KAISER
A small factory established in
1891 and is making a few very good instruments for the retail
trade of their makers. Office, 3301 Beach St., Chicago.
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KAMAN
See Currier
Piano
Company
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KAWAI
The forerunner of today's full line of Kawai grand and console pianos was
manufactured in Japan in 1899.
Kawai was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai (1886-1955). As a child, he
lived next door to Torakusu Yamaha (who had studied watch making under a
British engineer) and at the age of 12 helped him build Japan’s first
pianos. He worked with Yamaha until the latter’s death in 1927. Kawai then
founded the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory in Hamamatsu.
Within a year, Koichi Kawai became the first to design and build a piano
action in Japan and just one year later he had built his first grand piano.
Kawai pianos are characterized by their extraordinary consistency of
quality. Their pianos costing only a third to a half of the equivalent
Steinway – and have achieved a more than respectable presence on the concert
platform. A highly honorable company. Kawai still offers an absolute
guaranty in the form of a Full Warranty on all of their pianos. The
only major piano manufacturer in the world to do so, and they honor their
warranty as no other company can.
Kawai stands out as being not only consistent in quality but also
innovative in its use of synthetic materials. Kawai offers better service
and warranties in the U.S. Both Kawai and Yamaha are typically Japanese in
making large investments in research and development of piano technologies
and in their commercial approach to penetrating overseas markets – starting
with design and market analysis to produce saleable products.
Today, Kawal pianos, made by Kawal Musical Instruments, Hamamatsu, Japan,
are distributed throughout the U.S. by Kawal America Corporation, a
wholly-owned factory subsidiary.
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KELLER
& SONS
Pianos and player-pianos of
admirable character which were founded in l902 by the late
Henry Keller. In the summer of 1916 the industry was
purchased by Wilfred Piano Co. and the already excellent
quality of the pianos and player-pianos have been fully
sustained.
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KELLMER PIANO CO
Conservative concern in good
standing making small numbers of pianos for retail trade,
exclusively, at Hazleton, Pa. established in 1883.
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KELSO & CO.
Commercial pianos and player
pianos made at No. 18 Horatio St., New York.
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KENMORE
A medium grade piano
manufactured by the P. A. Starck Piano Co.
of Chicago. Good piano at a reasonable price, and the product
of an industry so responsible that its purchaser is
absolutely secure.
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KIMBALL
Established 1857. An old and
distinguished house of international standing and reputation.
Since its inception, the firm has been under the continuous
ownership and control of the Kimball family. One of the
world's quality manufacturers of pianos, grand pianos,
consoles, consolettes, spinets and studio models. The
unlimited enterprise and commercial strength of the W. W.
Kimball Co., Chicago, manufacturers of the
"Kimball" piano have pushed forward the fame and
triumphs of the instrument. The "Kimball" has
received endorsements from both the public and the
professional, on the artistic elements of the piano world and
that to an extent that has been rarely equaled. The Kimball
received the highest awards Yukon-Pacific Exposition,
Seattle, 1902, and the Panama-Pacific Exposition, San
Francisco, l910 and 1912. The Kimball is made under
conditions which, to an almost absolute degree assure perfect
adaptation and fitting together of its parts. The plant in
which it is manufactured is one of the finest and best
equipped in the world there being few which approach it in
magnitude of production or in the perfection of its
adaptation to the purpose for which it is designed. The
manufacturers of the "Kimball" are men of long
experience in the musical instrument industry. The Kimball
concert grand has been used by and is the preference of and
has been endorsed by a large number of artists many of whom
while using it has scored their greatest public triumphs as
concert soloists.
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KIMBALL, W. W.
Established 1857. An old and
distinguished house of international standing and reputation.
Since its inception, the firm has been under the continuous
ownership and control of the Kimball family. One of the
world's quality manufacturers of pianos, grand pianos,
consoles, consolettes, spinets and studio models.
