6 of the Best Crystal Acrylic Pianos
For decades piano manufacturers have been developing new technologies and utilizing materials that range from gold leaf and Swarovski crystals to the most advanced carbon fiber and lucite. As new materials become sophisticated enough to be used to create as complex a machine as the piano is, the possibilities of what a modern luxury piano can look like are genuinely endless.
The crystal pianos are among the most beautiful luxury pianos in the world, and within that category, there is an excellent variety of styles, from traditional to ultra-modern.
Today we will introduce you to the best crystal acrylic pianos in the world. These instruments are marvels of modern design, craftsmanship, and technology. They are an extraordinary addition to the interiors of those who only seek to have the very best the world can offer.
Why are they called crystal pianos?
Though often referred to as crystal pianos, these instruments are not adorned with Swarovski crystals (Strass) but are actually made of lucite or acrylic.
Acrylic is not a new material; it has been available since the 1900s. By the 1930s, technology advanced to allow various objects to be crafted in any shape. This marked the emergence of lucite resin, which quickly became popular in products like jewelry, home furnishings, and the automotive industry.
Eventually, piano manufacturers recognized the promise of this glass-like, transparent material that remained clear over time and did not yellow or oxidize from sunlight. The first transparent piano lid was patented in 1976 for Libby-Owns-Ford Company. It was specially requested by the Boston Pops Orchestra and Toledo Symphony Orchestra with the intention that, when opened, it would not obstruct the view of the musicians during performances.
As crystal acrylic pianos began to gain popularity for their remarkable style and novelty, many leading piano manufacturers began exploring new possibilities for a piano design that lucite afforded.
Unlike traditional wooden instruments, crystal acrylic pianos are not susceptible to humidity fluctuations and are easy to care for. Just wipe it with the special solution, and it is shiny and clean. Minor surface scratches can be buffed off, and reasonable care for such a precious piano guarantees you will have a stunning instrument for many decades. Reputable manufacturers also offer a separate warranty on the acrylic elements, ensuring your investment’s safety.
The cost of crystal acrylic pianos ranges from tens of thousands to millions.
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 165 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 industrial strength of the acrylic 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 an aluminum 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 metal exoskeleton – Bluthner Lucid can build the 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
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 and sturdy piano that weighs as much as a 9-foot concert grand while its size is 7 feet.
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 ever-popular acrylic piano space is Lumiere. Created by the team behind Luxury Pianos, Lumiere embodies the six-digit premium crystal piano’s style and attention to detail but at an accessible price point. With its semitransparent body, Lumiere is an ultra-modern baby grand that can look glamorous and high-tech. Lumiere can be customized in any RAL color (for a small upgrade charge), so the final product can represent your style. PianoDisc player system can also be installed so your piano can play itself (a trendy option).
Lumiere is built with quality German components, such as Abel hammers, Rosslau strings, and crystal clear acrylic by Plexiglass, so you get extraordinary value for the money. The piano has a warranty of 5 years and Plexiglass acrylic for ten years.
Lumiere lineup also features the Lumiere Classic baby grand – with solid body and crystal legs, lid, pedal lyre, and music stand, an excellent option for those who want a touch of crystal magic but are not ready to go all-out futuristic. The brand also offers crystal upright – perhaps the most beautiful vertical piano out there. With the high-quality acrylic, German components, and design supervision of an experienced ultra-premium piano design team, Lumiere is the best price/quality/design option if you are on the budget and are not ready to spend north of $150K on your crystal pianos.
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.
