Again, a subjective question, as some people prefer different piano manufacturers for different reasons, just as manufacturers have different strengths and weaknesses. In the past – that is to say before WWII, the top makes were generally considered to be German or Austrian, with Steinweg (Steinway), Bechstein, Bosendorfer, Bluthner and iBach being the major players. However, these days companies like Yamaha and Kawai are also well-respected names in piano making, although a lot of the German names still exist in one form or another. In the end, though, it is more important to try, compare and select the piano that looks, sounds and feels right to you, rather than simply rely on the strength of a brand name.