Major Piano Brands and Locations
Eastern European pianos
Overview: Eastern European pianos often have great scale designs and striking cabinets. Due to different working and business conditions, and sometimes shortages of high-quality raw materials, they can be of lower quality than those from Western Europe. Store piano technicians often put in significant time doing final adjustments before these pianos are put on the sales floor. The prices of these pianos are usually much lower than those of Western Europe, making them a good value for the cost.
Brand descriptions:
Estonia (Estonia): Estonias are in great demand in Eastern Europe and rival Petrof in the quality of their grand piano craftsmanship. The Estonia piano is characterized by a uniquely warm, melodious, romantic, and deep sound. www.estoniapiano.com
Petrof/Weinbach (Czech Republic): Weinbach is made by the Petrof company. The two brand names should be seen as having equal quality as they use similar if not identical scale designs. There are differences in the cabinet finishes and styles available between the two with Petrof having a larger variety. Petrofs are known for their warm, rich, singing tone, full of color, though it may have less tonal projection than the more famous northern German pianos. Petrof grands sound comparable to better-known European pianos. Both Petrof verticals and grands tend to have a heavy touch. In general, the Petrof combines satisfactory but inconsistent workmanship with quality tone and beautiful cabinetry. The grands are higher-quality instruments than the verticals. This piano is a cost-effective brand often recommended for average home use for musicians with a sensitive musical ear. www.petrof.com
Rieger-Kloss (Czech Republic): The piano is made using German Renner hammers and action, German Rossler strings, and fine-grade solid spruce soundboard. Rieger-Kloss pianos also have a mellow tone and lighter touch. www.riegerkloss.com
Th. Betting (Poland): Names also used include Schirmer & Son, and possibly other private-label brands. Th. Betting and Schirmer & Son are identical pianos. Four types of vertical piano models are imported into the United States.
Western European pianos
Overview: Sold in the United States in relatively small numbers due to their high cost and name recognition, even though they are very high quality pianos. Many companies in Western Europe have access to the best resources and continue a tradition of flawless craftsmanship and meticulous cabinetmaking. Their tone tends to be pure, clear, and warm, one that may not be suitable when a powerful sound is desired. There is also a slightly greater risk of small problems due to humidity changes upon export.
Brand descriptions:
Bechstein (Germany): Names also used include C. Bechstein, W. Hoffmann, and Zimmermann. Beautiful tone to the verticals. The tone of Bechstein grands is rich in color and full of nuance. It has a balanced, lighter playing action, and allows control over dynamic gradations. It also allows great depth of musical expression, strength, and volume, but may be too bright at higher volumes. Samick of South Korea, became the new principal shareholder in 2002. With the integration into the Samick group Bechstein now belongs to one of the biggest music instrument manufacturers worldwide. www.bechstein.de
Blüthner (Germany): Names also used include Haessler, Irmler, and Breitmann. These pianos have a full sound that is warm, romantic, and lyrical. The singing quality of the sound has found many vocal admirers, "as no other instrument mixes so well with the human voice." (Bluthner website). Its warm sound has been compared to the dark tonality of the cello. www.bluthnerpiano.com
Bösendorfer (Austria): Producer of pianos since 1828, sold to Kimball in 1966, and purchased from Kimball by BAWAG-P.S.K. Group in 2002. Bösendorfer has currently under Austrian ownership. One of the most distinctive features of the grands is that the largest four models have more than eighty-eight notes. These keys are almost never used, yet their presence, and the presence of the extra long bridge and larger soundboard to accommodate them, adds extra power, resonance, and clarity to the lowest regular notes of the piano. The world-famous concert pianist Garrick Ohlsson enjoys the "clear, strong sound, the unmistakable bass, and the wonderful touch of the keys." (Bösendorfer website). This piano brand is one of the most expensive in the world. www.boesendorfer.com
Fazioli (Italy): Fazioli builds only grands in six sizes, including the largest piano made in the world today, 10'2". The company says that a critical factor in the sound of its pianos is the scientific selection of its woods, such as the resonant spruce obtained from the Val di Fiemme forest, where Stradivarius reportedly sought woods for his violins. The pianos combine tremendous power with great expressiveness and clarity. Faziolis produce sound that ranges from ppp to fff, without distortion. The duration of sound is also very long, extremely important for legato and cantabile playing in that the sound does not decay rapidly. The pianist is also able to clearly present single parts or voices, especially when performing polyphonic works. From the start, the Fazioli "ideal sound has been a constant motivation to produce the very best piano in the world." (Fazioli website) Fazioli makes only about a hundred pianos a year so export to the United States is limited. These pianos are also incredibly expensive. Some of the larger grands also include a fourth pedal to serve as another una corda pedal that does not disturb the timbre of sound in that it moves the hammers closer to the strings. www.fazioli.com
