The differences between the Academy series and the regular C Bechsteins appear to be primarily in tonal philosophy and cabinetry. The company says that both lines are made in Germany, though for cost-effectiveness some parts and components may originate in the Czech Republic. The 51½” Concert 8 (one of my all-time favorite verticals), several smaller verticals, and the fully redesigned grands (models D, C, B, A, and L), comprise the higher-priced line. Bechstein, a distinction that has been eliminated. They were previously branded Bechstein (B), instead of C. The regular verticals and partially redesigned versions of the old grand models now comprise a lower-priced Academy (A) series. Bechstein pianos are available in two levels of quality. For better tuning control, the higher-level pianos are without tuning-pin bushings.Ĭ. Bechsteins, which had an open pinblock design, in the redesigned grands the plate covers the pinblock area. Bechstein grands have been redesigned with a capo bar (eliminating the agraffes in the treble), higher tension scale, and front and rear duplex scales for better tonal projection and tonal color. Three pedals are standard on all pianos, the grands with sostenuto and the verticals with practice pedal (sostenuto optional). Bechstein-branded pianos include solid European spruce soundboards, beech or beech and mahogany for grand rims and some structural parts, and maple pinblocks. However, the company says that, whatever the origin, all parts are inspected and made to conform to its rigid standards in my experience, all models, including the less expensive ones, continue to receive praise for their high quality.īechstein now manufactures its own hammers for use in all C.
With few exceptions, Bechstein prefers not to divulge where the components for its instruments are made, a policy that frustrates some industry observers who seek transparency. Hoffmann pianos are made in the Czech Republic. Bechstein-branded pianos are manufactured in Seifhennersdorf, Germany, and that W. Bechstein Europe Ltd.īechstein says that all C. In 2006 Bechstein purchased a controlling interest in the Czech piano maker Bohemia, and integrated it into a new entity called C. Hoffmann and Zimmermann are sold in North America. Pianos with these names are currently being sold in Europe, but only W. In the early 1990s, Bechstein acquired the names and factories of Euterpe, W. In 1963 it was acquired by Baldwin, and in 1986 Baldwin sold it to Karl Schulze, a leading West German piano retailer and master piano technician, who undertook a complete technical and financial reorganization of the company. The two World Wars and the Depression virtually destroyed the company, but it was successfully rebuilt. Through fine workmanship and the endorsement of famous pianists, Bechstein soon became one of the leading piano makers in Europe, producing over 5,000 pianos annually by 1900. Ltd., Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China (Zimmermann)īechstein was founded in 1853 by Carl Bechstein, a young German piano maker who, in the exploding world of piano technology of his day, had visions of building an instrument that the tradition-bound piano-making shops of Berlin were not interested in. Hoffmann) and Ningbo Hailun Musical Instruments Co. (former Bohemia Piano Ltd.), Hradec Králové, Czech Republic (W. Bechstein Pianoforte Manufaktur GmbH, Seifhennersdorf, Germany (C. Bechstein Pianoforte AG, Berlin, Germany.įactories: C.
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