BLUEBOOK OF PIANOS
"The Ages and Historical Records of Pianos sold in America"PART II
If your are looking for piano history or genealogy help, then this is the place for you. Please note that this is a working list and not all data is complete. Therefore, use this list as a starting point, and not as a final source. Our information is intended for use in public libraries and educational institutions.
B
FRANCIS BACON
Francis Bacon pianos and player pianos were made by The Bacon Piano Co., W. P. 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.
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.
BALDWIN - The Gibson-Baldwin Company
Pianos bearing this well known and an honorable name was the product of The Gibson-Baldwin and are, 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 Gibson-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 Gibson-Baldwin made piano is worth the time, money and energy to rebuild or refurbish.
The Gibson-Baldwin Company builds pianos for every purse and purpose, and all maintain great resale value.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BENNINGTON
Pianos and player-pianos of durable character, made by Becker Bros.
BERNARD
Pianos and players of admirable character were the product of Decker & Son
BERKSHIRE
Made by the Jewett Piano Co. Berkshire pianos have musical sweetness of tone.
BETSY ROSS by Lester
This was one of America's most popular pianos during the late 1940s to the late 1850s because of its musical excellence and beautiful appearance.
Available in 37 and 40 inch models, the Betsy Ross Spinet was handsomely designed in both traditional and modern styles in a wide choice of finishes. A new Custom Series line extended the choice in Betsy Ross Spinets to include a group of distinguished pianos featuring superfine cabinetwork and unusual finishes which may be ordered to fit any special decorating plan. Built only by the Lester Piano Manufacturing Company,. Most models were Damp Chaser equipped for regulated moisture control.
The Lester Piano was the official piano of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The scales for the Betsy Ross Spinets were drawn by the late Paul M. Zeidler and their magnificent tone is proof of his genius. Recent manufacturing improvements have added to their excellence through achieving Lester's now famous Amplified Tone.
The Betsy Ross Spinet was a one name, one quality, one price piano. The Betsy Ross Spinet is manufactured by the Lester Piano Manufacturing Company, Inc.,
The Betsy Ross Spinets were well constructed pianos, with one major exception. Shortly after WWII, Betsy Ross pianos created a new action using a new material called plastic. This was a disaster, while plastic at first was lighter and not subject to moisture, the newly invented plastic had a life span of about ten years before it became brittle and would shatter for no reason at all, and forevermore the Betsy Ross spinet piano was a non-instrument classified as bad. If the truth was known, replacing the plastic elbows in the action of a Betsy Ross gave you a perfectly acceptable piano for very little money.
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 Citv.
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.
BJUR BROS.
Thoroughly commendable pianos and player-pianos of fine tone quality made by the Bjur Bros. Co., in their factory in New York.
BLACKSTONE
Pianos of popular character of this name are made by the Geo. P. Bent Co.
BOARDMAN & GRAY
The house of Boardman & Gray was established in 1887, by Wm. G. Boardman , Albany. N. Y.
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
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 copartnership 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BUSH & LANE
In This well-known bouse, 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.
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.
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