BLUEBOOK OF PIANOS
"The Ages and Historical Records of Pianos sold in America"
PART II
If your are looking for piano history or genealogy help, then this is the place for you. Please note that this is a working list and not all data is complete. Therefore, use this list as a starting point, and not as a final source. Our information is intended for use in public libraries and educational institutions.
This company was founded in 1794. For perspective, Haydn was writing his last works while Beethoven was writing his Opus 1 piano trios. Ibach has been notable in the development of both piano construction and the piano industry in general. The family owned and managed company has seen to the replacing of the wooden plate to the cast iron plate to produce a more powerful sound. Carl Rudolf Ibach developed the worlds first vertical piano in 1838 in addition to the worlds first tonally successful 40" console piano. Ibach has built a solid reputation in Europe over the last two centuries through fine craftsmanship and supplying pianos to a long list of famous composers and artists such as Wagner, R. Strauss, Liszt, Bartok, Schoenberg, and others.
In 1993 we began production at home under strict contract for Ibach. A good number of the Ibach meisters we had trained under in Germany stayed with us for our beginning production. The German process was quite different from what had been our own. Every step in production intentionally planned out for superb quality. New tooling was utilized in precision execution, compounded by unending regulation and scrutiny.
In 2001 we introduced the incredible Bachendorff piano, our crowning achievement. We are excited to be now producing some of the worlds truly fine pianos. Pianos that can provide your families future generations pianos to be cherished.
Francis Bacon pianos and player pianos were made by The Bacon Piano Co., W. P. H. Bacon, president. The history of this company, starting in 1789, is the history of the piano business in America. It received medals and diplomas for the excellence of its instruments wherever they have been exhibited, notably at the Philadelphia World's Fair in 1876, and at Chicago in 1908. This instrument enjoyed unusual favor with the trade and the musical public, and was regarded as one of the most versatile of all desirable instruments in the market. Francis Bacon pianos, player pianos, electric expression players, reproducing pianos (licensed under Welte-Mignon patents) and grands had a century and a quarter of experience and "know how" behind them and emphasize unusual value at moderate prices.
1950 - 408000 1964 - 570000 1971 - 643000 1978 - 722500
1955 - 503000 1965 - 579000 1972 - 653500 1979 - 737000
1958 - 521000 1966 - 589000 1973 - 660000 1980 - 754000
1960 - 535000 1967 - 601500 1974 - 683000 1981 - 767000
1961 - 542000 1968 - 611000 1975 - 695000 1982 - 780000
1962 - 551000 1969 - 621000 1976 - 708500 1983 - 795491
This well known piano, established 1901, attained a good place among popular instruments. Instruments of extraordinary value which are guaranteed by Bjur Bros. Co. Factory, 707 Whitlock Ave., New York. In the matter of durability also, these pianos were desirable for home use where moderate cost was a consideration coupled with the natural desire to receive good value for the money invested. There were well more than 45,000 Bailey pianos sold in the United States. The Bailey Piano was controlled by Bjur Bros. Co. New York, N.Y. Bailey pianos were manufactured by Bjur who also manufactured the American Piano, not connected to The AMERICAN PIANO COMPANY, East Rochester N.Y. Bjur was bought out during 1928 by Kohler & Campbell - Bailey pianos were also manufactured as Brambach.
