Yamaha works at a molecular level implementing ARE, Acoustic Resonance Enhancement in their new SX line of pianos. Yamaha quietly introduced something this year at the NAMM show that caught my eye. It’s not a new process. In fact, it’s been going on since the 8th century with the Vikings in their ship building. Since the 1930’s, Scandinavian countries have also been experimenting with it.… Read More
In 1874, William Steinway wrote in his diary (pictured above) that the sostenuto pedal was splendid. But there has never been said any words in the piano industry that are more divisive than “But does it have a middle pedal?” Why are these words divisive? Because the middle pedal on the piano is the least used and yet most focused on in the piano industry. I’ve often told the story about one of the greatest jazz pianists in my city…… Read More
It was said of Grotrian “There is no effort to produce them in great numbers, but rather to create in every one, as it passes through the factory, an instrument fit for the inspiration of great artists who have long accorded to its makers the highest place.” Of their experience, “It is said that nowhere in the world are there more veteran employees than in the factory of Grotrian.” … Read More
Schimmel K280 Grand Piano Piano Name: Schimmel Website: Schimmel Model: K280 Made in: Germany Parent Company: Pearl River majority shareholder in Schimmel alliance Company Location: China Length: 9′ 2″ History: In 1882, Wilhelm Schimmel learned piano making at the Vogel & Sohn factory in Leipzig, Germany. Now 4th generation Hannes Schimmel-Vogel directs the family business… Read More
Piano Name: Fazioli Website: Fazioli Model: F308 Made in: Italy Parent Company: Fazioli Pianoforti Company Location: Italy Length: 10′ 2″ History: Despite being a relatively newcomer to the stage having established his company in 1981, Paolo Fazioli has nonetheless become a competition to the high end piano market. Located just northeast of Venice, Italy, this… Read More
Piano Name: Fazioli Website: Fazioli Model: F278 Made in: Italy Parent Company: Fazioli Pianoforti Company Location: Italy Length: 9′ 2″ Impressions “I had the wonderful opportunity of playing this piano for quite some time in a sound-proofed room. The piano is striking in so many ways but most of all, the touch. The tone in the middle… Read More
Piano Name: Fazioli Website: Fazioli Model: F228 Made in: Italy Parent Company: Fazioli Pianoforti Company Location: Italy Length: 7′ 6″ History: Despite being a relatively newcomer to the stage having established his company in 1981, Paolo Fazioli has nonetheless become a competition to the high end piano market. Located just northeast of Venice, Italy, this… Read More
Review: Playing the Fazioli F212 piano at the NAMM trade show, I found it to be a delight to play. I found that it had a perfect touch/tone correlation meaning that my intention of dynamic level matched perfectly to the corresponding response in not only volume but timbre. As you play quietly, the timbre is… Read More
Piano Name: C.Bechstein Website: C. Bechstein Model: D282 Made in: Germany Parent Company: C.Bechstein Pianoforte Fabrik Company Location: Germany Length: 9′ 2″ History: Established in 1853, Carl Bechstein began manufacturing pianos under his own name in Berlin. The company persisted through two world wars, many economic challenges, and has emerged as one of the more… Read More
Piano Name: C.Bechstein Website: C. Bechstein Model: C234 Made in: Germany Parent Company: C.Bechstein Pianoforte Fabrik Company Location: Germany Length: 7′ 7″ History: Established in 1853, Carl Bechstein began manufacturing pianos under his own name in Berlin. The company persisted through two world wars, many economic challenges, and has emerged as one of the more… Read More
