The wide variety of piano makers

With the increasing domination across all markets of the large multinational companies the piano market is still capable of surprising those of us with a long tradition and history in the business. In general when we are asked by customers which brands they should look out for, they are aware of brands such as Yamaha, Steinway, Kawai, Petrof and maybe two or three other makes which they were familiar with while growing up.

There has been such an historic diversity and range of pianos manufactured throughout Europe in particular that sooner or later we will come across a piano make which is new to us. The first question we ask when contacted by customers seeking advice is "what name is on the piano ?" as this gives us a starting point from which to advise them. Also the ability of nearly everyone to now photograph their environment on a daily basis means that we can have quick visual access and views of any piano.

The important thing to remember about pianos is that just because the name on the piano is unknown to you or anybody you might ask about it, it does not mean that the piano is not of good quality and potential. With Irelands geographical position it is quite possible that certain brands sold  in the main parts of Europe and never sold here could have arrived as part of a families furniture or in a recent case as part of a diplomats possessions when posted to Ireland in the mid 1930s.

That piano remained here after his departure to a new posting and stayed with one family until they offered it to the person with whom we are now working. This piano was built in Denmark which would not have as high a profile as Germany for piano manufacturing as they share a border and with the relative size of their populations finding a Danish piano builder was a nice surprise.

So if you are in possession of or are offered a piano, a little bit of research and advice from a company whose heritage is well established in the piano business can sometimes leave you in the happy position of owning and using a piano of rare and excellent quality.