Knauer Pianos

The review is for the moving service. I bought a piano from a private party and not from this store. The prior piano owner arrange a moving date with Knauer. It was quite a distance from Agoura Hills to Orange County. The piano was picked up in the morning and supposed to deliver to my house on same day. However, I got a phone call on that day asked to deliver the piano next morning because they have another pick up in Orange County. I figure it will save them time and gas so I agreed to it. The delivery time was 7AM to 9AM. I waited and got a phone call from Knauer at 8:45AM and asked to change the delivery to another day. I told him no since I have already let him changed it before and I waited all morning. Knauer told me ok, we’ll deliver the piano by 1PM. I told Knauer no later than 1PM since I have to go to my kids school. I cannot be late for that. I waited till 12:50 and still no show. Called Knauer and left vm that I had to leave. Luckily I was able to have my husband come home for lunch and waited for Knauer to deliver the piano. They didn’t come until 1:30PM. Also, Knauer uses a 3^rd party for their moving service but the calling and arranging date and time was by a person from Knauer.

Ben at Knauer Pianos is the best! I am on my second piano purchased at the store in Agoura. The first was a starter to see if my kids would continue playing. They did, so the second one is going to be around for the long run. Just recently had an issue with it, Ben, had someone come out the following week and fix it. I love that. People that stand by their word. If you are in the market for a piano or an upgrade don’t bother looking anywhere else.

Ben Knauer and his entire staff went above and beyond in getting me a new baby grand. From the initial inquiry, handled personally by Ben, our phone calls and emails, the attention received by Douglas at the store, I couldn’t have been more pleased with my experience…
The movers were professional, friendly, and had quite the challenge delivering the piano in my home… highly recommend these 3 guys…
THANK YOU, and thank you Ben for getting me the piano I have wanted for many years…

We purchased a baby grand from Knauer and the customer service has been top-​notch from beginning to end. I purchased a used piano and had them make changes for me like changing out the gold hardware to silver and changing the finish from gloss to matte. Every request was completed to perfection. They delivered on time and when I had a few small issues after delivery the owner, Ben, scheduled a technician to come out immediately and take care of everything. Ben stands by everything he promises, answers the phone when you call him and responds quickly. I cannot recommend them more — perfect experience. Do not hesitate buying from Knauer.

Visited both Knaer showrooms over the holidays in search of a large Steinway. We were disappointed with the sound and overall quality of most the pianos we heard. Even though he was recommended, this piano outlet fell short on the whole package. Through our endliess searching from the Steinway store in Beverly hills to other piano places we finally came accross THE piano which had the sound and overall quality we desired from a place that was off the freeway nearby. If your going to pay a hefty sum than you should expect more and not have to settle on any aspect.

I bought a baby grand piano here about ten years ago and it was much less expensive than anywhere else I looked at. I was able to try out a lot of pianos at their store, and was undecided because I wasn’t sure how the baby grand would fit in our living room. So they actually brought the baby grand and two other pianos that we liked, and put them in our living room so we could decide. The baby grand did fit and it was what I really wanted so that’s what we got. Ben had offered that I could get another piano and trade it in at any future time for the full price I had paid, towards a different piano, but I decided that because the price was so good and it’s what we really wanted in the end, we got the baby grand. I’ve only had it tuned twice, once after we’d had it for a while (and my little kids had inserted lego into the piano), and once after we moved to a different house. He also installed a piano lock for me which is great because now nobody can play it unless I let them. I think pianos are supposed to be tuned more often, but this one sounds so great and doesn’t go out of tune so I haven’t needed to tune it again.

