The decisions made regarding string gauge is part of the blueprint for a piano called the piano scale (not to be confused with the 7 notes on the keyboard also called the piano scale). The blueprint mathematically is calculated as a starting point to determine what gauge of wire will best suit the piano. Before we discuss wire, however, we need to understand the concept of standing waves and how they relate to making music. … Read More
Stephen Mapes established the Mapes Piano String Company in 1912 and shortly thereafter in 1918 it was purchased by John Adam Schaff. Now 4 generations later and employing 125 people in a space of 200,000 square feet, Mapes produces piano wire… Read More
Many years ago, I remember seeing a piano in a museum similar to the one shown above (built in 1787 by Christian Gottlob Hubert. On display at Germanisches Nationalmuseum – Nuremberg, Germany). I have often wondered why acoustic portable pianos never really took off. Although we’ve seen more portable keyboard instruments like harpsichords, accordions or… Read More
This was the first year since covid that the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show was back to its regular January date and, in fact the first show where it felt back to normal. How was it? To answer that, I’m going quickly review the piano market over the last few years. Piano… Read More
I’ve often wondered when the business model of piano buying would start to change. It seems like we feel comfortable purchasing everything from toothpaste to tires online and yet pianos are one thing that you still buy in a store. Well some of that is about to change. After speaking with Larry Caruso from Caruso… Read More
Sonnova CG-M Grand Piano Piano Name: Sonnova Website: Sonnova Model: CG-M Coloratura Made in: China Parent Company: Caruso Piano Company Location: USA Height: 5-6″ History: Sonnova Piano is the newly established brand from Caruso Piano. Established in 1929, John Caruso started off in accordion sales and teaching. He established a very successful mail order business… Read More
Sonnova U48 Upright Piano Piano Name: Sonnova Website: Sonnova Model: U48 Made in: China Parent Company: Caruso Piano Company Location: USA Height: 48″ History: Sonnova Piano is the newly established brand from Caruso Piano. Established in 1929, John Caruso started off in accordion sales and teaching. He established a very successful mail order business in… Read More
Piano Name: A.Geyer Website: A.Geyer Model: 185 Made in: China Parent Company: A.Geyer Company Location: Germany Length: 6’1″ History: A.Geyer has its roots in Germany, established in the early 1900’s. More recently (1997), the company moved production to Hairui in Deqing, China. The production is overseen by the founders, Chistoph Schulz & Frederik Steffes, both… Read More
Piano Name: A.Geyer Website: A.Geyer Model: 170 Made in: China Parent Company: A.Geyer Company Location: Germany Length: 5’7″ History: A.Geyer has its roots in Germany, established in the early 1900’s. More recently (1997), the company moved production to Hairui in Deqing, China. The production is overseen by the founders, Chistoph Schulz & Frederik Steffes, both… Read More
Piano Name: A.Geyer Website: A.Geyer Model: 160 Made in: China Parent Company: A.Geyer Company Location: Germany Length: 5’3″ History: A.Geyer has its roots in Germany, established in the early 1900’s. More recently (1997), the company moved production to Hairui in Deqing, China. The production is overseen by the founders, Chistoph Schulz & Frederik Steffes, both… Read More
