Having grown up around Schimmel pianos, I am considered a bit of an expert as to how they’re constructed, their durability, and the materials they use in their instruments. Still, it’s difficult for anyone – even a piano store owner – to have the opportunity to try a used Schimmel grand piano side by side with a used Steinway grand piano and a new Steinway grand piano all of comparable size.

Let’s say that this was my lucky day.

The test began by first playing the new Steinway Model B grand – the piano considered the standard by which all others are judged. This was a great reference point for how a piano should feel and sound.

Next, I played the same songs on this Schimmel, which is just over 20 years old and in original condition.  Next came the wonderful 1930 restored Steinway grand piano that our technicians rebuilt with genuine Steinway parts.

The test continued for quite awhile as I bounced from piano to piano. Without a doubt the new Steinway – which costs about $30,000 less than the Schimmel new, was the clear winner. The tougher choice was between the rebuilt Steinway and this Schimmel grand. Finally, it had to be decided that it was a tie. Some songs sounded better on the used Steinway grand, some on the used Schimmel grand. The feel was different, but both were impressive.

The Schimmel grand does look different, with a gorgeous European Walnut finish and gorgeous carved legs. The legs on the bench are even an exact match to the piano! The bench seat is covered with a beautiful, rich looking material that is not a print. These two are a great match!

It was also interested to try playing with the lid in different positions. While many grand pianos have two lid positions – open and closed – most feature a third position – the middle – giving more volume control. This Schimmel grand piano also has a third prop stick that allows the lid to just hover over the rim, allowing for even more volume control or, in the right room, a customized look.

After playing hundreds of pianos at the trade show in January, even though this Schimmel grand piano is used, it blows away new off-brands from Eastern Europe Bohemia, Petrof, and Estonia piano. Plus, in my opinion, it is far better constructed.

If you are looking for the rich tone of a larger piano, stop in and try the same comparison I did. Our award winning showroom is the only place you can compare a used Schimmel grand piano, a properly rebuilt Steinway grand piano, and a new Steinway side by side.

The First Schimmel Dealer

The story goes that Herr Schimmel came to the United States on the Queen Elizabeth in 1963 to sign on piano dealers. He made it through every major city on the east coast and all the way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he met my grandfather, Zeb Billings.

My grandfather took him to his first American baseball game, fed him his first hot dog, and purchased the first Schimmel piano in North America. Billings Pianos would continue to represent the brand until the 1990’s, when we moved to Naples. To be clear, we were a Schimmel piano dealer for 35 years, but not in Naples, Bonita Springs, or Ft myers. Our thirty-five years experience still makes us among the world’s Schimmel piano experts.

Condition:
*SOLD*

Available Finishes:
European Walnut