6 of the Best Crystal Grand Pianos and Acrylic Pianos
Crystal grand pianos, often called transparent acrylic pianos, are among the most striking innovations in modern luxury piano design.
Often referred to as transparent grand pianos, acrylic grand pianos, or glass grand pianos, these extraordinary instruments showcase the internal beauty of the piano while maintaining the performance and precision expected from a luxury concert instrument.
Crystal pianos are among the most visually captivating luxury pianos ever created, and within this category, there is a remarkable range of styles — from fully transparent grand pianos to elegant hybrid designs that combine acrylic with traditional finishes.
In this guide, we explore some of the best crystal acrylic pianos in the world, highlighting the most impressive transparent grand piano designs available today.
Why are they called crystal pianos?
Although commonly referred to as crystal pianos, these instruments are not made of crystal or decorated with Swarovski stones. Instead, a crystal piano — often called a crystal grand piano, transparent grand piano, or acrylic grand piano— is built using high-grade acrylic (lucite), a durable glass-like material that allows the internal mechanics of the piano to remain visible.
Acrylic is not a new material. It has been used since the early 1900s, and by the 1930s, advances in manufacturing allowed it to be molded into complex shapes. The material quickly became popular in jewelry, home furnishings, and the automotive industry because of its strength, transparency, and resistance to yellowing.
Eventually, piano manufacturers recognized the potential of this glass-like material for instrument design. One of the earliest transparent piano components was a clear acrylic piano lid patented in 1976 for the Libby-Owens-Ford Company. The design was commissioned by the Boston Pops Orchestra and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra so audiences could better see the musicians during performances.
As transparent pianos gained popularity for their striking visual appearance, manufacturers began experimenting with full acrylic bodies. Today, crystal grand pianos are among the most dramatic luxury instruments available, combining traditional piano craftsmanship with modern materials and design.
Unlike traditional wooden pianos, acrylic pianos are highly resistant to humidity and environmental changes. With proper care — usually simple cleaning with specialized acrylic solutions — the instrument can maintain its clarity and brilliance for decades. Minor surface scratches can also be polished out, and many manufacturers offer separate warranties for acrylic components.
Crystal Grand Piano Price
Depending on the design, size, brand, and level of customization, the price of a crystal grand piano can range from tens of thousands of dollars to well over a million.
What are the best transparent pianos available today?
The standout choice for a transparent piano is the Lucid Piano, crafted by Blüthner in Germany. Renowned for its exceptional performance, elegant design, and extensive customization options, the Lucid Piano surpasses its competition. In addition to Blüthner, other notable brands that offer quality transparent pianos include Schimmel, Kawai, and Lumiere, each bringing their unique flair and craftsmanship to the market.
Blüthner Lucid Piano Line Iconic Quality
With over 175 years of piano-building experience, Bluthner is an industry leader in glass pianos. It’s in their DNA the innovation and craftsmanship that fully embraces new technologies allowing the piano design to go where no piano maker has gone before.
Bluthner Lucid Line comprises the following models: iDyllic Excellence, Lucid Elegance, Hive Xtravaganza, Hive Elegance, Translucid, Lucid Exo, Lucid Enzo, and PH Piano.
If you are looking for a fully transparent clear grand piano Lucid iDyllic is your perfect choice. All of its body is made entirely from acrylic – which makes for an ethereal floating presence. The remarkable action and soundboard are on full display, and the piano truly amazes us with its complete transparency. Though it may seem fragile, the acrylic’s industrial strength guarantees durability. Lucid iDyllic also has an upright version – which is fully transparent.
Another great option is PH Piano. Available in two sizes: 5 feet and 6 feet 1 inch. The lid of this piano is made with lucite and has a metal exoskeleton, while the body is wrapped in leather that can be customized to any color or print.
Lucid Enzo is the newest addition to the ultra-luxury lineup. It rests on a pedestal with a V-shaped curve. Its lid comes with customizable acrylic panes. These proprietary design details are carefully guarded and are available by request from interior designers and architects.
Pricing of Lucid pianos begins at around $50,000 and goes up to $850,000. Endless customization options are available. Whether you like a leopard print piano with a crystal lid or a metal exoskeleton, Bluthner Lucid can build the luxury grand piano of your dreams.
FEATURES:
- Available in multiple sizes (from petite baby grand to full-size concert grand)
- Fully customizable
- High-end materials
- 30-year acrylic warranty
- Excellent sound quality
- Fully transparent option
- Made in Germany
Schimmel Glass Distinguished Quality
The Schimmel brand is synonymous with super-quality pianos and is a pioneer of transparent pianos. The first model was designed by Arno Schimmel back in 1951 and later revised by Nikolaus Schimmel in the 1980s. The material Schimmel uses for their transparent instruments is plexiglass – which is used for bulletproof windows. This results in a durable, sturdy piano that weighs as much as a 9-foot concert grand despite being 7 feet in size.
