ve been comparing Yamaha and Kawai.

But after spending time playing the new Danemann range in our showroom, I came away wondering whether more people should be considering them.

After more than 24 years helping customers choose pianos at The PianoMan in Leeds, I’ve played hundreds of new Yamaha, Kawai, Schimmel and other upright pianos. That experience gives me a useful benchmark whenever a new range arrives in the showroom. Every review I write is based on playing the instrument myself—not simply repeating a manufacturer’s brochure.

So, here are my honest first impressions after spending time with the new Danemann range DU115 | DU123 | DU126

What Do Danemann Pianos Sound Like?

The first thing that struck me was the tone.

Danemann pianos have a rich, warm and surprisingly powerful sound with plenty of depth across the keyboard. They have their own character—full-bodied without ever becoming harsh—and they’re equally at home playing delicate, expressive pieces or more demanding repertoire.

Rather than trying to imitate Yamaha or Kawai, the Danemann offers something a little different. It has a warm, European-inspired tonal character that many pianists will find immediately appealing.

How Does the Action Feel?

A beautiful tone only tells half the story.

The action is what allows a pianist to shape that sound, and fortunately the Danemann impressed me here too.

The keyboard felt balanced, responsive and predictable, giving excellent control from the softest pianissimo through to powerful fortissimo passages. It never felt heavy or sluggish, and it inspired confidence from the very first notes.

It’s the sort of action that makes you want to keep playing—which is exactly what you want from any piano.

Danemann vs Yamaha and Kawai

For many years, customers looking for a new upright piano under £5,000 have naturally gravitated towards Yamaha and Kawai. They remain excellent instruments and continue to deserve their reputation.

However, as prices have steadily increased, more customers are looking for alternatives that still deliver a high standard of performance without stretching the budget.

That’s where I believe Danemann deserves serious consideration.

Rather than seeing it as a compromise, I’d encourage anyone considering a Yamaha or Kawai to play a Danemann alongside them. You may find that its warm tone, responsive touch and overall musical character suit your playing even better.

Who Is a Danemann Piano Best For?

From my first impressions, I believe the Danemann range is ideal for:

• Pianists looking for a quality upright piano under £5,000.
• Families wanting an instrument that will support years of musical progress.
• Adult learners and returning pianists looking for an enjoyable, inspiring playing experience.
• Anyone comparing Yamaha and Kawai who wants to explore another high-quality option before making a final decision.

My Verdict

My first experience with the new Danemann range genuinely surprised me—in the best possible way.

It’s refreshing to discover a piano that doesn’t simply try to copy the market leaders but instead offers its own personality. The combination of a warm, expressive tone, a responsive action and impressive overall build quality makes the Danemann one of the most enjoyable pianos I’ve played in this price range.

Every pianist is different, which is why I always recommend playing several pianos side by side before making a decision.

If you’re visiting The Piano Man showroom in Leeds, take the opportunity to compare Danemann, Yamaha, Kawai and our other carefully selected pianos. You may arrive expecting to buy one piano and leave having discovered something completely different—that’s exactly why trying them in person matters.