1901 - 1000 1909 - 9000 1916 - 16000 1923 - 23000
1902 - 2000 1910 - 1000 1917 - 17000 1924 - 24000
1903 - 3000 1911 - 11000 1918 - 18000 1925 - 25000
1904 - 4000 1912 - 12000 1919 - 19000 1926 - 26000
1905 - 5000 1913 - 13000 1920 - 20000 1927 - 27000
1906 - 6000 1914 - 14000 1921 - 21000 1928 - 28000
1907 - 7000 1915 - 15000 1922 - 22000 1929 - 29000
Pianos bearing this well known and an honorable name was the product of The Baldwin Piano Mfg.Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, and were. In the best sense of the word, instruments of the highest degree of excellence. The system or chain of scientific improvements peculiar to the Baldwin piano based on the law of acoustics, and known as the Baldwin acoustic system, which permitted the greatest conservation of tone, secures an artistic result of the highest quality, and has resulted in gaining for. It a leading position among the world's artistic musical instruments. The Baldwin piano has an individuality of the highest character. When it was exhibited at the International Exposition at Paris in 1900 it was honored with an award (The Grand Prix) which has never been bestowed on any, other American piano, and the highest honor ever received by any, piano made In America. The Baldwin pianos are made in most modem and perfectly equipped factories under ideal manufacturing conditions. At the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, Mo., 1904, the Baldwin piano was again awarded the Grand Prize and still another Grand Prize was awarded the Baldwin pianos and Manualos at the Anglo-American Exposition, London, 1914. The "New York Tribune," in commenting on the comprehensive display of the Baldwin Company at Paris, and the success of this piano and this house, said that they made a record that would never he forgot in the history of uprights, grands and reproducing pianos, the grands including the various sizes from concert grands to small grands for parlors. In Rome, 1923, the Baldwin piano was awarded the Papal Medal and the House of Baldwin appointed "Purveyors to the Holy See." The Baldwin piano is recognized as a universal favorite between the leading operatic artists and virtuosos of the pianoforte. The Baldwin Manualo is a unification of the most artistic piano with the most scientific players' construction; in other words, it combines the highest artistic attainment in piano production with the most gratifying ability of performance. The entire output is controlled by The Baldwin Piano Company.
The Baldwin Grand Piano, designed, built and guaranteed by the Baldwin Company, Loveland, Ohio, is used exclusively by the first rank of artists in all spheres of musical expression - pianists, composers, conductors, singers, instrumentalists - as well as the outstanding symphony orchestras around the world and in music festivals everywhere. Without reservation, from the nine-foot concert grand to the five feet, two inch grand, every Baldwin embodies the latest concepts of acoustical science and piano making, it is a precision engineered musical instrument of the highest degree of excellence. Any Baldwin made piano is worth the time. Money and energy to rebuild or refurbish.
Baldwin also builds Howard spinet and grand pianos, and Hamilton studio pianos for home and school, all maintain great resale value.
1900 - 10400 1962 - 152706 1974 - 204113 1986 - 266329
1910 - 16400 1963 - 156591 1975 - 208742 1987 - 270416
1920 - 35800 1964 - 160868 1976 - 213470 1988 - 278556
1930 - 63000 1965 - 165701 1977 - 217853 1989 - 284228
1940 - 88700 1967 - 175821 1979 - 228858 1991 - 293772
1943 - 102000 1968 - 179702 1980 - 236654 1992 - 301774
1948 - 105000 1969 - 184661 1981 - 242984 1993 - 305110
1950 - 110243 1970 - 190028 1982 - 248306 1994 - 310000
1955 - 128167 1971 - 192401 1983 - 253274 1995 - 313000
1960 - 145002 1972 - 195485 1984 - 257293 1996 - 316000
1961 - 148635 1973 - 199649 1985 - 262256
A reliable instrument of good reputation, made by The Baus Piano Co. at Southern Boulevard and Trinity Avenue, New York; also makers of the Baus Player Piano. Baus pianos and players had been acknowledged to be of popular and durable manufacture. They are made in handsome styles and were depended upon for substantial ability. This industry is controlled by Jacob Doll & Sons. , Inc.
H.C. BAY COMPANY
A piano that has won a distinct place and is recognized by the public as an excellent instrument that may be found in many of the foremost piano houses throughout the country. Also very prominent is the famous "Solo Concerto," which has attained to a powerful place in the entertainment world, the "Drachmann," equally admirable, and other players such as the "Meldorf," "Vollmer"and "Bellmann,' H.C. BAY makes its own cases, backs, metal parts and has its own plating plant. The H. C. Bay players' actions, distinguished for its simplicity, ease of operation and durability. Is used in all players produced by the company. It is a notable fact that the H. C. Bay instruments have developed a larger demand within the period of their manufacture than any other instruments. Increasing business forced the company out of its Chicago factory early in 1917, and an extensive plant at Bluffton, Indiana, was purchased, where now the above-mentioned players are built under most favorable conditions. Manufactured hand-crafted pianos under a various name which was a common practice during that time.
