Howard Baby Grand Piano Serial Numbers
- Knabe Grand Piano Serial Numbers
- Baby Grand Piano Serial Number
- Steinway Grand Piano Serial Numbers
- Howard Baby Grand Piano Serial Numbers
Antique Piano Guide
I own a Howard 'baby' grand piano (5') built between 1933 and 1936. In the early 1980s I had its internals rebuilt with new strings, refurbished key tops, reweighted keys, and new hammers (from Issac) by a first class piano technician who charged me a very affordable fee due to mutual friends in the piano world. A grand piano (shown right) has horizontal strings and soundboard and has 3,4, or 6 legs. Click here if you have a grand. Estey Piano is also your source for Piano Sales, New Pianos, Used Pianos, Piano Restoration, Piano Rebuilding, Piano Refinishing, Piano Repair and more.
This guide (listed below) is designed to give information about specific American piano manufacturers and more, during the last 183 years or so.Antique Pianos, Grand Pianos, Upright Pianos, Square GrandsPianos, complex machines with thousands of moving parts, are also works of art. 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 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. 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.
Antique Piano Information and Restoration Guide
When should your piano need restoration or rebuilding? Much depends on the quality of the original manufacturer. With over 200 piano manufacturers in the early 20 th century there are many well built and wonderfully sounding instruments to choose from. The best way to determine is to have a qualified technician evaluate the piano for being a potential restoration candidate.Some items to consider:
- Current condition of the piano
- Quality and type of piano
- Cost of repairs compared to replacement
- Sentimental value
More about the piano restoration process available on our restoration page. Also there is more information on antique pianos beginnings in history
Antique Pianos
This is only a partial listing of more than 200 piano manufacturers during the 19th & 20th century’s. We have gathered information for some of them from our own experiences. If you have something to add please contact us with your piano information. This page is ever changing so check back occasionally for updates.
| Name | Year Established | City | Notes, related items & tidbits |
| Aeolian | 1932 | New York | Many Piano company names were controlled by Aeolian. more info |
| American | 1908 | Rochester | Helped create the Aeolian Piano Co. more info |
| Ampico | 1916 | New York | A reproducing system for player pianos of many makes. |
| Apollo | 1901 | DeKalb | A quality reproducing piano manufactured by the Welte Player Piano Co. |
| Autopiano | 1903 | New York | A highly successful world-renown player piano maker winning numerous award. more info |
| Francis Bacon | 1789 | New York | Won a prize at the Philadelphia Worlds Fair in 1876 more info |
| Baldwin | 1862 | Cincinnati | The Baldwin company was started by a music teacher. more info |
| Bechstein | 1853 | Berlin | Makers of fine German pianos |
| Becker Bros. | 1892 | New York | A high quality piano worthy of rebuilding more info |
| Beckwith | Made for Sears & Roebuck | ||
| Behning | 1861 | New York | |
| Behr Bros. | 1881 | New York | Won an award at the New Orleans Exposition in 1885, Melbourne Australia in 1888 and Chicago in 1893 more info |
Bentley | 1930 | England | Founded by Douglas Grover, a third generation piano builder, the Bentley Piano Company is a British piano manufacturer more info |
| Bluthner | 1853 | Leipzig | Remains under management by the original family to this day more info |
| Bosendorfer | 1828 | Vienna | One of the most expensive pianos. more info |
| Brambach | 1823 | New York | This is Kohler & Campbells’ budget line of piano |
| Broadwood | 1728 | London | John Broadwood developed the grand piano touch we use today more info |
| Bush & Gerts | 1884 | Rockford | They created the “Grandette” and the “Midgette Grand” more info |
| Bush & Lane | 1901 | Chicago | Unique in its clarity of tone in even its smallest of grand pianos. more info |
| Hobart M. Cable | 1900 | La Porte | The budget model line of the Story & Clark Piano Co. |
| Cable Nelson | 1903 | Chicago | The low priced companion of the Everett Piano Co. |
| Cable | 1880 | New York | Due to its rugged build it was adopted for use in many schools across America. more info |
| Chase A.B. | 1875 | Norwalk | The factory took up to two years to produce each piano making this a worthwhile rebuilding prospect. more info |
| Chickering | 1823 | Boston | First manufacturer in US. Advertisement w/sketch of factorymore info |
| Decker Bros. | 1862 | New York | Photo of Decker Bros. Victorian Grand |