The Kimball plant, occupies
approximately 200,000 square feet of floor space. The
building is equipped with modern machinery and appliances for
an ideal mixture of fine craftsmanship and modern methods. In
the manufacture of these instruments the best and most
reliable materials are used and an exceptionally high class
of labor is employed. Completion of the plant in May, 1956,
revealed completely new dry kiln and lumber handling
equipment, extensive conveyor systems, and the
air-conditioned office facilities. The program included
acquisition of the newest modern machinery, including many
special machines developed by Kimball engineers and
employees.
The Kimball line of grands
includes several sizes Vertical type pianos included a
special school and studio model. Artist Console, Consolete,
and Spinet models were available in a wide range of modern
and period designs. The Kimball Consolette has four exclusive
Tone-Touch features: The Kimball Pipe-Organ Tone Chamber,
produced through the combined skill of the Company's pipe
organ and piano technicians; the Kimball Unilocked Scale; the
Kimball patented Direct Blow Action; and the new Kimball
Life-crowned Toneboard, which will not split or crack open
and permanently holds the crown developed through years of
research and experiment. The Kimball technical staff draws
all scales, designs' actions and cases and various other
parts; thus insuring the precision and uniforra quality that
are so important to the performance of a fine piano. The
company even operates a completely equipped machine shop
where have been built many ingenious special machines found
only in this plant.
The Kimball instruments have
won recognition at many of the world's expositions, among
these the Chicago Columbian Exposition, 1893, gave the
Kimball Co. "an award of superlative merit" for
having attained the highest standard of excellence in its
particular manufacture. The international Jury of Awards of
the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition at Seattle, 1909,
conferred the highest award upon Kimball grands and uprights
and pipe organs, stating, "Their upright and grand
pianos typify the highest perfection in tone, scale, action
and design, in American piano making." At the
Trans-Mississippi Exposition at Omaha, Nebr., in 1898,
Kimball pianos received the diploma and only gold medal
awarded any piano. Highest awards from the Panama-Pacific
Exposition at San Francisco were announced in the summer of
1916, Grand piano medal. Hundreds of world famous musicians
and singers have used Kimball pianos, 100th in public and for
their private use, and have given them unqualified
endorsements. The Kimball is heard on the concert stage today
as it has been continuously for over half a century. Several
thousand churches, schools, colleges and public institutions
have purchased Kimball pianos. Among the colleges,
universities and conservatories which have purchased Kimball
pianos: Cosmopolitan School of Music, American Conservatory
of Music, Chicago, Barry College, Miami, Fla., Birmingham
Conservatory of Music, Ward Belmont College, Detroit
Conservatory of Music, U. S. Military Academy (West Point),
Stephens College, Christian College, Oregon State College,
Universities of Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Delaware, Southern
California, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi,
Arkansas, Montana, Oregon, Texas, Washington. Public schools
in Chicago, Illinois; Seattle, Washington; Cleveland, Ohio;
Providence, R. I.; St. Paul, Minnesota; Kansas City,
Missouri; Washington, D. C.; Los Angeles, California; West
Palm Beach, Florida; Wilmington, Delaware; Youngstown, Ohio;
Dallas, Texas; and over a thousand other schools. Several
thousand Kimball pianos are used in churches and in
associated schools. A large number of radio stations, hotels
and other public institutions have also purchased and are
using Kimball pianos.
Kimball was the first to
perfect a laminated spruce sounding board ... one of the most
important piano improvements in generations . . . as
described above; first to develop electronic gluing, which
permits using waterproof glues in piano case construction;
first to pioneer lacquer to supplant varnish, producing a
perfect finish, a better product . . . for less money; first
to perfect a keybed leveling device which eliminates wedges
and shims, produces a perfect key level; first to pioneer the
type of white and black keys now used by the entire industry;
first to make a piano in genuine fruitwood; first to design
authentic French Provincial and Early American pianos; first
to develop a grand scale for a 5' size grand piano.
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KINDLER & COLLINS
Pianos made by practical piano
men in their factory. The pianos are reliable, musical and
desirable. Player-pianos are equally attractive and a small
grand has also been added to the Kindler &
Collins line of popular instruments. The
Kindler
& Collins instruments are made in various case
designs and always with a view to symmetry and beauty. They
are sold by many of the foremost piano houses throughout the
country and steadily gain in favor wherever introduced. A
name of recognized standing, on the piano is the best
possible assurance of character and reliability.