1914 - 3000 1918 - 8000 1922 - 14000 1926 - 19200
1915 - 4000 1919 - 9500 1923 - 15500 1927 - 20300
1916 - 5000 1920 - 11000 1924 - 17000 1928 - 22000
1917 - 6500 1921 - 12500 1925 - 18000 1929 - 23000
BECHSTEIN C., PIANOFORTEFABRIK
Company, located in West Berlin, was founded by Carl Bechstein 125 years ago. Since that time, Bechstein pianos have been manufactured by skilled craftsmen. Through the quality of its grand pianos, Bechstein acquired a name famous throughout the world. Nowadays, Bechstein grand pianos are to be found in innumerable concert halls all over the world. There are two further plants in Karlsruhe and Eschelbronn, Germany. C Bechstein Pianofortefabrik GmbH, Reichenberger Str. 124, 100 Berlin 36, Federal Republic of Germany-or, in the United States, from Baldwin Piano Company
Manufactured by Becker Bros. (incorporated), whose factory is at 52nd St. and 10th Ave., New York. Pianos of great merit in which the skill and experience of the makers are clearly evinced. And which rapidly increased in fame and demand. Mr. Jacob H. Becker. The founder of the Becker Bros. piano, were a recognized expert and he trained his associates who sustained the fine character of the house and the instruments of its manufacture. The piano is well known for its tonal quality superior mechanical features and durability. It is representative of the better class of the American piano, and thoroughly merits the confidence which the public reposes in it. The Becker Bros. player- piano is equally meritorious and is noted for its simplicity of construction and ease of operation. It also contains some exclusive features of merit. Pianos of great merit in which the skill and experience of the makers are clearly evident. Grand pianos worthy of rebuilding.
1914 - 3000 1918 - 8000 1922 - 14000 1926 - 19200
1915 - 4000 1919 - 9500 1923 - 15500 1927 - 20300
1916 - 5000 1920 - 11000 1924 - 17000 1928 - 22000
1917 - 6500 1921 - 12500 1925 - 18000 1929 - 23000
Name of well-made and handsomely designed player pianos manufactured by the H. C. Bay Company in the factories of that industry at Bluffton, Ind. Bellmann player pianos stand well among the better class of popular instruments and they may be commended with assurance of satisfactory results.
BEHR BROS. & CO.
Manufactured by a veteran organization which has been actively engaged in making pianos since the year 1851. Behr upright and grand pianos are distinguished far their beautiful tone, their handsome and distinctive designs, their exquisite craftsmanship and great durability. Behr player-pianos are famed for their exclusive and distinctive expression devices, which make possible the most artistic effects. Highest awards have been granted the well-known Behr Bros. instruments at leading worlds' fairs and centennial expositions, such as New Orleans, 1885; Melbourne. 1888, and Chicago. 1893.
Xavier Scharwenka. Moritz Moszkowski, S. B. Mills, Edottard Remenyi and a host of other world famous artists and composers. Etc., have unqualifiedly endorsed the instruments bearing the Behr Bros. & Co.
The Behr Reproducing Piano (licensed under Welte-Mignon patents) is a notable addition to. This artistic line, and is three complete and distinctive instruments in one A piano, a player-piano. A reproducing piano. The Behr Reproducing Piano actually reproduces or creates the world's greatest compositions, played by pianists of international fame. There are hundreds of artists' hand-played music rolls available for this remarkable instrument.
1908 - 17000 1918 - 33400 1921 - 40000 1930 - 75000
1916 - 29000 1919 - 36000 1922 - 42000 1931 - 26700
1917 - 31000 1920 - 20600 1929 - 68000 1932 - 81000
1955 - 503000 1965 - 579000 1972 - 653500 1979 - 737000
1958 - 521000 1966 - 589000 1973 - 660000 1980 - 754000
1960 - 535000 1967 - 601500 1974 - 683000 1981 - 767000
BEHNING & SON
Behning & Son pianos were made in the same factory as the Behr Brothers made by Kohler & Campbell, Behning & Son pianos were known for their elegant cabinet styles. Grand pianos were distinguished for their beautiful tone, their handsome and distinctive designs, their exquisite craftsmanship and great durability. Worthy of rebuilding. The instruments manufactured by the Behning Piano Co., New York City, are well and favorably known, having been originally established in 1861, by the late Henry Behning, a piano-maker of skill and experience.
This name was one of the most widely known in connection with American pianos. This name was established in 1870. Geo.P.Bent pianos and player-pianos, including grands, are instruments of unchallenged quality. The famous "Crown" piano has won international fame before the Gen. P. Bent Co. acquired it. The factory and offices were located in Louisville, Ky. The instruments were of the same fine character and tone quality for which the Crown has long been noted. Pianos, player pianos and grand pianos are manufactured. This name was one of the most widely known pianos in connection with American pianos.