| Erard | 1777 | Paris | An early maker of the Square Grand whose improvements are used in today’s pianos. more info |
| Estey | 1869 | New York | Invented a superior bridge for the strings to cross over, thus providing a much clearer tone. more info |
| Everett | 1883 | Boston | Between 1973-1986 Everett pianos were made by Yamaha. more info |
| Fazioli | 1981 | Italy | Founded in Sacile, Italy by Paolo Fazioli …… more info |
| Fischer J & C | 1840 | New York | In 1896 they celebrated their 100,000th piano produced from their factory. more info |
| French Jesse | 1875 | Nashville | Invented the Dulcet Tone whereby a damper will leave one string open, thus creating a peculiar sympathetic tone quality. |
| Gabler | 1854 | New York | Mr. Gabler was a very hands-on factory owner, spending many hours each day overseeing his production. |
| Gulbransen | 1904 | Chicago | Known for its player piano actions. more info |
| Haines Bros. | 1851 | New York | Once known as the “College Piano” because of the numerous universities using this brand of piano. more info |
| Hallet & Davis | 1835 | Boston | Franz Liszt performed on one and Pope Pius X bought one for the Vatican. more info |
| Hardman | 1842 | New York | Known for the artistic beauty of its case and also its remarkable durability. more info |
| Hazelton Bros. | 1840 | New York | Famous for its inclusion of the Welte-Mignon player mechanism. more info |
| Ivers & Pond | 1880 | Boston | A highly regarded name ultimately made by the Aeolian Co. more info |
| Kimball | 1857 | Chicago | A poor Maine farm boy, Kimball sold pianos to Western pioneers in the mid 1800’s. more info |
| Knabe | 1839 | Baltimore | Once part of the Mason&Hamlin family. more info |
| Kohler & Campbell | 1894 | New York | Built pianos in North Carolina and close their business in 1985. more info |
| Krakauer | 1869 | New York | A highly esteemed piano back in its day closed shop in 1985 too. more info |
| Kranich & Bach | 1864 | New York | In 1937 they produced the smallest console which stood only 3 foot 3 inches. more info |
| Lester | 1888 | Philadelphia | Introduced plastics in their pianos after WWII causing many problems. Fortunately this problem can be remedied if you purchase an older Lester Piano. |
| Lindeman | 1836 | New York | 2nd manufacturer in US. more info |
| Ludwig | 1889 | New York | Introduced the Unit Valve Player Action which greatly improved maintenance. more info |
| Lyon & Healy | 1864 | Chicago | Is best known for its beautiful harps. more info |
| Marshall & Wendell | 1836 | Albany | Highly sought after in the used piano market, especially if equipped with an Ampico Player Unit. |
| Mason & Hamlin | 1854 | Boston | They were once considered Steinway&Sons chief competitor. more info |
| Mathushek | 1863 | New York | Invented the “over-stringing” of the modern piano. more info |
| Mehlin & Sons | 1889 | New York | Famous for their beautiful artistic cases. |
| Henry F. Miller | 1863 | Wakefield | |
| Petrof | 1864 | Hradec Kralove | Produced in the Czech Republic. |
| Schimmel | 1885 | Leipzig | Europeans largest piano maker. |
| Sohmer | 1872 | New York | Sohmer was family owned for over 100 years. more info |
| Starr | 1872 | Richmond | Produced a 5 ft. 2 in. grand piano using the copyrighted trademark name “Minimum” more info |
| Steck George | 1857 | New York | Holds a high place as an old standard in the piano world. more info |
| Steinway | 1853 | New York | |
| Sterling | 1866 | Derby | A characteristically American brand of piano. more info |
| Stieff Chas. M. | 1842 | Baltimore | Very heavy more info |
| Story & Clark | 1859 | Burlington | Was once owned by a furniture Company. more info |
| Vose & Sons | 1851 | Boston | This firm was operated by Mr. James W. Vose, a great president among piano manufacturers. more info |
| Waldorf | 1896 | New York | This piano company controlled the production of the AutoPiano Co. |
| Weber & Co. | 1852 | New York | One of the many piano companies controlled by Aeolian Piano Co. more info |
| Wing & Son | 1873 | New York | Wing & Son Piano Manufacturing Company more info |
| Wissner | 1878 | New York | Owned by Mr. Otto Wissner who was another tireless executive with a high ambition to excel. |
| Wurlitzer | 1856 | New York | Developed the spinet piano and the also the first electronic piano. more info |
| Yamaha | 1887 | Japan | Worlds largest piano producer. (started their career making Reed Organs.) more info |
Aeolian
1932
New York
Many Piano company names were controlled by Aeolian. more info
American
1908
Rochester
Helped create the Aeolian Piano Co. more info
Ampico
1916
New York
A reproducing system for player pianos of many makes.
