| All pianos are the same, right? They all have 88 keys, | | | | The Product |
| some black and some white, a couple of pedals and a | | | | Approximately 5,000 pieces are built each year and |
| bench. But no, that's not all. Not all instruments are held | | | | each one takes about a year to complete. With every |
| to the same standards as a Steinway piano and it is | | | | style, each component is made from the best |
| for this reason that they are so popular. Solid | | | | materials and each lends to the unique sound and |
| craftsmanship and innovation are the backbone of the | | | | design of the instrument. |
| company. So what exactly is it that makes this | | | | The instruments are made of different woods to attain |
| instrument so special? A look into the evolution of the | | | | the strength and the sound, as well as the beauty |
| instrument and the company will tell you. | | | | each instrument is known for. Eastern rock maple is |
| Family. History. Tradition. Craftsmanship. Innovation. | | | | sliced into 18 layers 3/16 of an inch thick and is used |
| These are the main elements that make up a | | | | for the rim of the grand piano while spruce is used for |
| Steinway piano. | | | | the Diaphragmatic soundboard because of its superior |
| A Story of Success | | | | acoustic qualities. These are just a few of more than |
| Henry Engelhard Steinway was a cabinetmaker born | | | | a thousand details in construction and design that |
| in Germany where he built his very first piano in his | | | | make a Steinway unique to any other instrument. No |
| kitchen. As an immigrant in Manhattan, he formed the | | | | component is used until it has been through rigorous |
| company Steinway & Sons in 1853. The first | | | | quality control measures. |
| instrument sold under the company name went for | | | | As a result of the dedication to quality workmanship |
| $500, a mere portion of what they are worth today. | | | | and materials, the Steinway is the preferred instrument |
| With his five sons, Henry went on to develop one of | | | | to around 90% of concert pianists who perform |
| the most requested and revered pianos in the world. | | | | worldwide. While other companies mass produce their |
| Royalty and accomplished musicians alike prefer this | | | | instruments, it is evident that people are willing to wait |
| instrument above all others. | | | | for quality. With only 5,000 being produced a year, they |
| Over the years, Henry and his sons developed and | | | | do not sit in the showroom for long. And, while they |
| improved on their Steinway piano. They won awards | | | | may be more expensive than their mass-produced |
| and accolades world wide. When Henry died in 1871, | | | | counterparts, the old saying is really true- "you get |
| his sons continued the family business and kept the | | | | what you pay for." It also goes to show what a |
| tradition of making quality instruments. It wasn't long | | | | hard-working family can accomplish when they don't |
| before manufacturing plants were opened in London | | | | compromise on their dreams. Because of their |
| and Germany. Illustrating their drive for innovation, the | | | | continual development in pianos, we get to enjoy some |
| family owns 114 patents, one of which is for a concert | | | | of the most beautiful music in the world. |
| grand design. | | | | |