Monthly Archives: June 2019

Oftentimes we get asked about the piano appraisal process. This isn’t done just to determine the monetary value of an instrument; it’s also an assessment of quality, craftsmanship, provenance, and more.

To give you a better idea of what an appraisal looks like, here is one we’ve completed for the Bechstein piano we currently have in our showroom. To learn more about this piano get in touch or stop in to play it yourself!

A P P R A I S A L

Appraisal of Bechstein Model 8 Concert Vertical Piano in Satin Walnut finish Serial Number 175653 measuring 51.6” in height which, according to the Pierce Piano Atlas, was handcrafted in Germany in 1982 when the American Baldwin Piano Company owned the German Bechstein Company from 1963 until 1986.  This instrument is Bechstein’s flagship upright piano of which they are very proud. Many musicians consider it to be the finest design, from a musical dynamic range standpoint, of an upright piano available. Bechstein writes that this instrument Is built with the same care and precision of their world renowned Concert Grand and semi-concert grand pianos which are awarded the name C. Bechstein in honor of Carl Bechstein the founder of the Bechstein Piano Company in 1853.  Bechstein refers to the Concert model 8 as the ”King of Uprights.”

This particular instrument is in immaculate condition, both musically, structurally, and cosmetically, and does not appear to have been used extensively but properly maintained.  For practical purposes, I would say that it is in like new condition.

Handcrafted, musically impressively designed, pianos built by esteemed builders, such as Bechstein, have significant useful longevity if not subjected to negative environmental conditions or extensive use.  This instrument shows no evidence of any such abuse. As a result, when valuing such an instrument age, in years, is not a significant consideration. Rather, the current selling price of the same instrument should be the significant factor in determining the instruments fair market value.

“Joseph Brodmann was renowned in 18th-century Vienna for his handcrafted pianos. Beethoven and other luminaries delighted Viennese audiences with the rich sound of Brodmann pianos.

Upon Brodmann’s retiring, he left his designs with his apprentice, Ignaz Bösendorfer, who went on to worldwide fame. Today, Joseph Brodmann’s heritage lives on in our exceptional pianos.”

That’s an excerpt from the official Brodmann Piano USA website, but the history of European pianos needs many more words than that. We recently posted a blog that took a deep dive into what makes them so special, and Brodmann is a name that needs to be mentioned in that conversation.

Joseph Brodmann was a well-known piano maker in Vienna in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Ignaz Bösendorfer apprenticed in Brodmann’s workshop and eventually took it over, producing the first Bösendorfer pianos there.

Modern Brodmann was founded back in 2004 by two Bösendorfer executives. Originally the Brodmann line was planned as a possible second line for Bösendorfer, but the company abandoned the idea. U.S. distribution rights to the Brodmann line are owned by Piano Marketing Group; for all other parts of the world, the factory sells directly through its own distributor network.

The best way to truly discover what makes a Brodmann special is by visiting our showroom to hear it for yourself! We truly have a European piano for every home — including Brodmann!

In Europe, the profession of “piano maker” is celebrated the way that those in the US and other countries emphasize the work of doctors or lawyers. Ambitious makers begin their journey with a nearly four-year apprenticeship before working for several years before reaching mastery level.

Because of the high skill level required to become known for pianomaking, European pianos from makers like Bechstein, Seiler, and Brodmann retain their value steadily throughout generations. The Bechstein Model 8 Concert Vertical (pictured above) that we currently feature in our showroom was handcrafted in 1982 from natural walnut as in near-new condition.

Seiler is another pianomaker of note, and the love and passion for music can be seen in each hand-crafted detail of this piano. It’s an instrument that needs to be seen and played to truly be appreciated. Don’t hesitate to stop into our showroom and ask more about this amazing piece.

Brodmann is the third pianomaker we feature in our showroom. These pianos boast the same quality and craftsmanship as the music world has come to know from prestigious European pianos.

Please check our hours and social media pages to learn more about how you can play these beautiful instruments and even make one a part of your home!

Have you always wanted a piano in your home? It’s a great addition to any family of any size, with any budget, and we want to help make it happen.

To show how much we think learning how to play can support the love of arts and innovation, we’re placing our Painted Piano at 625 N. Trade St this Friday June 7 for the monthly gallery hop event.

This upright piano was hand-painted by our very our Paula Webster, with the names of famous musicians throughout the intricate vines.

Please take a moment to play a few tunes — or a whole concert — and if you love it come and visit our showroom to find out how your home can have a piano too!

Make sure to tag your social media posts with #PaintedPianoWSNC — we’ll share your pics and videos on our own accounts for the world to see, so make sure you start practicing!

Ready to buy a piano now, without waiting until Friday? Call or stop by our showroom on Broad Street in Winston-Salem to see the inventory we have at prices for all lifestyles.