Apollo
1901
DeKalb
A quality reproducing piano manufactured by the Welte Player Piano Co.
Autopiano
1903
New York
A highly successful world-renown player piano maker winning numerous award. more info
Knabe Grand Piano Serial Numbers
Francis Bacon
1789
New York
Won a prize at the Philadelphia Worlds Fair in 1876 more info
Baldwin
1862
Cincinnati
The Baldwin company was started by a music teacher. more info
Bechstein
1853
Berlin
Makers of fine German pianos
Becker Bros.
1892
New York
A high quality piano worthy of rebuilding more info
Beckwith
Made for Sears & Roebuck
Behning
1861
New York
Behr Bros.
1881
New York
Won an award at the New Orleans Exposition in 1885, Melbourne Australia in 1888 and Chicago in 1893 more info
Bentley
1930
England
Founded by Douglas Grover, a third generation piano builder, the Bentley Piano Company is a British piano manufacturer more info
Bluthner
1853
Leipzig
Remains under management by the original family to this day more info
Bosendorfer
1828
Vienna
One of the most expensive pianos. more info
Brambach
1823
New York
This is Kohler & Campbells’ budget line of piano
Broadwood
1728
London
John Broadwood developed the grand piano touch we use today more info
Bush & Gerts
1884
Rockford
They created the “Grandette” and the “Midgette Grand” more info
Bush & Lane
1901
Chicago
Unique in its clarity of tone in even its smallest of grand pianos. more info
Hobart M. Cable
1900
La Porte
The budget model line of the Story & Clark Piano Co.
Cable Nelson
1903
Chicago
The low priced companion of the Everett Piano Co.
Cable
1880
New York
Due to its rugged build it was adopted for use in many schools across America. more info
Chase A.B.
1875
Norwalk
The factory took up to two years to produce each piano making this a worthwhile rebuilding prospect. more info
Chickering
1823
Boston
First manufacturer in US. Advertisement w/sketch of factorymore info
Decker Bros.
1862
New York
Erard
1777
Paris
An early maker of the Square Grand whose improvements are used in today’s pianos. more info
Estey
1869
New York
Invented a superior bridge for the strings to cross over, thus providing a much clearer tone. more info
Everett
1883
Boston
Between 1973-1986 Everett pianos were made by Yamaha. more info
Fazioli
1981
Italy
Founded in Sacile, Italy by Paolo Fazioli …… more info
Fischer J & C
1840
New York
In 1896 they celebrated their 100,000th piano produced from their factory. more info
French Jesse
1875
Nashville
Invented the Dulcet Tone whereby a damper will leave one string open, thus creating a peculiar sympathetic tone quality.
Gabler
1854
New York
Mr. Gabler was a very hands-on factory owner, spending many hours each day overseeing his production.
Gulbransen
1904
Chicago
Known for its player piano actions. more info
Haines Bros.
1851
New York
Once known as the “College Piano” because of the numerous universities using this brand of piano. more info
Hallet & Davis
1835
Boston
Franz Liszt performed on one and Pope Pius X bought one for the Vatican. more info
Hardman
1842
New York
Known for the artistic beauty of its case and also its remarkable durability. more info
Hazelton Bros.
1840
New York
Famous for its inclusion of the Welte-Mignon player mechanism. more info
Ivers & Pond
1880
Boston
A highly regarded name ultimately made by the Aeolian Co. more info
Kimball
1857
Chicago
A poor Maine farm boy, Kimball sold pianos to Western pioneers in the mid 1800’s. more info
Knabe
1839
Baltimore
Once part of the Mason&Hamlin family. more info
Kohler & Campbell
1894
New York
Built pianos in North Carolina and close their business in 1985. more info
Krakauer
1869
New York
A highly esteemed piano back in its day closed shop in 1985 too. more info
Kranich & Bach
1864
New York
In 1937 they produced the smallest console which stood only 3 foot 3 inches. more info
Lester
1888
Philadelphia
Introduced plastics in their pianos after WWII causing many problems. Fortunately this problem can be remedied if you purchase an older Lester Piano.
Lindeman
1836
New York
2nd manufacturer in US. more info
Ludwig
1889
New York
Introduced the Unit Valve Player Action which greatly improved maintenance. more info
Lyon & Healy
1864
Chicago
Is best known for its beautiful harps. more info
Marshall & Wendell
1836
Albany
Highly sought after in the used piano market, especially if equipped with an Ampico Player Unit.