1900 - 15000 1910 - 50000 1920 - 72300 1928 - 94000
1905 - 33000 1915 - 64000 1927 - 89000 1929 - 98000George P. Bent Winter & Co. (Aeolian)1960 - 364200 1966 - 397700 1972 - 420500 1978 - 440000 1961 - 370700 1967 - 401500 1973 - 424900 1979 - 444000 1962 - 376900 1968 - 405200 1974 - 430300 1980 - 446900 1963 - 383100 1969 - 407500 1975 - 433400 1981 - 449700 1964 - 387900 1970 - 410900 1976 - 436900 1982 - 452400
The Bennett Piano Company was established in 1901, and instruments bearing the name, from the first, has always been of fine quality and thoroughly reliable construction. They are characterized by tone quality at once powerful and sympathetic. They have sustained a place among the most attractive in case designs, and in every particular their construction has been worthy of the commendation which has been accorded to them by competent critic L. Bennett player-pianos and Bennett grand pianos have no- less won the favor of people of discriminating tastes. The history of the Bennett piano presents the story of a consistent striving to attain a place among the artistic American instruments. It was first designed by one of the recognized acousticians of the industry' and the musical scale has been developed and refined through the years until the manufacturers became satisfied that, construction and the tonal results of the musical scale, there were nothing lacking to entitle the Bennett to a place above the ordinary excellencies, and absolutely secure in the estimation of those competent to judge.
Pianos and player-pianos of durable character, made by Becker Bros.
Pianos and players of admirable character were the product of Decker & Son
Made by the Jewett Piano Co. Berkshire pianos have musical sweetness of tone.
The Biddle Piano Co. of New York City was established in 1860 by John Biddle, Biddle instruments were of the popular kind and have been turned out in large quantities. Both pianos and player pianos were made at the factory located at New York City.
Good pianos bearing this name are made by Weser Bros. New York City. In 1895 Weser Bros. assumed control of the Billings piano company and continued to manufacture them as a hand crafted, beautifully sculpted works of art.
Thoroughly commendable pianos and player-pianos of fine tone quality made by the Bjur Bros. Co., in their factory in New York.
1900 - 10000 1930 - 266000 1942 - 300200 1950 - 408000 1910 - 30000 1935 - 274000 1947 - 401000 1951 - 412000 1920 - 50000 1940 - 289000 1948 - 403000 1952 - 416000 1925 - 60000 1941 - 295000 1949 - 406000 1953 - 420000Bjur Bros. had the same serial numbers as Brambach by Kohler & Campbell after 1955.1955 - 503000 1965 - 579000 1972 - 653500 1979 - 737000 1958 - 521000 1966 - 589000 1973 - 660000 1980 - 754000 1960 - 535000 1967 - 601500 1974 - 683000 1981 - 767000 1961 - 542000 1968 - 611000 1975 - 695000 1982 - 780000 1962 - 551000 1969 - 621000 1976 - 708500 1983 - 795491 1963 - 560000 1970 - 631500 1977 - 712000
Pianos of popular character of this name are made by the Geo. P. Bent Co.
The house of Boardman & Gray was established in 1887, by Wm. G. Boardman , Albany. N. Y.
Made by the Bogart Piano Co.,. , New York. Pianos, player pianos, grand pianos of durable character produced under the supervision of a practical piano expert of many years' experience
BOND By PACKARD
Bond Pianos were made by The Packard Piano Company, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Under the thoroughly tried and efficient form of cooperation which has been applied to the factory of the makers of the Bond instrument that bears it has made progress almost phenomenal. By that system of a co partnership of labor and profits the Packard Piano Company has exemplified the truth of the maxim that "Good work is not done by tired men" It is a policy of fellowship that actuates the makers of Bond pianos and that gives to its progress uncommon interest. The Bond Piano Co. was organized and incorporated under the Indiana State laws in the fall of 1911, by the stock holders of 'The Packard Piano Company. The old established Fort Wayne, Ind. industry. Early in 1913 at a meeting of the stockholders of the two companies, a thorough analysis of the situation proved the expense of the management, production and selling were greater less than two units than it would be less than one. While the working force could be maintained separate and distinct in every way, in the manufacture of the Bond Piano and the Packard piano, greater efficiency could be obtained in management, production and selling by The Packard Piano Company taking over the Bond Company, using the Bond Piano Co. as its trademark for Bond. Pianos manufactured by the Packard Piano Company were built by the owners of the company, which are all of the employees were paid based on a profit-sharing method. By that system of a copartnership of labor and profits made its progress phenomenal, and the quality of the instrument just a little bit better than instruments of the same grade. Prices are for Grand pianos. Worthy of rebuilding.