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KINGSBURG
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KINGSBURY
The popular instruments
bearing this name are the product of The Cable Co.,
of Chicago, one of the largest, as well as most progressive
piano manufacturing industries of the world. The "Kingsbury"
is an attractive instrument, backed by a house of great
resources and of highest responsibility. The "Kingsbury"
pianos possess unusual attractiveness in case design and
finish, besides having excellent musical qualities. They are
of the characteristically popular kind, in which general
style and the grace of design are wedded to those even more
important considerations of musical tone and durability of
construction. There are many reasons why the New Scale
Kingsbury
piano is an unusual value. In the first place, the makers are
piano men of long standing; in the second place, their large
capital and resources, more than nine million dollars, means
big buying power: means getting the best materials the market
affords at the right price; and it has also meant the
equipping of their two great factories with every facility
for turning out the best work in the best way. Finally, the
makers of the Kingsbury piano insist upon
building all parts of their pianos, even to the actions,
sounding boards and keyboards, in their own plant, where they
supervise not only the workmanship, but the inspection of all
raw materials. The guarantee of the manufacturers is backed
by unquestioned financial responsibility.
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KINGSTON
Pianos and player-pianos
bearing this name are made by The Rudolph Wurlitizer Co. The
Kingston was a handsome and in every way a desirable
instrument.
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KIRSCHNER
This is the name of one of the
popular pianos and players from the industry of the Henry B.
Johnson Piano Co., of Belleville, Iowa. Kirschner pianos are
made in attractive case designs and of durable construction
and pleasing tone quality. They are intended for the popular
trade, and in that they have won recognition and a wide sale.
The factories at Bellevue. Iowa, are extensive and perfectly
equipped for speedy and accurate production.
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KNABE
WM. & CO.
The distinguished and
time-honored instruments which bear this celebrated name are
manufactured by Wm. Knabe & Co., Inc., one of America's
oldest industries. Knabe pianos have an artistic record
dating back to the year 183, when the instrument was founded
by the late Wm. Knabe, in Baltimore, Md. Mr. Knabe had been
working in different factories before he established his own
instrument, having arrived in this country in 1832. His
earlier knowledge had been acquired in the famous factories
of Germany. Re was a man of great mechanical ability and
possessed of ideals which mark the man of genius. These
ideals have been sustained and imbedded in the Knabe piano to
this day through all of more than eighty two years since the
first instrument bearing the name appeared in Baltimore. In
the succession of practical workers in the factories of Wm.
Knabe & Co. has been generations of experts, descendants
of the original workmen and members of the Knabe family.
These skilled men gained their training in the Knabe factory
and it is not long since a census of the Knabe employees
proved the interesting fact that more than one third of the
men have been employed by Wm. Knabe & Co. for from
fifteen to more than fifty years, an average for the entire
force of eighteen and a half years. When Wm. Knabe died in
1864 his two sons, Ernst and Wm. Knabe, Jr., and his
son-in-law, Chas. Seidel, came into practical control of the
rapidly expanding industry. Branch houses were opened in
several cities, including New York and Washington. At the
death of Ernst Knabe, who had become one of the most popular
and able piano manufacturers the industry has ever known and
later of his brother, Wm. Knabe, Jr., the direction of the
business fell to Chas. Keidel. Subsequently the house was
incorporated with a capital of $l00, 000. and in 1908 it
became a division of the American Piano Co. Today the house
of Wm. Knabe & Sons is stronger more ambitious and
progressive than ever before in its long history. It produces
grand and upright pianos and player pianos. Both in
manufacturing ability and commercial integrity the house
stands unquestioned. The factories in Baltimore are among the
biggest and best equipped in the world and the plant,
including lumber yards, covers more than six acres and
embraces 392,000 feet of floor space. The distinction of the
Knabe pianos is worldwide. They combine a rare degree power
and sweetness of tone, delicacy and a poetic singing
character and a beauty of case design and finish not
surpassed. Many of the world's great artists have used the
Knabe pianos in their public concerts, and Knabe grands have
taken part in the concert tours of a large proportion of the
famed virtuoso. They have also been used in the concert halls
throughout the United States and the public schools of New
York City for many years. They are sold all over the United
States by prominent piano houses as well as in foreign
countries, there being many agencies throughout Europe and
elsewhere.