Feurich (Germany): All feature Renner actions, Bavarian spruce soundboards, and extraordinary cabinetwork. These pianos have a large dynamic range, and a lush sound. www.feurich.com
August Förster (Germany): These pianos are extremely well built with an enormous amount of hand labor and have elegant cabinetry-much of it is made to order to the customer's desire. The tone of August Förster is warm and mellow with a bass that is rich and deep, yet very clear. The treble is very bright which can be adjusted by a piano technician to suit the owner. The cost of the upright is steep, for those with unlimited funds and limited space. www.august-foerster.de
Grotrian (Germany): Currently only grands are sold in the United States. "Beauty of sound, tonal charm, precision, accuracy," all features that are referred to in connection with the Grotrian piano (Grotrian site). These ideas are not only based on acoustic reasons but also upon stability and solidity. Their pianos have a star-shaped back construction and a notch design principle which guides the enormous tensional forces of the strings through star-shaped struts to a common center. www.grotrian.de
Ibach (Germany/South Korea): Other names used include Bachendorff and Royale. Ibach has the distinction of being the oldest existing manufacturer of fine pianos in the world (1794). German-made Ibachs are very consistent in their characteristics. They have a firm and transparent bass, a pearl-like singing tone in the treble, and a rich warmth in the middle section. They also have a long tonal sustain and a large dynamic range. Ibach offers a wide variety of pianos from which to choose, offering multiple models, and cabinet designs with choice of veneers and polishes. www.ibach.de/eng
Kemble (England): Kemble is both England's and Western Europe's largest piano manufacturer. In 1985, Kemble started making pianos for Yamaha. Yamaha in turn bought a majority interest in the company and expanded and modernized the factory there. The quality of the materials used in the Kemble is comparable to that in the Yamaha pianos Kemble makes, except that the soundboard of the Kemble is of Bavarian spruce and the cabinets tend to be fancier than Yamaha's. Kemble pianos have a warm, rich sound, power, and responsiveness of touch. They are "famous for a rich mellow European sound" (Kemble site). www.uk-piano.org/kemble
Knight (England): Knight Pianos Ltd. is no longer producing pianos. Knight was founded in 1936, sold to the Bentley Piano Co. in 1990, and then sold to Whelpdale Maxwell & Codd Ltd. in 1993. Whelpdale has been making pianos since the 1930's under the names of Welmar, Marshall & Rose, Broadwood, and now the Knight and Bentley names. This piano's tone is warm and singing.
Pleyel (France): One of the hallmark piano brands throughout French music history. Many of the great pianists such as Chopin, Ravel, etc. performed and composed at their Pleyel. Both uprights and grands are popular, well-built, and have a warm, rich tone with nice key responsiveness. www.pleyel.fr
Sauter (Germany): Sauter is considered to be a medium-high quality piano in Europe. The grands have a lush, full, singing tone, similar to a United States piano in terms of sound than most other European pianos. www.sauter-pianos.de/english
Schimmel (Germany): Schimmel pianos have a light, responsive action, bright tone, and rich round bass. They tend to be more economical than other Western European brands. www.schimmel-piano.de
Seiler (Germany): Seiler makes high quality pianos using a combination of traditional methods and modern technology. Its Membrator System optimizes the resonance of the soundboard and hence produces the transparent sound characteristic of the Seiler. Its patented Tonal Volume Stabilizer makes for additional tonal volume and the optimum radiation of the sound produced. Seiler's Super Magnet Repetition (SMR) action permits repetition speeds on uprights previously only attainable on grands. The scale designs are of relatively high tension, producing a brilliant, balanced tone that is consistent. Seiler grand and upright pianos come in a variety of models, with choice veneers and exquisite inlays, making each Seiler unique and a "worthwhile, long-term investment." (Seiler site) www.seiler-pianos.de
Wilhelm Steinberg (Germany): One size of Steinberg is imported into the United States at this time-a 48" upright. It has typical quality German workmanship and finish and a full, bright, clear tone, possibly more American sounding than European.