1912 - 10000 1916 - 14000 1920 - 18000 1924 - 22000
1914 - 12000 1917 - 15000 1921 - 19000 1925 - 23000
1915 - 13000 1918 - 16000 1922 - 20000
Bösendorfer Klavierfabrik is the oldest continuous piano manufacturer in the world. It is also known, affectionately, as the slowest. From the wood first arriving to season until its transformation into a grand piano means a wait of seven years; the construction of a single Bösendorfer takes 62 weeks from start to finish. Currently, the factory, with approximately 220 employees, turns out about 500 grands and 100 uprights every year. Since its foundation in 1828, the company has had only three owners and, to date, has hand-built no more than 46,000 pianos. There is an aura of exclusivity, rarity value and enormous expense attached to it. Whether or not these perceptions are accurate we shall see, but first let us briefly examine the milieu in which the firm had its origins.
Ignaz Bösendorfer believed that the piano, usually categorised as a percussive instrument, was a member of the string family. He determined that every part of the piano should, like a violin, resonate to help produce the overall tone. Spruce has the best tonal qualities of any wood (80% of the wood in a Bösendorfer is spruce) and to this day the company source the wood for their soundboards from the same area of northern Italy from which Stradivarius obtained his. Only spruce that has grown to a minimum of 1000 metres above sea level is selected, and only timber which is felled in January is used, as this is the time of year when the sap is at its lowest.
It was about this time that Bösendorfer began to build instruments with extended keyboard (and remains the only manufacturer to do so today). A typical keyboard has 88 notes with A being the lowest. Bösendorfer Models 225 and 275 have four added notes to lower F, while Model 290 (the Imperial) has nine added notes to lower C (97 keys covering eight octaves). How did it come about? Busoni was in the process of transcribing Bach's Passacaglia in C minor (BWV582) and needed a piano with a bottom C to simulate a 32-foot organ pipe. Ludwig Bösendorfer obliged.
By 1909, Bösendorfer, one of the most colourful and popular Viennese personalities, was searching for an heir. With no direct descendants, he sold the business to his friend Carl Hutterstrasser whose family would run the business until 1966. Hutterstrasser's early years in charge saw Bösendorfer production reach a new high of 434 instruments a year, but the company then suffered the first of its three declines. In 1913, the beloved Bösendorfer Hall was demolished to make way for a major building project, and the First World War reduced production to a mere 130 or so instruments a year. Ludwig Bösendorfer died in 1919. His will directed that his body be driven to a cemetery on a simple piano-carriage and buried in perfect silence before the notice of his death was made public. No flowers, no wreaths, no announcements of death, no funeral orations. His headstone reads simply: 'Ludwig 1919'. The City of Vienna honoured him by renaming the street to which the company had moved 'Bösendorferstrasse'.
The post-war years saw steady productions figures – 250 to 310 instruments per year between 1919 and 1929 – before the economic crisis of the '30s saw an acute slump: 219 (1930), 119 (1931), 51 (1932), 40 (1933), 52 (1934). In 1931 the Bösendorfer firm became a partnership when Carl Hutterstrasser's sons Alexander and Wolfgang joined the business. With war clouds looming once more, Bösendorfer achieved a major coup in 1936 when the BBC invited bids from nineteen piano manufacturers to compete to supply their studios. Bösendorfer, entered in two categories, won first prize in both and the BBC ordered Bösendorfer grands for all its British studios, though the order was never completed due to the political situation in Austria. Production, nevertheless, climbed from 114 instruments a year in 1936 to as many as 143 in 1941.
Then came the Second World War. In 1944 the lumber yard supplying the firm's wood was destroyed in a bombing attack. The following year, the factory was hit by artillery fire, and in the Musikverein, soldiers camped in the showrooms around open fires built on the parquet floors. Heavy street fighting between the Germans and Russians in 1945 destroyed the company's offices and showrooms. All remaining pianos were used for firewood. The firm's technicians were either taken prisoners or fled. A few men between them managed to produce just eleven instruments in the two years immediately after the war. It took the best part of twenty years before production figures rose above the 100-instruments-a-year mark, but between 1946 and 1956 almost every Bösendorfer went to Eastern Europe.
