WHERE ARE THEY MADE?
Although pianos are manufactured in a variety of countries around the world, most Australian pianos are sourced from Japan, China, South Korea, Indonesia and Germany.
Both Yamaha and Kawai produce pianos in Japan - a country renowned for the most advanced computer assisted design and manufacturing processes in piano building.
These plants produce the highest level of detail, with each piano being as exact as the next. This consistency has given both Yamaha and Kawai an excellent reputation as manufacturers of quality pianos.
The market pressure on providing a less expensive piano has prompted some builders to either wholly or partially produce pianos in lower cost manufacturing countries. The parent companies maintain very strict quality control in all their manufacturing plants in order to protect their reputations. Yamaha has many manufacturing plants around the world but only Japan and Indonesia produce pianos that are deemed by Yamaha to be suitable for the Australian climate. Kawai manufactures pianos in both Japan and Indonesia, with the KX series of pianos being assembled in China. |
Ritmüller, founded in 1795, was one of the first piano factories in Germany. Today, Pearl River, the world’s largest manufacturer of pianos, has carried on the Ritmüller tradition, now manufacturing these pianos in China. As a result, Ritmüller has enjoyed a resurgence under the Pearl River influence, and has been selected by Allans Music to provide quality pianos at a lower cost.
Germany is, of course, famous for the hand made concert piano builder, Steinway & Sons. With a formidable reputation, Steinway remains the choice for 9 out of 10 concert artists and countless pianists, composers and performers around the world. (See page 40)
The Steinway designed Boston piano, introduced in 1992, draws on the incomparable experience of Steinway, with proven concepts and materials being adapted for the special requirements of high tech manufacturing. Boston pianos are manufactured in Japan to stringent regulations.
Another highly respected German manufacturer is Rönisch.
With more than 150 years of history, (available in Australia since 1879) Rönisch came to international prominence with composers like Richard Strauss, Anton Rubinstein and Edvard Grieg declaring their respect for the Rönisch piano, and later by the world-renowned Puccini. Ronisch was also the preferred piano of world renowned composer Rachmaninoff, until his emigration in 1918.
Allans Music distributes Rönisch pianos in the eastern states and South Australia. Importing them direct from the factory provides a distinct advantage in price compared to other German pianos available in Australia.
The quality of piano manufacturing has risen in all countries over the last 20 years to the point where all models perform very well. Even the lowest priced new pianos should adequately equip a beginner for many years.
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