The Special Language Site

Antique pianos made by Rudolph Wurlitzer all came from a long family of musical instrument makers in Saxony. His pianos are some of the finest of the well known antique pianos. This also includes player and coin operated pianos. Wurlitzer came to New York in 1854. He was well educated and had expert knowledge of the musical profession. He went to Cincinnati where he became an importer of musical instruments. He worked hard and gradually was recognized as a power by his contemporaries. In 1890 Howard, the eldest son of Wurlitzer became a partner. Howard had studied in Europe and was well prepared. Two other sons joined later. Rudolph, Sr. retired in 1906, leaving the company in good hands. The Wurlitzer Company is probably the largest manufacturer of mechanical instruments, including player pianos, covering the globe.

Stodart pianos are pianos of the earliest antique pianos available today.

Robert Stodart of London built his first concert piano about 1777. He called it, “Grand Pianoforte.” The word grand first applied by Stodart was then used by all English and American makers of “grand pianos.” Stodart had bought the patent right from Allen and Thom who used a system of bracing by iron tubes. It could withstand a tension of 13,000 pounds. The Bacon Piano Company of New York is most closely connected to the founders of the industry in America. Stodart started his company in New York in 1820. In 1821 Dubois joined him making the company, Dubois and Stodart until 1836. Stodart retired. Bacon and Chambers became members of the company. Then Raven joined the group. In 1904 the company was incorporated as Bacon Piano Company.

Comments Off