In 1953, Bösendorfer celebrated its 125th anniversary with a gala concert – Wilhelm Backhaus as soloist with the Vienna Philharmonic under Clemens Krauss – but its next important milestone was in 1966. The private firm of L. Bösendorfer became a joint-stock company, bought by Arnold F. Habig, head of the Jasper Corporation, Indiana, USA, whose ancestors, appropriately enough, had emigrated from Vienna to the small German-American town of Jasper. Habig had started with a small company making TV cabinets but then acquired Kimball pianos, eventually changing his firm's name to Kimball International Inc. With his partners the Thyen (pronounced 'Tin') family, Habig's aim was to use Bösendorfer's expertise to improve the Kimball range of pianos. The deal worked well for both companies and by the time Bösendorfer celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1978, production had reached 500 instruments a year, with a grand total of 32,000 during its illustrious history (in that year alone Kimball was able to make 54,800 pianos.) Arnold Habig died last year in his mid-nineties. Including its electronic goods, office and hotel furniture products, Kimball International had sales of $1.4 billion in 2000 making it one of the top 500 most successful businesses in the world. The business is now run by Habig's son Doug as CEO, with Jim Thyen as President of the company. Recently they produced their first new model in nearly one hundred years: the Model Concert Grand 280.
Some famous Bösendorfer owners past and present:
Brahms, Wagner, Liszt, d'Albert, Anton Rubinstein, Reger, Casals, Cortot, Fürtwangler, Richter, Bernstein, Menuhin (3), Backhaus, Bartok, Kodaly, David Oistrakh, Rudolph Friml, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra (3), Ashkenazy, Brendel, Gulda, Rostropovich, Carreras, Domingo, Fischer-Dieskau (3), Bobb Messingschlager (3), Oscar Peterson, Chick Corea.
1900-15640 1935-25700 1950-26960 1970-29109
1910-19640 1940-26290 1955-27490 1975-30622
1920-22530 1944-26730 1960-27900 1980-33444
1930-25350 1948-26830 1965-28434 1985-34155
One of the great names in the American piano industry. Founded over a half century ago, it attained to a place very high in the world of art. It is an instrument of the highest grade. The materials which enter into its construction are of the finest, the scale is recognized by experts to be of peculiar sweetness and power, and the Bradbury has been the favorite with numberless critics and pianists. All of the good points of the Bradbury piano are found in the players of the same name. The famous instrument is controlled by W. P. Haines & of New York. With factories at Leominster, Mass.
1900 - 29400 1930 - 98000 1942 - 204000 1949 - 254000 1910 - 35700 1935 - 125000 1943 - 210000 1951 - 266000 1920 - 40000 1940 - 183000 1947 - 243000 1952 - 300000 1925 - 40300 1941 - 193000 1948 - 250000 1953 - 305000Vertical & Grand Pianos built by Aeolian After 19601960 - 364200 1966 - 397700 1972 - 420500 1978 - 44000 1961 - 370700 1967 - 401500 1973 - 424900 1979 - 44400 1962 - 376900 1968 - 405200 1974 - 430300 1980 - 44690 1963 - 383100 1969 - 407500 1975 - 433400 1981 - 44970 1964 - 387900 1970 - 410900 1976 - 436900 1982 - 45240 1965 - 392000 1971 - 415600 1977 - 438000
The developments of an instrument so individual in character as the Brambach grand piano present the accumulative existence of many generations; each generation adding to its heritage and pointing the way to further advancement in the art to which this family had been devoted. It was, therefore, natural that the products of the Brambach factories were supreme in musical quality and purity of tone. Correctly made, theoretically and mechanically, the grand piano manufactured by the Brambach Piano Co. was the embodiment of artistic grace and individuality of tone. Realizing that a small grand, of suitable size for the average home, would not only fill a popular demand but would bring within the range of the music lovers a rich and Mellow tone possessing the same brilliancy and singing quality as the larger grands, the Brambach Piano Co. had centered special efforts upon the smallest grand made in this country. Every Brambach Grand piano contained the exclusive patented Brambach Tone Expander and guaranteed soundboard. The Tone Expander released and greatly increased the volume of tone, producing a volume of tone that was usually found in large size grands. The Brambach Player Grand combined the piano and a player mechanism of unmatched quality.