United States pianos
Overview: There are many different types of pianos sold in the United States, some made by companies here and others made here by foreign companies. Most have traditionally tended toward a powerful, but complex, "stringy" tone, full of the higher harmonics. With some exceptions they also need a lot of servicing by the piano technician to bring them to their full potential.
Brand descriptions:
Aeolian: Shut down operations in 1985. Famous for building player pianos. Avoid the Aeolian pianos made in Memphis as they were known to make some of the worst pianos in the United States. Trade names it owned at one point included Aeolian, Bradbury, Cabaret, Cable, Cambridge, Chickering, Duo/Art, Entertainer, J. & C. Fischer, Hallet & Davis, Hardman, Ivers & Pond, Knabe, Kranich & Bach, Mason & Hamlin, Pianola, Wellington, etc.
Astin-Weight: Manufactured in a small plant in Salt Lake City, Utah, since 1959. Several things make this piano unique. First, both vertical models have no wooden back posts, but use a massive full-perimeter cast-iron plate to support the string tension. The soundboard also takes up the entire back of the piano, behind the pin block, which results in a larger vibrating area. The Astin-Weight grand lid is hinged on the right (treble) side, instead of on the left (bass), a feature that Astin-Weight calls "Grand, American Style." Overall these pianos have a responsive touch, a deep, full rich tone and an "extended audible decay." (Astin-Weight site) They also offer a variety of hand-rubbed oil finishes. www.astin-weight.com
Baldwin: The largest-selling manufacturer of pianos in the United States. Names used include Baldwin, Chickering, Hamilton, Ellington, Classic, D.H. Baldwin, Wurlitzer, Kranich & Bach (imported from China); no longer used names include Howard and Monarch. In 2001 it was acquired by the Gibson Guitar Co. Baldwin also owns Wurlitzer, yet some Wurlitzer's are made by Young Chang out of Korea. Baldwin action parts are made in Mexico. Baldwin pianos range in quality from medium-quality student pianos to state-of-the-art grands. Most piano technicians find some service challenges and imperfections in the upright Baldwin, yet the Baldwin name and tone are very popular with customers, and Baldwins play well enough for average use. Baldwin pianos are often compared to Steinway pianos and while Baldwin grands are quality instruments, the tone is a little more percussive and less sustained than that of the Steinway. Baldwin grands are also about one-third less expensive than comparably sized Steinways. Baldwin offers custom "made-to-order" pianos with a variety of woods, colors (haven't you always wanted a piano in the color of "Beale Street Blue"?), and finishes. www.baldwinpiano.com
Fandrich: Has the distinction of being both the newest and the most innovative piano made in the United States. It has a brand new back, soundboard, and action designs; tradition only remaining with the cabinet. Delwin Fandrich has also created an action design that makes an upright piano play like a grand (mainly desired by those with limited space). Fandrich pianos can be purchased only from the factory or from factory-outlet stores, not from regular piano dealers. Fandrich grand pianos combine the foundational elements of the Ibach piano, with German made Renner parts, German piano scale design, Bavarian spruce soundboards, Delignite pinblocks, and their musical designs are similar in principal to the designs of Steinway and Mason & Hamlin. They "include some of the powerful brilliance of Steinway designs along with some of the lyrical singing quality of older Mason & Hamlins. This tonal character along with their own touch and pedal function is the essence of a Fandrich & Sons piano." (Fandrich site) www.fandrich.com
Kimball: Names used include Kimball, Conn, Jasper American, W.W. Kimball, Hinze, Harrison, Schuerman, DeVoe & Sons, Whittaker, Becker, La Petite, Krakauer, Whitney, Whitmore, and Sherman Clay. Production began in 1857 as Kimble Pianos & Organs. In July 1995, Kimball stopped making grand pianos and for a year or so their uprights were made by Baldwin. In February 1996 production stopped.