Mason & Hamlin
1854
Boston
They were once considered Steinway&Sons chief competitor. more info
Mathushek
1863
New York
Invented the “over-stringing” of the modern piano. more info
Mehlin & Sons
1889
New York
Famous for their beautiful artistic cases.
Henry F. Miller
1863
Wakefield
Petrof
1864
Hradec Kralove
Produced in the Czech Republic.
Schimmel
1885
Leipzig
Europeans largest piano maker.
Sohmer
1872
New York
Sohmer was family owned for over 100 years. more info
Starr
Baby Grand Piano Serial Number
1872
Richmond
Produced a 5 ft. 2 in. grand piano using the copyrighted trademark name “Minimum” more info
Steck George
1857
New York
Holds a high place as an old standard in the piano world. more info
Steinway
1853
New York
Sterling
1866
Derby
A characteristically American brand of piano. more info
Stieff Chas. M.
1842
Baltimore
Very heavy more info
Story & Clark
1859
Burlington
Was once owned by a furniture Company. more info
Vose & Sons
1851
Boston
This firm was operated by Mr. James W. Vose, a great president among piano manufacturers. more info
Waldorf
1896
New York
This piano company controlled the production of the AutoPiano Co.
Weber & Co.
1852
New York
One of the many piano companies controlled by Aeolian Piano Co. more info
Wing & Son
1873
New York
Wing & Son Piano Manufacturing Company more info
Wissner
1878
New York
Owned by Mr. Otto Wissner who was another tireless executive with a high ambition to excel.
Wurlitzer
1856
New York
Developed the spinet piano and the also the first electronic piano. more info
Yamaha
1887
Japan
Worlds largest piano producer. (started their career making Reed Organs.) more info
More Information
Aeolian
An automatic piano player in a cabinet with reeds for organ or keyboard was patented in 1897. They were marketed with the “Aeriol Pianos” name. T.P. Brown , who is given the credit, sold the patents to the Aeolian Company.The Aeolian Company established a factory for making pianos in Gotha, Germany for Steck pianos and later built a factory near London to make the Weber pianos.Albert Weber from Bavaria came to New York, age 16, and began soon to have the name of a thorough piano maker as well as a perfect performer. He spared no expense to have the best workmen and talent to make pianos giving him the name of a second to none .He succeeded in producing the “Weber tone.” Continued work and strain of doing so much by himself brought his early death. The fame of the Weber piano still continues for its quality.
American
The American Piano Company of New York is the combination of several factories under its leadership. Factories such as Chickering, Knabe, Haines, Marshall and Wendell, Foster, Armstrong, Brewster and Cook. It has warehouses in New York, Boston, Baltimore and Washington. It distributes its products through dealers.
Autopiano Company
This company has produced a player piano of distinctly original construction and quality. It began because of the demand for a reliable player action. Now it is one of the largest producers of player pianos.
Francis Bacon
The Bacon Piano Company is one of the founders of the piano industry in America. It began in 1820 with Robert Stodert and after George Bacon died, his son Francis entered as a partner in 1904 when the company took the name of Bacon Piano Company.
Baldwin
In 1866 D.H. Baldwin was a music teacher selling Decker Brothers pianos in Cincinnati. In 1873 this business became D.H. Baldwin and Company.Expansion was begun with stores in other cities. Hamilton Organ Company being organized, but later becoming incorporated into the Baldwin Company.After Baldwin died, his two partners, Wulsin and Armstrong, began the development of the artistic Balwin piano. The manufacturing plant is kept scrupulously clean and decorated with architectural design. At the 1900 Paris Exposition , Baldwin took the highest prizes as in most cases where it is presented. The Baldwin piano is an art product, its tone boundless.
Becker
Jacob Becker went from Germany to Russia where he established his business in 1841. He was a thinker and experimented with innovations. His concert grands were excellent and used by leading virtuosos. He retired in 1871, but his business continued receiving appointment as purveyor to the Emperors of Russia and Austria, king of Denmark and Grand Dukes of Russia. The business continues under Carl Schroder.
Behning
Born in Germany, Henry Behning learned piano making and came to America in 1856. Including his son in the business in 1880, they became Henry Behning and Son, which was changed to Behning Piano Company after his death. This company makes a good commercial piano.
Behr
The Behr Brothers Piano Company is located in New York and manufactures meritorious pianos.