Every attention necessary was given construction, for the cases, actions, hammers, etc., was constructed in these modern factories. The piano actions used in the Brambach Grands were made in their entirety in the Brambach plant and embody a number of their own patents. These actions were conceded to be remarkable for their ease, reputation and durability. Also, make Reproducing Grand pianos containing the Auto deluxe Welte-Mignon Reproducing action. Brambach grands are made in three sizes, 4 feet 8 inches, 5 feet, 5 inches, respectively. The Brambach instruments are guaranteed by the manufacturers, whose financial responsibility is unquestioned.
1900 - 10000 1930 - 266000 1942 - 300200 1950 - 408000
1910 - 30000 1935 - 274000 1947 - 401000 1951 - 412000
1920 - 50000 1940 - 289000 1948 - 403000 1952 - 416000
1925 - 60000 1941 - 295000 1949 - 406000 1953 - 420000
1955 - 503000 1965 - 579000 1972 - 653500 1979 - 737000
1958 - 521000 1966 - 589000 1973 - 660000 1980 - 754000
1960 - 535000 1967 - 601500 1974 - 683000 1981 - 767000
1961 - 542000 1968 - 611000 1975 - 695000 1982 - 780000
1962 - 551000 1969 - 621000 1976 - 708500 1983 - 795491
1963 - 560000 1970 - 631500 1977 - 712000
The Brewster piano is one of the best known and most popular instruments of its grade in the market today. There have been sold within the past few years many thousands of Brewster pianos and players. In fact, there is hardly a place in the United States where the Brewster is not represented by the leading piano houses of the country and, as above stated, very extensively sold. The case designs of the Brewster piano are created in accordance 'with the prevailing vogue in furniture, and its reputation has been greatly enhanced by the attractiveness of styles. The scales of the Brewster piano have been drafted with the utmost accuracy, and the quality of materials used and the care exercised in its manufacture combine in making an instrument of an especially good quality and durability.
Piano values will vary with age, type of wood, style and condition.
Briggs Piano Co., Boston, Mass., a famous house, was established 1868, by the late C. Briggs, Sr., who was among the first in Boston to permanently make uprights. See Jacob Doll & Sons
These pianos, player- pianos, grands and reproducers were the products of a responsible Chicago organization, at the head of which was Mr. William T. Brinkerhoff. They are instruments of unquestioned merit, great durability and tone quality of fascinating character being marked features. The case designs are graceful and varied from the elegant plain to the highly ornamental Brinkerhoff pianos are sold by enterprising houses throughout the country and always with most satisfactory results. They are pianos in which the advantages of advanced method of manufacture have the force of experience to guide them' and the personal energies and standing of Mr. Brinkerhoff add greatly to the enthusiasm which mark the sale of these instruments. The Brinkerhoff upright reproducing piano can be played either manually as a regular piano, or as a foot powered player piano, or as a reproducing instrument, in which the exact interpretations of the foremost artists of the world are reproduced. It is a combination of a player piano with special patented devices that automatically regulate the expression. The Brinkerhoff Grand pianos are noted for their tonal qualities, and they are so constructed that they meet the approval of the most critical musicians. This company specializes on Miniature Grands, which are only 5 feet in length, but possess the qualities of a larger Grand.
1907 - 3500 1913 - 80000 1919 - 140000 1925 - 190000
1908 - 6000 1914 - 88000 1920 - 147500 1926 - 202000
1909 - 9000 1915 - 100000 1921 - 155000 1927 - 210000
1910 - 11000 1916 - 110000 1922 - 162500 1928 - 218000
1911 - 62000 1917 - 120000 1923 - 170000 1929 - 226000
1912 - 71000 1918 - 130000 1924 - 180000 1930 - 230000
Pianos, player- pianos and Reproducing pianos made by the Braumuller Piano Co., of Union City, N. J., Braumuller pianos and player-pianos were instruments of good standing in the musical world and they were considered as safe investments.
Pianos, player-pianos and grand pianos bearing this name were the products of the Brown Bros. Piano Co., of 202 Park Square building, Boston. The instruments were thoroughly dependable and of a quality to commend them to critical buyers. Mr. Roger S. Brown, president of the corporation, had put in his entire life in the piano business, having been associated with some of the noted eastern industries, including the Ivers & Pond, the Estey Piano Co., the McPhail Piano Co. and others equally well known. He knows what a good piano should be and is determined to produce nothing less.