The piano has an iconic classic design and aesthetic to which Schimmel remains faithful. Depending on your customization options, the price is between $250,000 – 300,000.
One can choose from a white or black acoustic piano body, select between gold or chrome metal hardware, or, better yet, add internal lighting, which transforms this glass piano into a virtual creature from Avatar.
A fascinating option and guaranteed quality from Schimmel – who has earned its reputation in over a century of piano excellence.
FEATURES:
- Very good sound quality
- Modern case
- Limited customization
- Available in only one size (213cm or 7ft grand)
- Made in Germany
Kawai CR40 Crystal Piano Consumer Grade
Japanese piano maker Kawai has also created its crystal piano. Their early models of transparent pianos were based on the KG-3C grand model, and they strove to create a clear piano that would display the piano’s action elements.
The industrial-grade acrylic is strong. The classic proportions of the piano lines give you the impression that this is a transparent twin of the performance pianos found on concert stages worldwide. Laconic and measured its appearance is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is available in one size – 6 feet 1 inch and is 59 inches wide.
It weighs in at 935 pounds due to its acrylic body – which is 30% heavier than same-sized traditional instruments. It’s worth mentioning that Kawai Cr-40 is not a fully transparent piano – it utilizes a conventional piano rim covered with acrylic.
Kawai only makes three CR-40s per year, costing over $200,000.
FEATURES:
- Good sound quality
- Modern case
- Not customizable
- Available in only one size (6’1″ grand)
- Made in Japan
Kawai CR-1 M Consumer Grade
Kawai’s anniversary edition creation is a unique and extraordinary CR-M1. Made of reinforced industrial-grade acrylic and polished silver plates, this 200cm semi-transparent grand piano is a gem. Designed to refract light into a rainbow of colors due to its mirror-polished silver details, it also carries some heft weighing in at 1100 pounds.
There will only be 5 of these ever made – which is reflected in the price it commands – $920,000 and up, based on your customization. Upon special order, the piano is hand built in Japan.
FEATURES:
- Good sound quality
- Modern case
- Not customizable
- Available in only one size (200cm or 6’7″ grand)
- Extremely expensive
- Made in Japan
Lumiere Piano Affordable Luxury
An exciting newcomer to the world of crystal grand pianos is Lumiere.
Lumiere brings the visual drama and craftsmanship of six-figure transparent pianos to a more accessible price point. With its semi-transparent acrylic body and sleek modern design, the Lumiere is an ultra-contemporary transparent grand piano that looks both glamorous and high-tech.
The piano can be customized in virtually any RAL color (available as an upgrade), allowing the instrument to match modern interiors or bold architectural spaces. Optional self-playing PianoDisc systems can also be installed, allowing the piano to perform automatically — a popular feature for luxury homes, hotels, and event venues.
Lumiere pianos are built using high-quality German components such as Abel hammers, Röslau strings, and crystal-clear acrylic panels produced by Plexiglas®. This combination of premium materials and modern design creates an excellent value among today’s acrylic grand pianos, delivering both visual impact and musical performance.
The lineup also includes the Lumiere Classic baby grand, which features a solid cabinet paired with crystal acrylic legs, lid, pedal lyre, and music desk — a perfect option for those who want a touch of transparent design without committing to a fully clear instrument. Lumiere also offers a striking crystal upright piano, one of the most visually impressive vertical pianos available today.
With its high-quality materials, German components, and design oversight from an experienced luxury piano team, Lumiere offers one of the most compelling options for buyers seeking a crystal grand piano without entering the $150,000+ ultra-luxury tier.
FEATURES:
- Lumiere (flagship semitransparent ultra-modern baby grand)
- Lumiere Classic (solid body, crystal legs, lid, lyre, music stand, wallboard)
- Lumiere Upright
- Quality: German components, Plexiglass acrylic
- Customization: base color white, silver, black, or any RAL color customization is possible
- Upgrades: PianoDisc player system
- Provenance: Designed by Luxury Pianos, assembled in Asia
- Price: $20,000-47,000 depending on the model and customizations
Heintzman Crystal Piano One-of-a-kind
Known as the most expensive piano ever sold, this one-of-a-kind creation by a leading Canadian piano builder sold at an auction to an anonymous bidder for $3.22 million. Initially built for the dazzling opening of the Chinese Olympics, its only public performance was during that historic opening ceremony. Since it has been auctioned off – and now resides in a personal private residence. Though we don’t know much about these pianos and their details, this story symbolizes the essence of an ultra-luxury custom piano: to be a passionate acquisition of a collector.
Such is the exciting world of crystal acrylic pianos. We hope this overview gives you a better understanding of the instruments, what to look for and what different pricing affords in terms of customization, quality, and design.