Bentley
Established in 1930, Douglas Grover, who originally began building pianos in 1906 under several different names, finally started the Bentley Piano Company with his son immediately following the success of his overstrung design in a grand piano frame. The company stayed within the family until acquired by Whelpdale Maxwell and Codd Ltd. in 1993. And more recently, in 2003, the Bentley name was acquired by InterMusic of Dorset, England. All Bentley pianos are produced solely in England.
Bluthner
Julius Bluthner of Leipsic used the Conservatory of Music to his advantage by informing the world by the students as they went out into the world that the Bluthner pianos were such high quality. He received prizes from the world’s expositions for his new concept of piano. He begun his study under Bretschneider, a builder of grand pianos.The Bluthner art grand is impressive with its boldness in design.Bluthner had excellent hearing and could “voice” a piano better than anyone. He developed the “Aliquot System,” a system to enhance volume and quality of the upper octaves. He also invented a grand action. He was honored by rulers of several countries.Bluthner co-authored a book in German on the care and construction of the piano, materials, tools, and machinery for making the piano.
Bosendorfer
Ludwig Bosendorfer of Vienna built concert grands 10 feet in length containing 8 octaves. Among the names of grand , grand pianos is that of Bosendorfer. The son, Ludwig, improved on the grand of his father by accepting modern ideas while keeping the Vienna tone. These pianos are preferred by leading virtuosos and ranks foremost in artistic pianos produced. The Emperor of Austria conferred highest honors on the younger Bosendorfer. The Vienna piano and organ makers have an association for themselves. Ludwig Bosendorfer is the only honorary member.
Broadwood
John patented in 1827 a combination iron string plate for the grand piano with iron bars which was almost a full iron frame. He had made in 1791 a square piano. John was born in Scotland but came to England where he married a piano maker’s daughter eventually gaining control of the company. The business of Broadwood was a gathering place for leaders in his field. He gained much from their intellect. After his death his son James took control. He continued the gatherings including Beethoven, who greatly loved the Broadwood piano. Henry Fowler Broadwood succeeded James with the same inventions and intellect of friends. Chopin gave his last recital in England at the Broadwood house. Walter Stewart and Thomas Broadwood joined the Broadwood business. Six generations have guided the Broadwood name. They once had taken the lead in England with player pianos. Every part of their player pianos are manufactured within their own factory. Broadwood now makes a barless steel frame for the grand and upright pianos. This permits the soundboard and strings to vibrate unhampered.
Bush and Gerts
William H. Bush born in Maryland began using the railroad to transport vegetables from his fathers’ farm to market. He then had a lumber yard in Chicago which burned. Finally he went into partnership with his son and John Gerts to manufacture pianos. The younger Bush had studied with Woods and Company and with Kimball Company. John Gerts learned piano making in Germany.The Bush Temple of Music is a tribute to the elder Bush. The Conservatory of Music is a tribute to William L, the younger Bush.Bush and Gerts Piano Company upholds and defends the ethics of the piano business. The company insists the makers name should be on every piano and a fixed price shown by the maker.Bush and LaneIn the U.S., this is one of the manufacturers of high –grade pianos in the west.
Cable
Cable began a career in teaching but later joined the Wolfinger Organ Company. He used his previous work to the piano production joining with Conover. His business advanced, but after his two brothers joined him and his work drained him, he died. The business became known as the Cable Company which in 20 years was a leader in the U.S.Chase, A.B.
The Chase company began by making organs. Calvin Whitney began the company with $400. Ten years later he was making pianos and made the aristano grand player piano.Calvin’s son has taken over the company.The Chase Piano started in Indiana, joined with Hackley Piano Company a few years later and they became leaders from the Muskegon area.
Chickering
Babcock had a full iron frame for the piano . Jonas Chickering improved it and was granted a patent for it. He was a mechanical genius.At the World’s Fair, London, 1851, he showed the first American pianos in Europe receiving highest honors. Chickering Hall in New York was his use of concert work. Jonas had talents for inventing and constructing. He worked out all details before beginning with the mechanics. His factory burned, but he rebuilt and now is considered one of the best for its purpose. Chickering had educated his three sons in piano making. The oldest died prematurely. The second son was not in good health. He took a voyage to India and took pianos which he sold, thus becoming the first exporter of American made pianos. Chickerings son went to London with his father where he acquired great knowledge of the pianos. Chickering Hall was built in New York where many musical greats made use of the Chickering pianos. It later was demolished for other businesses.George Chickering was the youngest of the sons. He was highly educated and took over the company.. They are reviving interest in the clavichord and the music of Bach and others who wrote for the clavichord.
