What is the most expensive concert grand piano?
The world’s most expensive grand piano sold at auction is a specially designed D-274 named Steinway Alma Tadema; it sold for $1.2 million in 1997 at Christie’s in London, breaking Steinway’s own 1997 price record of $390,000. The D-274 was built in 1883–87 and designed by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema.
Are Chickering pianos rare?
Pianos built under the labels of “Chickering & Mackay” or “Chickering & Mackays” are exceedingly rare today. In 1932, the Aeolian Piano Company and the American Piano Company merged to create the Aeolian-American Corporation, and they continued to build the Chickering name for decades.
Why are concert grand pianos so expensive?
The simple answer is because pianos are more expensive to manufacture than lesser quality instruments. Fact: Pianos are mostly made of wood. The finest materials—top grade spruce, wool felt, expensive hard rock maple, veneers, and all the components that go into the making of a piano — will affect the end result.
Who owns the most expensive piano?
1. Steinway & Sons Pictures at an Exhibition $2.5 million. Currently the most expensive piano available on the market is Steinway painted by artist Paul Wyse.
Are Chickering pianos still made?
Brand (1985–?) Chickering & Sons was an American piano manufacturer located in Boston, Massachusetts. The company was founded in 1823 by Jonas Chickering and James Stewart, but the partnership dissolved four years later. Chickering pianos continued to be made until 1983.
What makes a Steinway so expensive?
The Steinway name is so powerful because they essentially own the concert market. Even in the used market, Steinways cost more than any other top-tier piano. It is partially because of the name. Also, the quality, the workmanship, and the materials are all top-notch.
Where is the serial number on a Chickering baby grand piano?
Chickering’s placement of serial numbers on its earliest square pianos was not consistent. Where the number is found most often is stamped into the upper surface of the case, to the left of the keyboard. It is often stamped in small numbers and can be hard to find or make out.
When did John Chickering start making piano strings?
Chickering began developing iron frames to hold piano strings and honing his skills. In 1830, Chickering’s piano-making skills collided head-on with one of Boston’s foremost families – the Mackays.
Where did the Pianos go after Chickering turned them out?
As fast as Chickering could turn them out, the pianos were placed into homes up and down the East Coast. Mackay the ship captain became Mackay the piano transporter. His ship would leave Boston loaded with pianos for destinations in New York, the American South and down into South America.
Who was Frank Chickering and what did he do?
Charles Francis, known as Frank, was the bon vivant. The spirited salesman and promoter who could charm while still closing sales. George was the technician. He had assumed control of the Chickering manufacturing operations at age 23 and was driven by detail, constantly innovating.
Where did Jonas Chickering get his name from?
Nothing but time and Chickering itself. The company gets its name from Jonas Chickering, son of a New Hampshire blacksmith. Born in 1798 in Mason, N.H., he apprenticed to a cabinet maker. In his early days he was hired by a family to repair its piano and he was intrigued.