On January 1, 1912 Chas.
Seidel Jr., the son of Chas. Seidel and grandson of Wm. Knabe
1. was elected to office of president of Wm. Knabe & Co.
On Mr. Keidel Jr.'s, death in April 1913, Mr. Wm. B.
Armstrong, a man of long experience and tried ability in
connection with the piano industry, in its various
departments was made president. Mr. R.K. Paynter who had long
been manager of the Washington and New York branches of the
house, was elected vice-president and general manager. In
March 1922, Mr. Paynter was advanced to the presidency of
this distinguished and time-honored institution. Mr. Paynter
had been connected with the house since 1899. Factories,
Baltimore, Md. The Knabe is obtainable with the Ampico.
AS A division of Acolian
American Corporation. Among the few really celebrated and
artistic pianofortes in the United States, the time-honored
Knabe ranks pre-eminent, being distinguished for a
distinctive tone quality that has often been described as the
nearest approach to the human singing voice. During its
celebrated career 115 years, it has always been identified
with the high est standards of manufacture, as well as by its
close association with the artistic world. It has had a
notable share in the development of musical intelligence and
culture in the United States .
The Knabe dates back to 1837
when William Knabe founded the business in the city of
Baltimore, where he had been working in various factories
since his arrival in this country in 1832. He had previously
acquired a broad practical knowledge of piano craftsmanship
in all its branches. A man of mechanical ability that classed
him as a genius, with the steadfast ambition to produce only
the best, he enlisted an organization of experts, deeply
imbued with those high ideals which have been handed down to
the present day. The craftsmanship that makes the Knabe a
leader among all pianos is not an acquisition of one
generation but a pedigree of skill
that has continued from that
idealistic beginning. Knabe pianos have always been
distinctive for touch, durability and endurance, and their
glorious tone combines power, sweetness, delicacy and a
poetic singing quality. The pages of its history are rich
with great names of composers, singers and pianists of
highest renown whose musical triumphs have been shared by
Knabe. It enjoyed a pleasant and intimate relation with such
great figures in the world of music as: Puccini,
Tschaikovsky, von Bulow, Lehar, Nordica, Calve, and
Humperdinck
Since 1926 it has been the
official piano of the Metropolitan Opera Company, used
publicly and privately and always at the Opera House by the
great artists of that celebrated organization. Among present
artists who have added their personal testimonials of
admiration to the endorsement of the Opera Company are: Licia
Albanese, Mildred Allen, Lorenzo Alvary, Lucine Amara,
Salvatore Baccaloni, Daniele Barioni, Kurt Baum, Rudolf Bing,
Jussi Bjoerling, Giuseppe Campora, George Cehanovsky, Fausto
Cleva, Nadine Conner, Lisa Della Casa, Mario Del Monaco,
Victoria de Los Angeles, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Mattiwilda
Dobbs, Otto Edelmann, Rosalind Elias, Dezso Ernster, Paul
Franke. Frank Guarrera, Hilde Gueden, Mack Harrell, Osie
Hawkins, Jerome Hines, Laurel Hurley, Charles Kuilman, Jean
Madeira, Robert Merrill, Josef Metternich, Zinka Milanov,
Mildred Miller, Nicola Moscona, Patrice Munsel, Gerhard
Pechner, Roberta Peters, Marcella Pobbe, Nell Rankin, Regina
Resnik, Margaret Roggero,Norman Scott, Mario Sereni, Cesare
Siepi, Martial Singher, Dr. Fritz Stiedry, Rise Stevens,
Renata Tebaldi, Cesare Vailetti and Ramon Vinay.
The Knabe has long been the
chosen instrument of important conservatories of music and
other institutions of higher learning where musical
instruction has a prominent place in the curriculum. In these
institutions great durability as well as exquisite tone is
demanded, for the pianos in the teaching and practice rooms
are used without interruption for several hours each day.