Decker & Sons
Myron A. Decker worked in the same shop as Albert Weber, going to work later for Boardman and Gray in New York. In 1858 State Fair, Decker received best piano exhibited. He was more concerned with design and build of an artistic piano than in making money. His son and grandson took over the Decker and Son company. Frank, son of Myron became president of the National Piano Manufacturers’ Association of America in 1908.
Erard
Sebastian Erard was from Strasburg, a very intelligent person with tools and inventions. He began working with a harpsichord maker in Paris. He learned and made instruments to assist him in building the harpsichord. He built a piano in 1777, superior to any other for the Duchess of Villeroy. With his brother Jean, they began building pianos. He was not a member of the piano guild but because of his friends in the French court of the king, he was given special permission to continue building pianos. The French Revolution drove him to London, but he did well there also. He copied the English with a square grand. Jean managed London office. Sebastian’s nephew Pierre became sole heir when jean and Sebastian died. Pierre received a patent in England for repetition or double escapement action, part of which Sebastian had attempted.The Erard pianos had brass agraffes which improved tone. This capo d’ astro was later patented by Pierre. When a good piano is established, the name on the fall board is never changed even if the founder is no longer connected with the firm. So is the name Erard.
Estey
Jacob Estey, born in New Hampshire, learned early to work hard. He worked on a farm but winters being harsh, many did inside projects. Jacob became a plumber, but later became famous in Vermont for his organs which were sent worldwide . A man named Fuller helped Estey. Jacob included his son in the Estey Organ Company.,They manufactured 1800 per month. They also made pianos of the same superior construction and workmanship as the organ. Julius was the son of Jacob and under his management began building large church organs. He had two sons who eventually came into the Estey Company.
Everett
The Sheraton grand is made by the Everett Company. This company was started in Boston by John Church who chose Everett as its name because of its simplicity. After many years of hard work the Everett piano is recognized as an artistic piano and the concert grands were used by leading virtuosos.
Fazioli
Fazioli Pianoforti quickly built a reputation for producing top tier pianos. At the relatively young age of 35, the Fazioli Pianoforti corporation is already considered to be one of the most prestigious piano makers in the world. Their F308 – a 308 cm (10’ 2”) grand piano – is the largest piano available on the general market. Prized for their incredible design and subsequent massive sound, Fazioli pianos have been showing up most recently in major piano competitions. Out of the last 6 winners of the 3 most prestigious piano competitions – the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, the International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow, and the Arthur Rubenstein International Piano Master Competition in Tel Aviv – 5 played on a Fazioli. Fazioli is a relatively small company, producing somewhere between 120 and 130 pianos a year, all hand made in Italy.
Fischer J&C
Carl Fischer came from Vienna. His sons came to New York in 1840. They founded J & C Fischer Company. Carl had been taught by his father. John wanted to return to Italy upon retirement. Charles and his four sons then became the company. Before the corporation in 1907, the business was producing 5000 pianos a year.
Gulbransen
The Gulbransen-Dickinson Company is known for its player piano. Dickinson was continually improving and simplifying the mechanism of the player piano.
Haines Brothers
Napoleon Haines and his brother Francis came to America from England when Napoleon was eight years old. At 15, he began learning the art of piano making and soon he and his brother started the Haines Brothers Piano business. They built two pianos per week. Later they built a factory where twenty pianos per week were built. Napoleon was an inventor and a very good businessman. After his death, the business merged with American Piano company who built the Haines Brothers Pianos.
Hallet and Davis
Hallet and Davis was first known in Boston as Brown and Hallet. Brown came from the Chickering Company where he had several patents for his work. After Davis died , the business continued with Kimball as president.
Hardman
Hugh Hardman came from England to New York City and became the first company to manufacture good commercial upright pianos. Later this became Hardman, Peck and Company.
Hazelton Brothers
Henry Hazelton began his piano business in New York where he maintained the respect and friendship of his competitors. He joined with his brother Frederick as F & H Hazelton, but later was joined by another brother John which brought about the name of Hazelton Brothers. The New York Knickerbacher aristocracy kept them in business.
Ivers & Pond
Ivers and Pond is one of the companies which maintained the traditions of famous Boston makers as they continued to produce pianos.
Kimball
William Wallace Kimball was born in Maine, and came to Chicago where he became a piano dealer. He soon became the largest piano dealer in the West. The Chicago fire of 1871 destroyed the warehouses. Kimball began again using his house and barn until he could rebuild. Hale of New York offered to lend him a large sum of money. E.S.Conway began working for Kimball. He traveled and eventually this gave Kimball the entire west for his territory. Kimball decided to manufacture his own pianos . He already built Kimball organs. Lufkin, a nephew, became manager of the manufacturing. They produce all parts of the piano, the player piano with music rolls, the parlor organ and the church organ.. When Kimball died, the business continued in able hands trained by Kimball.