START HERE>>>>>
Knabe: Originally Knabe & Co. in 1854, bought out by American Piano Company, then Aeolian Corp., followed by Mason & Hamlin, and finally owned and made by Samick out of South Korea. www.knabepianos.com
Kohler & Campbell: Made by Samick and sold in the Sherman Clay chain of piano stores as well as by other dealers. See Samick, below, under South Korean pianos, for more information. www.samick.co.kr/eng/default.asp, www.kohlerpianos.com
Mason & Hamlin: also makes the Falcone www.masonhamlin.com
Steinway & Sons: Also owns the Boston piano made by Kawai. Boston's tend to have a little less attack sound and more tone color than other Asian pianos, resulting in more warmth to the tone. Voicing is somewhat inconsistent from one piano to the next, and sustain in the treble is occasionally absent. The grand action is light and responsive. www.steinway.com
Sohmer: Made by Samick. www.samick.co.kr/eng/default.asp www.masonhamlin.com
Story & Clark: Names used include Story & Clark, Hobart M. Cable; no longer used: Classic, Lowrey, Hampton. www.storyandclark.com
Charles R. Walter: Names used include Charles R. Walter, Janssen. Walter pianos are well constructed and frequently recommended, incorporating the "finest and most advanced design that technology can provide. Careful attention is given to full bass performance through the use of long strings and a large solid spruce soundboard. Extensive work in scale design provides smooth sound continuity across the keyboard, a singing treble, and a smooth precise tuning." (Walter website) The Walter is one of the best American-made pianos on the market and a good value for the price. www.walterpiano.com
Other lesser known brands include: Gulbransen, Krakauer (no longer in production), Marantz (terribly made pianos; other names used include Grand, Kincaid, Jesse French, Pianocorder)
Chinese pianos
Overview: Many mainland Chinese pianos had the same problems of other Asian pianos-warping due to inadequate seasoning of lumber and lack of climate control. Yet, due to a growing demand for pianos in China the pianos have improved, though possibly still not up to the quality level of other Asian or European pianos. www.jiangjiepiano.com.cn
Brand descriptions:
Brentwood: Made for Guangzhou Piano Mfg. www.pearlriverpiano.com
Hastings (Canton): Made for Guangzhou Piano Mfg. www.pearlriverpiano.com
J. & C. Fischer: pianos for Wurlitzer www.wurlitzer.com
Kranich & Bach: for Baldwin www.baldwinpiano.com
Pearl River: www.pearlriverpiano.com
Sagenhaft: distributed by Weber www.weberpiano.com
Japanese pianos
Overview: Usually contain cheaper woods due to Japan's relative scarcity and high cost of fine wood. This is thought to affect the tone of the pianos as well as their longevity. Traditionally these pianos have a crisp, bright or brittle tone that is short on sustaining qualities. They seem to now hold up in our climate, but there is speculation that over a generation or more they won't hold up as well as some of the more expensive American and European-made pianos, especially under heavy use or adverse conditions. There is much debate within Japan and abroad as to which of their most popular brands, Kawai or Yamaha, is better.
