The piano as an 'all-rounder' celebrated a spectacular rise in Europe from the late 18th century. Its impact on bourgeois-political life was profound. Due to its versatile applicability, the piano significantly promoted music culture in the political centers of power, London and Berlin. In line with the expanded Bourdieusian concept of culture, the study of the piano as an instrument of power is oriented around economic, cultural, and social capital. The historical transition into industrial society and the shift of music from the intimate sphere of agrarian society to a broad public is illustrated and interpreted through the case studies of Broadwood and Bechstein. The roles of the two company founders are examined in detail, as they acted as promoters of an effective triangle of relationships among producers, artists, and consumers. With the piano music in the two studied countries, clear boundaries were intentionally drawn to provide cultural legitimacy to social contrasts.