Knabe
William Knabe was born in Germany , had an excellent education, but decided to learn the art of piano making. He came to Baltimore where he mastered English then went in business with Henry Gaehle. Gaehle eventually left the company. Knable was an excellent businessman also and he controlled the piano market of the southern states. The Civil War was a difficult time and the toll was Knabe’s life. His two sons, William and Ernest took over. William managed the factories and Ernest the business/financial side. Ernest borrowed $ 20,000 for six months with “nothing (as security) but the name of Knabe.” Without the loan many people would have been out of work. Ernest went north and west and within two months had enough sales to meet his needs. He did not need the loan. He opened branch manufactory houses. The pianos are prized for their superior construction and workmanship. William died suddenly just as the company was doing so well. Ernest took over double duties but this caused his death five years later. The business became a corporation which became the American Piano Company The “Nouveau Art” grand is an art piano of Knabe.
Kohler and Campbell
Charles Kohler began the Auto-Pneumatic Action Company in 1900 for making a reliable player action for the piano. Danquard helped Kohler and obatained a patent for the “flexible finger.” This means the wippen of the action is attached to the player mechanism. John Campbell was a factory organizer and business man. The two men worked together well.
Krakauer
Simon Krakauer from Germany was a violinist and orchestra conductor and manufactured pianos in America with his son. They pursued quality and musical tone. Daniel later joined the company and the name became Krakauer Brothers.
Kranich and Bach
This piano company in New York is known for meritorious pianos.
Lindeman
William Lindeman born in Germany, had to fight the prejudice toward German people when he came to New York and began piano making. His son, Henry,made the “cycloid” piano, a part grand and a part square piano.
Ludwig
He made pianos in New York.
Lyon & Healy
Healy was a thirteenth child of Irish parents who came to America when Patrick Joseph was ten. He worked the bellows for a church organ in Boston, and worked his way into the music publishing house. He was a systematic worker keeping good records, and statistics to guide him in his work. Healy had success in making guitars, mandolins and other instruments. His harp became notorious where orchestra music was played. He also produced church organs. After Healy died, his son took over the business and included the making of pianos.
Mason & Hamlin
The tension resonator for pianos was patented by Gertz but used by Mason and Hamlin in all grand pianos. Hamlin discovered the “voicing” of organ reeds. He joined Mason and together produced the “organ harmonium.” Their instruments are almost flawless. They produced the American Cabinet Organ which won highest honors at World’s Expositions. They built pianos of the highest quality.
Mathushek
An invention using downward striking actions in pianos was one in which time and talent was wasted. He patented a hammer-covering machine but it was too light in construction to make the heavy hammers needed for concert grand pianos. Mathushek also experimented with double soundboards. Also the thickness of the soundboard was checked for quality tone. Mathushek traveled through Germany and Austria observing piano making, ending up in Paris. He built an octagon “table piano.” He eventually came to New York becoming associated with Dunham where he drew a scale for overstrung square pianos. Here too he made a piano hammer-covering machine. The Mathushek Piano Company in Connecticut showed his best work. He invented the linear bridge and equalizing scale for his “Colibri” piano. He could produce a tone quality that no one else could achieve. He could play the piano well and detect the slightest imperfection. He strove to produce the ideal musical tone. His orchestral square grands came near to this desire.
Henry F. Miller
Very prominent in Boston was the Henry F. Miller and Sons Piano Company. Miller was a musician especially an organist. He made the successful “Miller” piano and his five sons joined him in the business. After his death the sons continued the business with improvement to the piano case.
Sohmer
Born in the Black Forest, Germany, Hugo Sohmer was educated in music. He came to New York at sixteen where he established the Sohmer and Company. He endeavored to produce an artistic instrument rather than producing quantities.
Starr
James S. and Benjamin Starr, brothers, obtained control of the piano business where they were employed and used the names Starr Piano Company. James eventually retired. Benjamin was over the manufacturing. He saw the small business expand to produce 18,000 pianos a year before he died.
Steck, George
Steck devoted his life to the improvement of the piano. Born in Germany, he studied the piano, coming to America where he started a factory. He opened Steck Hall in New York City where leading artists played his concert grand pianos. He was the best scale drawer. His pianos are of such solidity they have become know as the “school piano.” After retirement he desired to build a piano which would be permanently in tune. He died before achieving this goal.