Brand descriptions:
Kawai: Names used include Kawai, Diapason, Schiedmayer; also makes pianos for other distributors under the names Boston/Essex piano (designed by Steinway & Sons), and Schultz & Sons. Kawai is Japan's second largest piano manufacturer. Generally speaking piano technicians like Kawai grands, find them to be well constructed and recommend them for most intermediate-level uses within homes, institutions, and commercial establishments. Kawai uses a high grade of plastic and related artificial materials in the fabrication of some of its action parts in both grand and vertical pianos. These plastic parts work nicely and are very durable. www.kawaius.com
Nakamichi: Name owned by Japan, pianos made by Young Chang, South Korea. Nakamichi is a hybrid Korean/Japanese piano. The entire piano is made in Korea by Young Chang, and is identical to the Young Chang. The piano is then sent to a private Japanese piano shop where Abel hammers from Germany are installed, the piano is regulated and voiced, and small modifications are made in stringing and touch-weight. The object is to combine the low prices of Korean pianos with the greater attention to detail of Japanese pianos. www.youngchang.com
Yamaha: Names used include Yamaha, Disklavier; Everett is no longer used. Yamaha uprights are a good buy for the price in that they are made with extreme precision and intelligence, lack service problems, and have an extremely even and consistent tone and action. The upright tone tends to be bright and somewhat brash, and becomes more so with use. The Yamaha grand tone also tends to be brittle and lacks sustaining qualities. Many jazz pianists, desiring a crisp, clear sound for fast keyboard passages, prefer this kind of tone. But players of other styles of music, particularly 19th-century piano music, which often requires a singing legato melodic line above an accompaniment, may become frustrated with this brand of piano. Yamaha grands hold up well structurally and mechanically with use, but need frequent voicing and sound better when relatively new than they will over time. Some pianists prefer the bright, clear tone and lighter, smoother action of the Yamaha C series pianos. Others find the action too light and the tone too bright, especially for classical music, and go for the Kawai. The Kawai is also said to have a slightly firmer action, which many advanced pianists prefer. www.yamaha.com
South Korean pianos
Overview: Like Japan, Korea has little in the way of natural resources, so the raw materials have had to be imported. When they were first introduced into the United Sates in the late 1970s, they experienced great humidity-related problems. Yet by the mid-1980s they were improving so rapidly that it appeared as if any day they would overtake the Japanese in quality. Today the pianos have improved to the point where they are definitely suitable for lighter or average home use. As musical instruments they usually work acceptably, but heir tone tends to offer a variety of American, Japanese, and European elements that usually neither offends nor delights.
Brand descriptions:
Daesung: Names used include Lyon & Healy, Schubert. Quality unknown.
Ibach: Names also include Bachendorff and Royale. See above, under Western European pianos. www.ibach.de/eng
Samick: Names used include Samick, Weber, Hyundai, Maeari, Conover Cable, C. Bechstein, Wm. Knabe & Co., Kohler & Campbell, D.H. Baldwin, Bergmann, Young Chang, Sohmer & Co., Hazelton Bros., Pramberger, Bernhard Steiner, Otto Altenburg; private-label brand names; no longer used: Horugel, Stegler, Schumann. Samick is one of the world's largest piano manufacturers. In general Samick pianos are good for average home and light-duty institutional use. There is still a fair amount of inconsistency in their construction, but few serious problems, and many sound quite good. Buyers would be wise to avoid the smallest models, both grand and upright. Special attention should be paid to pre-sale inspection and preparation, regular post-sale servicing, and climate control. Having advanced as the fifth largest piano manufacturer in the world after acquiring the international piano maker of time-honored practices, Bechstein, in December of 2002, SAMICK's taking advantage of this opportunity allowed it to make full-scale advancement into the international piano market, a sector that calls for only the finest. 2002 Samick / Korea becomes the new principal shareholder. With the integration into the Samick group Bechstein now belongs to one of the biggest music instrument manufacturers worldwide. New markets and new sales opportunities are opened up. A new era has begun.
www.samick.co.kr/eng/default.asp
www.pianospl.com www.samickmusicusa.com/smc/
Young Chang: Names used include Young Chang, Wagner; also makes pianos sold under the names Wurlitzer, Weber, Cline, Schafer & Sons, PianoDisc, Nakamichi, Pramberger, Bergmann. www.youngchang.com Bought out by Samick??
More information can be obtained through Larry Fine's, The Piano Book, 1999.