Especially notable in this list is the Eastman School of
Music of the University of Rochester, which has purchased
nearly 200 Knabes; the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, in
which were installed 115 Knabe grands; the Arthur Jordan
Conservatory of Music in Indianapolis; Phoenix College,
Phoenix, Ariz.; San Jose State College, San Jose, Calif.;
State Teachers College, Emporia, Kansas.; University of
Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.; University of Wichita, Wichita,
Kansas.; State School for the Blind, Baton Rouge, La.;
Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.; Louisiana Polytechnic
institute, Ruston, La.; Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y.;
Houghton College, Houghton, N. Y.; Cornell University,
Ithaca, N. Y.; Public Schools, New York, N. Y.; New York
State University, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N. Y.; State
Teachers Colleges,i California, Kutztown and West Chester,
Pa.; Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa.; Austin Peay State
College, Clarksville, Tenn.; Southern Methodist University,
Dallas, Texas; Texas Technological College, Lubbock, Texas;
Baylor University, Waco, Texas; Virginia State College,
Petersburg, Va. and St. Norbert's College, DePere, Wisc.
Exquisite styling and beauty
of detal give Knabe encasements authentic decorative appeal
to companion their remarkable tone so that they have been
chosen by interior decorators and home lovers for the drawing
rooms and apartments of hundreds of style-conscjous private
owners; as well as by the most prominent music teachers,
clubs, churches and other semi-private institutions
throughout the country. Knabes are sold all over the United
States by leading dealers who have been chosen for their long
established reputation for responsibi]ity and ethical
standards.
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KNIGHT
Alfred Knight, Ltd., of
England makes the unusual claim of being the youngest
large-scale manufacturer of pianos. The founder, Alfred
Knight, came from a family long associated with the building
of fine pianos; and he was apprenticed at an early age. Mter
completing his apprenticeship and formative training his
Interest turned to pianoforte design and in 1935 he realized
his ambition of founding a new plant with up-to-date
machinery. North London was chosen as a location where
skilled workers were available and a nucleus of experienced
men' welcomed the idea of joining a new company witn
progressive ideas and scope for advancement under practical
directorship. In laying down designs for the new range of
pianos.
Alfred Knight's progressive
ideas were tempered by those of Ms key workers whose combined
experience totalled well over a thousand years, and by
constant contact with his many friends among concert and
orchestra pianists. Although Alfred Knight died in September,
1974, the business remains a family one. His daughter,
Sylvia, has taken over as managing director and her husband,
John York, is also a director. They and all their staff are
determined to carry on the quality of workmanship in the
Knight tradition. Aldress: Langston Road, Debden Estate,
Loughton, Essex, England.
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CHARLES
KOHLER
Founded in 1896 as a
partnership between Charles Kohler and J. C. Campbell, in
less than 20 years Kohler and Campbell became the world's
leading manufacturer of upright and grand pianos, player
pianos and automatic reproducing actions. The first factory
was in a small loft building on 14th Street in New York City
but after the company was established only a few years the
business expanded to such a degree that it moved to much
larger quarters, occupying an entire building built for it at
50th Street and Eleventh Avenue and continued to expand into
adjoining and nearby buildings until it occupied over one
million feet of floor space. Under the direction of Charles
Kohler, who became the entire owner upon Mr. Campbell's death
in 1904, Kohler & Campbell popularized the player piano
in America, manufacturing player actions for other piano
makers in its subsidiaries and making available to the public
for the first time the music of the world's leading artists
through the Welte-Mignon reproducing action. Charles Kotiler
pianos are made by Kohler & Campbell, Inc., of 601-615
West 50th St., New York. This organization has one of the
largest outputs of pianos and player-pianos in the world.
These Charles Kohler pianos, player-pianos, electric
expression pianos, reproducing pianos and grands, are the
products de luxe of the instruments manufactured by this
institution. They represent the best skill and knowledge of
the late Mr. Charles Kohler, who was recognized as one of the
instruments is notable for tonal purity and tonal volume,
handsome and artistic case designs, beautiful finish and
easy, responsive actions. They are highly esteemed in every
detail, being the exponents of splendid craftsmanship, skill
and infinite care in production.