Steinway
New York, 1855 World’s Fair saw the Steinway and Sons square grand piano with overstrung scale and full iron frame. It had overcome the metallic quality of tone. This design was eventually used by all American makers. Steinway and Sons patented this design.In making the covering for the hammers Steinway used 1 3/4 inch thick felt. With the hammer maker the felt is thinner and more uniform. Felt hammers flatten out with use. Steinway saturated the felt about half way up with a chemical solution which hardens the felt and thus prevents the flattening. This is still done today and is one of the major differences between New York and Hamburg Steinways.Steinway knew he must put music in front of people thus gaining sales for pianos. He built Steinway Hall in New York and in other cities of the United States where music was performed. At the White House in Washington, DC is the one hundred thousandth piano built by Steinway and Sons. It was given to President Roosevelt for the American people. The cost was about $ 20,000.00.Steinway and his three sons company progressed rapidly. Steinway built a factory in New York and would not permit any part of the factory to have any imperfection in it, so as his pianos.Two of his sons died and this took a toll on Steinway. He died in 1871 leaving a revered name. His oldest son took over the company. He was an inventive and constructive genius. He made the Centennial concert grand-duplex scale, bent rim case, cupola iron plate and action to lift the heavy felt covered hammer.A Steinway village began with the factories, iron foundry, and sawmills for building the pianos. Many honors have been awarded to the Steinway pianos. Those of the family who have the company now continue to improve the quality of the pianos.
Sterling
Steinway Grand Piano Serial Numbers
Charles Sterling took over the Birmingham Organ Company in 1871, formed the Sterling Company in 1873 and began producing pianos in 1885. This company was very successful in the player piano.
Stieff, Charles M.
Charles Stieff taught music but came to America from Stuttgart. He imported pianos from Germany to his warehouses in Baltimore. He returned to Europe where he studied the manufacture of Pianos, returning to Baltimore and began making the Stieff piano. When Stieff died his sons, taught by Stieff himself, took over the company. They have stores in most of the larger cities of the U.S. where their pianos are sold.
Story and Clark
Story was the music piano maker of the west. He began in Vermont, teaching music but then manufacturing pianos-the first in Vermont. He was offered an organ dealership in the west, which he took and met Clark in Chicago. Clark became a partner. When Story retired his son joined Clark and they began manufacturing reed organs. The company expanded . These organs were the highest in quality and tone. Clark began his own company, but Story continued in the piano business. They distributed their own pianos to their own warehouses throughout the U.S.
Vose and Sons
Vose began as a cabinet maker, and began making pianos after much experience in Boston. His three sons were brought into the business, and after Vose retired, continued to improve the company.
Weber and Company
The short grand was named by Albert Weber the “baby grand.” Weber Piano Company made building of art pianos a specialty. Albert Weber was born in Bavaria, came to America at sixteen where he apprenticed for piano making and taught music. He began his company at twenty three. His company building burned, but he continued by using the best workers and best talent to make his pianos. He became second to none especially for the musical tone. This was known as the “Weber tone.” His expert playing sold many pianos. He had a quick mind which averted many unpleasant situations. He worked at the company but enjoyed the night life of New York which all of this caused his early death.
Howard Baby Grand Piano Serial Numbers
Wing & Son
Forced back into the world of business after an acquaintance stole the majority of his retirement money, Luman Birch Wing started a piano manufacturing business in New York City with two partners, Doane and Cushing. Their infant enterprise was one of only fifty or so factories producing pianos immediately after the civil war, and the business officially became the Wing & Son Piano Manufacturing Company in 1873. Wing & Son was the first company to market ‘mail-order pianos’, shipping their instruments free of charge to just about anywhere in the U.S. with a train station. Wing & Son pianos, besides being high quality and often very decorative instruments, gained notoriety for equipping their pianos with five pedals – the two extra pedals changed the tone of the piano, one made it sound like a mandolin and the other gave the instrument a ‘rinky-tink’ sound commonly associated with a honky-tonk piano.
Wurlitzer
Rudolph Wurlitzer came from a family of musical instrument makers in Germany to New York then to Cincinnati where he imported instruments. His son came into the business. This company has become the largest manufacturer of mechanical instruments and player pianos with global connections.
Yamaha
Torahusu Yamaha began making musical instruments in 1880. In 1885 he made the first organ in Japan. The Japanese Musical Instrument Manufacturing Company patterned its pianos, organs and violins after American and German models. One of the sons of the owners of this company learned piano making in New York at the Estey factory.
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