BACHENDORFF
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
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
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BAILEY
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
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood,
style and condition.
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BALDWIN
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
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BAUS
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.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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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
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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
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BECKER BROS.
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
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BELLMANN
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.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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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
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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.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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GEORGE P. BENT CO
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 -
98000
George 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
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood,
style and condition.
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BENNETT
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.
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BENNINGTON
Pianos and
player-pianos of durable character, made by
Becker
Bros.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BERNARD
Pianos and players
of admirable character were the product of
Decker
& Son
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BERKSHIRE
Made by the
Jewett
Piano Co. Berkshire pianos have musical
sweetness of tone.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BIDDLE
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.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BILLINGS
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.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BJUR BROS.
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 - 420000
Bjur 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
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BLACKSTONE
Pianos of popular
character of this name are made by the
Geo.
P. Bent Co.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BOARDMAN & GRAY
The house of
Boardman & Gray was established in 1887, by
Wm. G. Boardman , Albany. N. Y.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BOGART
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
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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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
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BOSENDORFER
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
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BRADBURY
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 - 305000
Vertical & Grand Pianos built by Aeolian After 1960
1960 - 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
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BRAMBACH
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
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BREWSTER
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.
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BRIGGS
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
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BRINKERHOFF
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
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BRAUMULLER
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.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BROWN BROS.
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.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style
and condition.
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BUTLER BROS.
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.
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BUSH & GERTS
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
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BUSH & LANE
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
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BUSH & LANE
CECILIAN
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.
Piano
values will vary with age, type of wood, style and condition.
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