Hello Piano Lovers,
I am a pianist, composer, and recording artist, and I wanted to stop by and give you my unbiased feelings about this gentleman and his company.
I have owned a Yamaha Clavinova since 2005, as I live in a condo, and thought having an electric piano, with its volume control and headphone jack, would be beneficial as I often like to practice late at night. The problem was, I was never inspired to practice… as all of us realize, its just not the same as playing on a REAL piano. (My apologies to keyboard players who PREFER playing unweighted action keyboards, I know youre out there, and thats cool, this post is for PIANO PLAYERS)…Anyway, as my inspiration wasn’t there, consequently, I wasn’t playing or practicing near as much as I should/​could be.
Finally, I decided, I have to buy a REAL piano. Thus began my search all over Los Angeles for the right piano. I visited many dealers, and played probably dozens of pianos. I then decided to give Ben Knauer a call. My first impression was good. Ben sounded really mellow, and relaxed, and friendly over the phone. He invited me to stop by and play a few pianos. OK, I said, and off I drove to their shop.
Nice, clean, well organized space, and lots of pianos, all in very nice shape.
I began a several day long adventure of visiting, playing, going home and thinking about it, then returning, playing more, and going home and thinking about it. Obviously, its a big decision, and I wanted to be sure. Throughout the process, Ben (and his wife Robbie) were both patient, warm, and open to my endless questions and comments. Finally, although I really had my heart set on a Yamaha, I made the decision, and picked a piano I really liked that was not my «usual brand» lets say… I have been a loyal Yamaha fan for 30 years. Ive always liked their pianos best, but this (X) brand played and sounded beautiful, and I said, «Well, maybe its time for a change!» so, I bought it.
After several days, something really strange happened: as I was playing, the black keys began breaking off! I guess it was just bad luck, but obviously, I was very upset. First, it happened once, so I re-​glued the key back on. Then the next day, another broke off. Finally, all told, seven black keys broke off. Now, this is a «fluke».This (X) brand is a very well known brand so I was really surprised! Rarely, a black key can break off, but this was just a defect in the glueing of the black keys on this particular piano. I called Ben, and he was very cool, and he said,“Dont worry, we will make this right.” He offered to have a (X) brand tech come to my home, and re-​glue the entire set of black keys! I said, «Thanks Ben, but I think this is a sign. May I just exchange the piano?»
«No worries», he said, and invited me back to the store. This time, I was very lucky. I found several Yamahas that I really liked. Finally, I picked out an older (1986 Vintage) Yamaha G2 Baby Grand. Now, I have to tell you, the piano had just come in… it was not even detailed. Ben had had his tuner give it a quickie tuning… but there was something that told me, this piano had tremendous potential!
I came back to the store several days in a row, and sometimes I stayed for 7 to 8 hours, bouncing back and forth from piano to piano, trying to make my decision. Throughout my visits, I was always made to feel welcome, and never rushed or pushed. And as I was there so often, I got to know Ben better. He is a great guy… spiritually very centered, very patient. He is chill, warm, funny, engaging, and extremely knowledgeable about pianos.
I finally said, «OK, Ben, this is the one. But, can you have it voiced like this other Yamaha over here?(I pointed to a newer model Yamaha C2 that was far more expensive, but had a much darker, warmer sound which I really like… the G2 was much“honkier» sounding, and a bit too bright but, I know these things can be changed). Ben said «I think so, we will do our best». I also was concerned as the cabinet had a few scratches, and dings.“No problem, we will take care of everything”.
Well, I counted the days until my new Yamaha was prepped and ready to be delivered. Finally, the big day arrived… Ben’s movers came, and exchanged the pianos. They took the (X) piano out, and brought in the G2. When I sat down to play it, I have to say I was ASTONISHED. It had indeed been voiced just the way I like it. It had a darker, warmer sound, yet it had the rich, deep, thunderous BIG sound I love about Yamahas. It also has the capability of sounding breathtakingly beautiful at softer volumes. This is a piano I could love forever. Also, the case had been meticulously cleaned, and the scratches and light nicks completely eradicated (I have no idea who Ben has working for him in that department, but these guys are serious… they did a fantastic job!) The piano looks GORGEOUS. Thank You, Ben!
In conclusion: These are great people, who genuinely care about making their customers happy. I recommend Ben Knauer Pianos wholeheartedly!

I went to Knauer Pianos yesterday and was so impressed with this place. The salesman who worked with me was so knowledgable about all the piano brands and what to look for and he gave me a huge lesson in the history of pianos and what criteria I should use to find one, based on what I’m looking for in particular. I’ve been overwhelmed with all the «reviews» of pianos that I see online, and his little lesson made me feel a lot more at ease that I might be able to make a decision now. I didn’t feel pressured at all, he left me alone to play on the pianos when I was ready to test them out. I could tell I was speaking to someone who is honest and just loves the subject of pianos himself. I would trust working with them 100%. I really appreciated the level of service, after going to another place that was awful. Their prices seem very reasonable. They pay for delivery and you get a free tuning 30 days after delivery. Even though I ultimately didn’t buy a piano there, I enjoyed my experience and definitely recommend them.

Best customer service experience I’ve had for a long time. Ben was really nice, knowledgeable, and didn’t push Me out of my comfort zone. He worked with exactly what I was looking for. Delivery was professional and easy. The price I thought was very reasonable. If you look on craigslist, ya you can maybe get a piano for half the price, but with Knauer, they’ve picked it up, inspected it, cleaned it, fixed it, and give you a warranty, delivery, and haul away on your old piano included in the price… On a stinkin HUGE instrument, so HELLO PEOPLE complaining of the markup price of course theres gonna be one! they do a lot of work. if you dont like it, then go on craigslist and good luck doing all the work yourself. For the markup your getting ease of mind and shopping from a seasoned professional. my piano is beautiful and exactly what I wanted! Thank you Ben!