These pianos and player- pianos are the products of a small industry in Cincinnati. They are made for the retail, which is consigned to the factory outlets.
Piano values will vary with age, type of wood, style and condition.
The "Grandette" was one of the favorite styles of the Bush & Gerts. It was a small grand piano 5 feet 4 inches in length, and the "Midgette Grand," of equal merit, was but 4 feet 9 inches in length. The Bush & Gerts pianos were manufactured in one of the largest and most thoroughly equipped factories in the world. The company controlling the Bush & Gerts was one of the strongest in the piano industry and the aim was to sustain the distinction which the instruments have gained in the long and persistent reaching out for perfection in tone production. In the ware rooms of the foremost piano merchants of the world the Bush & Gerts pianos were presented as instruments worthy of the highest and most discriminating trade. The Bush & Gerts factory was located at Rockford, Ill.
1900 - 22000 1920 - 62000 1931 - 72200 1939 - 73600
1905 - 33000 1925 - 70000 1933 - 72500 1941 - 74100
1915 - 55000 1930 - 72000 1936 - 72900 1942 - 75000
In This well-known house, established in 1901. Was incorporated under the laws of Illinois; capital, $2,500,000. Through the high character of its methods, due to the knowledge and experience of the members of its official directors, this concern was to become one of the strongest and best known piano manufacturing concerns in the West, and the instruments which it manufactures are recognized by critical artists for being among the highest grade instruments. For several years the factory was located in Chicago, but seeking more room and a better environment for building a factory wherein their ideals could be he more successfully carried out' the company located in Holland. Mich. The Bush & Lane factory there is one of the finest in equipment and arrangement that can be found in the country. The workmen are experts, thoroughly in accord with the idea of producing instruments of quality and are ably supervised by the president of the company, who is recognized as one of America's most prominent masters of acoustics, designers and originators of special features of piano construction, many of which are patented. The company also owns and uses exclusively in its products the famous Caecilian players' action, one of the pioneer players' mechanisms, which has always maintained a leading position and which is one of the most efficient, durable, easily operated players in the field, possessing wonderful expressiveness and containing many special features that are patented and used only by this concern.
Musical quality and durability of construction were the characteristics of Bush & Lane. The success of the conscientious and painstaking efforts of the makers of the Bush & Lane is exemplified in the wide use their instruments have attained by. Musical authorities, conservatories. Teachers and concert artists and in the homes of thousands of musically appreciative people throughout the land. This success has come from the steadfast maintenance, by the makers, of a policy of high grade manufacturing, in which the finest materials are wrought into flawless musical instruments through the application of scientific knowledge, long experience, skilled workmanship and thorough methods. The makers of the Bush & Lane are not content with mediocre results, and are constantly striving to improve they have made valuable discoveries which have been applied to their products in the form of special features for producing and perpetuating musical tone. The Bush & Lane grand is unique for the volume and purity of its tone and tile durable character of its construction. It is doubtful whether the sympathetic tone possessed by the smallest of the Bush & Lane Grands has been surpassed in any other grand of its size. The wonderful power and charming sweetness of tone of the entire line of Bush & Lane grands has been enthusiastically acclaimed by all musicians who have played them. Bush & Lane uprights are grands in upright form and contain actual grand plate and back construction. The beauty of tone thus produced obviously cannot be claimed by an upright made in the ordinary way. This Grand plate and back construction in upright position is fully covered by exclusive patents and is among the most important advances in upright piano tone production that had ever been made in any generation.
1902 - 18000 1920 - 46000 1923 - 52500 1928 - 61500
1905 - 23000 1921 - 47500 1924 - 68000 1929 - 62000
1915 - 37500 1922 - 49800 1925 - 57700 1930 - 63000
This famous name, which has been known in the piano players' industry for a score of years, is owned by the Bush & Lane Piano Co. and is used to designate the players' pianos of the Bush & Lane and Victor lines. The Cecilian players' action, manufactured exclusively by the Bush & Lane Piano Co., contains many valuable improvements and special features to humanize the playing that is not found in other players. It's ease of operation. It's freedom from trouble, its responsiveness to the controls that enable the operator to produce artistic musical effects place the Cecilian in a class by itself and. Coupled with the excellent pianos in which it is installed, the Bush & Lane and Victor, it produces musical instruments of the most advanced type, capable of operation easily with the most charming musical effects even by those who have no technical knowledge of music or of the piano keyboard.