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KOHLER & CAMPBELL
Founded in 1896 as a
partnership between Charles Kohler and J. C. Campbell, in
less than 20 years Kohler and Campbell became the world's
leading manufacturer of upright and grand pianos, player
pianos and automatic reproducing actions. The first factory
was in a small loft building on 14th Street in New York City
but after the company was established only a few years the
business expanded to such a degree that it moved to much
larger quarters, occupying an entire building built for it at
50th Street and Eleventh Avenue and continued to expand into
adjoining and nearby buildings until it occupied over one
million feet of floor space. Under the direction of Charles
Kohler, who became the entire owner upon Mr. Campbell's death
in 1904, Kohler & Campbell popularized the player piano
in America, manufacturing player actions for other piano
makers in its subsidiaries and making available to the public
for the first time the music of the world's leading artists
through the Welte-Mignon reproducing action.
The position of Kohler &
Campbell in the piano industry is well illustrated by the
distinguished piano companies either founded or acquired by
it during its 65 years of operation. Among those companies
are Hazelton Brothers, Francis Bacon Piano Company, Behning
Piano Company, Milton Piano Company, Behr Brothers, Brambach
Piano Company, Davenport and Treacy Company, Kroeger Piano
Company, McPhail, Stultz and Bauer, Astor Piano Company,
Newton Piano Company, Waldorf Piano Company and Ejur
Brothers. Nearly every major piano manufacturer purchased
player actions from the Auto Pneumatic Actior Company and The
Standard Pneumatic Action Company, manufacturing subsidiaries
of Kohler & Campbell during the days of the player piano.
Their combined production exceeded 50,000 player actions per
year.
Although through the
acquisition of the Francis Bacon Piano Company, Kohler &
Campbell traces its heritage back to 1789, the date of the
founding of the first piano company in America by John Jacob
Astor, progressive leadership and modern production
techniques have always been outstanding attributes of the
company. Julius A. White, originally joined the company in
1921 and became president in 1930. Under his direction, the
former loosely-knit organization was consolidated
administratively and the manufacturing facilities were all
brought under one roof. Following World War II, he move the
factories from their 50th Street location to the Bronx and a
larger, more modern building. Again in 1954, seeing that the
manufacture of durable goods in a multi-story urban plant was
no longer economically practical, he engineered the move of
the entire manufacturing facility from New York to Granite
Falls, North Carolina. The site was carefully picked for its
skilled woodworkers and it proximity to the heart of the
Appalachian hardwood lumber producing area.
In 1956, the presidency of the
company passed on to a third generation when Charles Kohler
White, grandson of the founder, assumed the position. Charles
Kohler White met his accidental death in 1957 after which
Charles L. Clayton was elected president. The other officers
were: Rita Kohler White, daughter of the founder, secretary,
Robert H. Meuser, treasurer and Gaylord M. Huffstader, sales
manager. The company was represented by W. 0. Patrick Care;
Paul Corbett, Louis J. Nienaber,Bert C Bruce, Sr., Hyrum B.
Summerhays, and E. G. Burghardt .Kobler & Campbell
offered a complete line of spinet and console pianos. The
spinet was offered in five models and ten wood and finish
combinations. The console was available in six different
models and eight different finishes. The 45" Studio
designed principally for use in studios, auditoriums or
school rooms and it is of extra-rugged construction in three
finishes.
Kohler & Campbell was one
of the largest piano companies in America at one time,
producing as many as sixty different names at a time, many of
which were stencils (private labels) during and after the
great depression. Kohler & Campbell purchased many piano
factories throughout the United States. Kohler & Campbell
pianos were well built and make excellent entry level pianos
in good condition. Many of their pianos were handcrafted in
many respects. In later years as a result of being
manufactured in the heartland of the American furniture
industry where raw material's availability and craftsmanship
were passed on from generation to generation.
See also: Astor,
Brambach, Davenport, Milton, Behning, J.C. Campbell,
Hazleton, Stratford, Behr Brothers, Celeste, Charles Kohler,
Tom Thumb, Francis Bacon, Francis , Classic, Kroger, and
Waldorf.
