This page is ever changing so check back occasionally for updates. If you have something to add please contact us with your piano information. We have gathered information for some of them from our own experiences. This is only a partial listing of more than 200 piano manufacturers during the 19th & 20th century’s. Also there is more information on antique pianos beginnings in history Antique Pianos More about the piano restoration process available on our restoration page.

Cost of repairs compared to replacement.

The best way to determine is to have a qualified technician evaluate the piano for being a potential restoration candidate. With over 200 piano manufacturers in the early 20 th century there are many well built and wonderfully sounding instruments to choose from. When should your piano need restoration or rebuilding? Much depends on the quality of the original manufacturer. This extensive work is recommended for most high-quality and well made instruments from the past as these unique and highly valued instruments should be preserved for all future generations to enjoy and appreciate.Īntique Piano Information and Restoration Guide

Antique piano restorations and the restoring, rebuilding, refurbishing and reconditioning of antique pianos are many ways in which the piano can be put back into a playable and usable condition. Pianos are known for their durability, but over time gradual wear and deterioration take a toll on the condition of all pianos, whether regularly serviced or not. Antique Pianos, Grand Pianos, Upright Pianos, Square Grands Pianos, complex machines with thousands of moving parts, are also works of art. Tantillo This guide ( listed below) is designed to give information about specific American piano manufacturers and more, during the last 183 years or so. The original matching bench is included.Steinway HH400 Conceptual Design of a Model D Artcase Piano by L.F. Wood is what resonates to make a piano’s tone quality…how do you think plastic and particle board sounds?Ĭomputerized player mechanisms can be installed if desired. A vintage baby grand piano like this one is made of top quality REAL wood, no plastic or particle board. We see these cheap new pianos suffering severe deterioration after only a few years due to the lack of quality materials and workmanship. You get particle board cabinets, plastic action parts, acrylic veneer, and green, unseasoned wood. You can buy a new Asian imported baby grand piano for well under $10,000, but you get what you pay for. People are beginning to realize that new small baby grand pianos are generally made of interferer quality, and that small baby grand pianos from the golden era of piano building are made much better than most new smaller pianos. Modern manufacturers count on people buying small pianos for aesthetics rather than for function, so they are able to make small new pianos of lesser quality that sell. Today, modern piano manufacturers tend to put their better quality, materials, and workmanship in their larger, more expensive pianos. Sure, you can buy a new cheap baby grand for less money, but consider this: Note the beautiful legs, music rack, and pedal lyre. It is made of elegantly carved Circassian walnut wood, and is of the Louis XV style. This little piano was built by the Whitney Piano Company, one of the subsidiaries of the famous Kimball Piano Company of Chicago. This is a lovely apartment size baby grand from the golden era of piano building.

Chicago kimball baby grand piano walnut