I called Knauer to move my Piano about a month ago, and they did an amazing job! They were able to schedule a move the day I needed ! Had problem about the time (- 1 star) but I called and they fixed the problem ASAP! Very happy with them! When I move again I will absolutely call them again!
(P.S.) They gave me a discount because of the time problem! YAY for me :)

I love this place! I talked to Ben and Doug and both were amazing. No sales pressure, they just gave me the info I needed to pick the best piano for my current situation. Today, I ordered my piano at 10 am and it was delivered at 1 pm! The movers were nice too. The only annoying thing is that they aren’t allowed to give prices over the phone unless you have physically been in one of their stores. I guess this is a dealer requirement as I was told the same thing from other piano stores.

I’ve been attending group piano lessons at Knauer Pianos for the past 3 months, and I’m very pleased with the progress I’ve made thus far. The instructors are incredibly helpful, and not big-​headed like other piano teachers I’ve had. The program is curtailed to the pace of the individual participants, ensuring that you are not left behind.
Within 3 months, I went from playing simple chords onward to scales to, at this point, somewhat complex note patterns. After each lesson, I find myself teaching my son all that I’ve learned!
Overall, Knauer Pianos offers a very welcoming learning environment — I am no longer intimidated at the idea of playing piano as I look forward to each lesson. I am definitely a very critical reviewer, so the 5 stars I am awarding are well deserved.

This place is awesome! The owner, Ben Knauer, is always there and extremely knowledgable. I don’t know what this «Paul B» is talking about considering each time I have visited the store Ben has been overly accommodating and kind, and further whenever I’ve done any of my own research online Ben’s information always proves to be 100% accurate. Robbie, Ben’s wife, is often at the store as well and is one of the kindest human beings I have ever had the pleasure of coming in contact with. This store really reminds you what a real, family-​run business should be like. The Knauer’s are great! I highly recommend this store!

I signed up for the adult piano lessons at the Tarzana location and I just love these classes!!! The price is great at $ 100 per month for a full-​hour lesson each week and the teacher is awesome. Additionally, Robbie Knauer is so nice.

I liked Ben Knauer. Overlook the disorganization and you’ll find a pleasant, courteous, knowledgeable, candid, ready to help piano professional. Go early and make an appointment to see Ben personally and it will be worth the trip. Even if you don’t find your piano there, (I didn’t) you’ll at least come out with a better understanding of pianos and a pleasant non-​pressure atmosphere.

I just bought a piano from Ben. I couldn’t be happier. I went with my two-​year-​old son to two other piano stores as well. Knauer piano is the best. Ben Knauer was helpful, patient, and hospitable. When purchasing something that will be meaningful to you and your family, it’s important to look for a positive experience and feeling. This is the type of business that you want your hard-​earned money to support.

I have been teaching piano professionally for over 13 years, throughout Orange County, Diamond Bar area and the San Fernando Valley. I have dealt with dozens of piano and music stores, searching for the best service I could refer my students.
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When you buy a piano, you should have the same attitude as if you were to buy a car:
1) Does it look great inside and out?
2) Is this a good brand (for resale value in the future)
3) Has it been maintained & tuned beautifully?
4) Does it give you a nice smile when you play/​drive it?
5) Have you had an expert test-​drive your purchase before you decide?
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Thankfully I have test-​driven hundreds of piano to help my students find the best. Knauer’s Pianos are absolutely a cut above the rest. The quality of the pianos they sell, are sold elsewhere for 3−4x what Knauer’s charge.
Ben Knauer is a Master Technician. I have seen & heard him take a 120yr old piano and make it sing like it was young again. His team is not only professional but honest.
People regularly FLY FROM OUT OF STATE just to buy pianos from them. I met these out-​of-​towners who’ve testified to Knauer Pianos’ service.
***If you would like professional, honest «test-​drive» of any piano they have on hand, feel free to contact me (424) 235‑5009.

Question: Who is more sly than a used-​car salesman? Answer: Used-​piano salesman. The salesman there tried to rip me off by playing a tack game with the owner, Ben. When I first arrived, the salesman tried to ease my mind by stating, «Oh, I am a musician first. I am not a salesman. Please feel free to try all the piano’s and see how you like the sound. We will talk about price later.» Then once I chose a piano, the salesman (ooops, or shall I say, «musician») went on the phone to «bargain» on my behalf with the owner, Ben. He then said, «Oh boy, the owner must be really generous today. He cut the price down to $ 8000 from $ 9000.» Then when I hesitated, he pulled the overused line, «You know, a woman this morning tried that piano and really liked it. She was going to bring her husband back tomorrow. So I am not sure if the piano will still be available by tomorrow.» He then ignored me since it was 10 minutes before the store was going to close.
Three days later unbeknown to the salesman, my friend dropped by and the same scenario happened, except this time, the price is «so special» that it dropped to $ 7000 on that same piano.
I will never buy from them again!