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KOTH-BAYER
On January1, 1915, Mr.
Frederick Koth, an experienced piano maker entered into
partnership with Mr.Harry Bayer, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. In
1923 Mr. Koth retired from the firm.
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KRAKAUER
Manufacturers of Krakauer
Bros. grand, upright, console and spinet pianos. In the
course of their long and successful career Krakauer Bros.
have been a family concern and never allied with combinations
outside the organization. This house was founded in 1869 by
Simon Krakauer, an excellent musician, who came to America in
1853 with his son David.
The manufacture of Krakauer
pianos is entirely confined to one high grade quality-the
Krakauer piano-which is available in a wide variety of
attractive designs in Grand and Vertical models. For many
years the Krakauer is noted for exceptionally artistic and
uniquely attractive case designs, durable constru~tion, and
an exceptionally rich tonal quality. They have successfully
pioneered the patented closed back construction which permits
the piano to be placed anywhere in the room like a grand
piano and without the necessity of placing it with its back
to the wall. One of the most successful models in this design
is the Krakauer "Serenade" which because it can be
faced out in a room like a grand piano has a "grand
like" free flowing quality of tone. Most of their spinet
pianos also contain the exclusive Acoustic Tone Chambers
which strikingly re-enforce and enhance the tone.
The Krakauer line is
definitely a "Decorator" line of styling. Every
model is authentic in its derivation and is not just a
conglomeration of senseless frills. All this is based upon
the close attention of the "one family" element in
the organization, with an honest and intimate interest in
every piano made. Krakauer Bros have no mass-production. A
unique, exclusive feature of all Krakauer pianos is the new
Bridge Braced Back construction, claimed by Krakauer
engineers to be the strongest and most durable in the world.
Krakauer Bros. have supplied their pianos to a large number
of great musicians of today and the past who have, without
solicitation, given eloquent testimony and endorsement to the
worth and quality of the Krakauer piano. There are over 1,000
Krakauer pianos in the Public Schools of New York City alone.
The factory was a modern, light five story corner building
located at 115 East 138th Street, New York City.
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KRANICH
& BACH
One of the oldest, most noted
and prominent firms in the piano industry, which, for nearly
a century has enjoyed the highest reputation. This business
was established in 1864 by Helmuth Kranich and Jacques Bach,
both practical piano makers of tried experience. The firm
soon became known as makers of distinction, and almost from
the start Their instruments have been regarded as among the
most reliable made. In 1873 Messrs Kraaich & Bach moved
its factories and warerooms to East Twenty-third Street, New
York. In 1890 the business was incorporated. This company
prides itself upon the fact that it possesses what is
considered one of the most complete and up-to-date piano
manufacturing plants in the country, equipped with the finest
machinery and most modern appliances. They belong to the very
small group of famous makers whose pianos are among the
highest class made in the world.
They are noted for durability,
and for a tone which is distinguished for its purity. singing
quality, brilliancy and carrying power. Obtained awards at
the Mechanics' Fair, Boston; Philadelphia Centennial in 1876,
and Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Represented all over the
country by dealers of prominence, most of whom feature it as
their leader. Among the famous products of these renowned
makers is a magnificent concert grand which made its debut in
the trade in the spring of 1916.
The four foot six inch
Grandette was introduced to the trade and the public in 1934,
and is among the smallest artistic grands on the market. This
instrument is not an abbreviated grand in the sense that it
represents a larger scale cut dawn, but is a grand built with
an entirely new scale especially drawn for this instrument,
which embodies all the sterling features of Kranich &
Bach construction. and differs only in dimensions from the
larger grands of the same make. The close of 1935 saw the
tests and experimental work on a small upright, incorporating
the Violyn piano plate (another notable patent of this
house), satisfactorily completed. This commendable addition
to an established and complete line of quality pianos is
encased in a newly designed model of the vertical type, and
trade marked "Grandette" Console. The scale,
layout, materials and craftsmanship used in the manufacture
of this new "Grandette" Console are identical with
those employed only in Kranich & Bach pianos, resulting
in a characteristic Kranich & Bach piano. During the year
1937 they manufactured and put on the market a still smaller
size-3 ft. 3 in. Console, which also has an original Kranich
& Bach scale, developed in their own factory. It was made
in several styles and considered one of the most beautiful
Console cases being shown. The house perhaps more than ever
before in its history, convincingly displayed all of the
determination to be fully alert and mindful of modern
business methods and requirements yet conservative in its
adherence to its traditions and ideals laid down by the
founders.
Among the special improvements
claimed for the Kranich & Bach piano are the Violin plate
(a full metal plate with slanting pin block); the patented
spiral spring washer; folding music rack and fall board in
the uprights; and the Isotonic pedal which eliminates the
shifting action in the grand. The Kranich & Bach upright
and grand pianos have been before the public for more than a
half century and during that time have held the same position
they now occupy. The Kranich & Bach player-piano
containing a player action manufactured completely in the
Kranich & Bach factory is in every way as admirable as
the piano of the same makers. A popular Kranich & Bach
instrument is the "Grandette," a
standard grand piano only 4' 9" long.
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KREITER
Made by the Kreiter
Manufacturing Co. Inc., in their new, modern and a
well-equipped factory. with all the latest machinery for the
interior of the piano, as well as the wood working parts,
such as the cases, backs, etc., which are all made in their
own factory, located at Marinette, Wisconsin. The Kreiter
plant covers seven acres of land. Daily capacity, thirty
pianos. The Kreiter pianos are made in grands, uprights and
player-pianos. They are standard instruments of high-class
design and are noted for admirable tone qualities, affording
ample power and expressive effects. These instruments have
easily won hosts of friends. The Kreiter player-pianos are
equally desirable and very popular instruments. This company
also makes the Waldemar piano, named after
the son of the president of the Kreiter Manufacturing Co.,
and which has met with success and which presages a place of
genuine popularity for the pianos from Wisconsin.
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KRELL
The Krell grand, upright and
player-pianos are the famous and very popular products of the
Werner Industries Company, successor to the
Krell
Piano Co. Cincinnati, Ohio. Krell pianos and
player-pianos have been favorites in the musical world for a
great many years. They are durable, handsome, and desirable
instruments.
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KROGER
The grand and reproducing
grand pianos, player pianos and upright pianos which bear
this distinguished name are known wherever music is
appreciated. The name of Kroeger is an old and honorable one
in the piano trade. The makers of the Kroeger have been piano
makers for more than sixty years, and the Kroeger industry is
one in which musical America has taken pride. The factory at
New York City.
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KURTZMANN
Wherever good pianos are
known, the Kurtzamann is a prime favorite. This celebrated
instrument is available in the Reproducing Grand, with the
famous Welte-Mignon (licensee) action. A magnificent concert
grand, a charming parlor grand and a variety of baby grands.
It is also made in uprights and upright players and the
Kurtzmann line has recently been augmented by the development
of a high grade four foot four vertical grand and vertical
player grand. This firm is one of the country's oldest piano
makers, having been established by Christian Kurtzmann in
1848. During the 77 years that have followed. the company has
steadfastly adhered to the quality ideals of its founder and
chosen to grow by adhesion to sound methods of production and
merchandising. The Kurtzmann has won a distinct position as a
musical instrument of high character. The goal has been to
make each Kurtzmann a musical and artistic masterpiece. True
craftsmanship is found in even the minutest details, and the
Kurtzmann company has long been famed for its skill in the
selection and matching of choice mahogany or walnut veneers.
Special attention is given to the finishing of Kurtzmann
instruments, ample time being taken to assure a finish that
like the piano itself, will assure a lifetime of service. The
tone quality of every Kurtzmann is developed along the most
approved lines, so that t will appeal to critic and novice
alike. Full laminated bridges, pin blocks, reinforced
sounding boards, as well as overall metal plates are
mechanical features of Kurtzmann practice that strongly
appeal to those who are accustomed to appraising piano values
and the Kurtzmann has become far famed as a piano that is
much higher in values than it is in price.
Maker Research
