Here at Houston Piano Company, we have a broad inventory of makes
and models—from uprights to grands as well as digital pianos.
Begin your side-by-side comparisons below, then drop by our store to complete the tour.
I have bought two splendid instruments, one from Streicher, and the other from Brodmann. In the course of one day, I saw at least fifty different ones, of Schantz, Walter, Wachtl, &c., not one being worth a charge of powder, compared to either of those I got.Letter from Carl Maria von Weber to Gänsbacher, His Close Friend Whom He Regarded as a Brother on April 16, 1813
To request info on Brodmann,
call: 713-352-7173
Video(s)
Chopin: Mazurka in B Minor, Op. 30 No. 2 (Brad Hill)
Original Piano Maker(s)
Joseph Brodmann (1771-1848)
Date Established
c. Late 1700s/Early 1800s
Original Location(s)
Vienna, Austria
Benefits & Features
Designed in the Viennese, European sound tradition
Offered in three tiers: The Conservatory Edition, The Professional Edition, and The Artist Series
Many models with top quality European parts:
- Austrian white (slow growth) spruce soundboard and ribs from Strunz (for sustain, power and overtones);
- Viennese-designed Langer action (for a smooth touch with fast repetition);
- Röslau strings; and
- German-made Abel hammers (for greater dynamic expression)
Wide selection of models, both grands and uprights
Notable Dates
1800 – Brodmann listed in the Lexicon of Musicians as 'Instrument Maker.'
1813 – Carl Maria von Weber purchased a Brodmann grand piano.
1828 – Brodmann retired, giving his company to Bösendorfer; “inscriptions on Bösendorfer pianos of that year note that he was ‘Brodmann’s pupil’ or that the firm was ‘formerly Brodmann.’”
Innovation(s) / Patent(s)
c. 1800 – Awarded patent for improvement of the instrument querflügel.
1825 – Awarded patent for the triple-laminated soundboard.
In January 1983, in a small wood-working shop behind a retail music store in Woburn, Mass., Santi Falcone founded the Falcone Piano Co. and set out to make the ‘best piano in the world.’ Imagine, then, Falcone's excitement only a few years later when Rudolf Serkin dropped by the shop to try out the new instrument. Serkin says he went to Woburn to encourage 'an amateur' and remembers playing for about half an hour to a small and appreciative audience. When he was finished, according to some of those present, the maestro rose from his chair, clasped Falcone's face in his hands, and said, 'Mr. Falcone, you are the artist.'Lucien Rhodes, Inc. Magazine
To request info on Falcone,
call: 713-352-7173
Original Piano Maker(s)
Santi Falcone (b. 1945)
Date Established
c. 1982/1983
Original Location(s)
Woburn, Massachusetts
Notable Dates
1982 – 1989 – Known for their 'hand-made pianos;' Falcone built and/or supervised 170 pianos—all grands, both 6'1" and 7'4," as well as the 9" concert grand.
c. 1985 – Falcone moved headquarters to Haverhill, MA.
1989 – Falcone left the company and became a chocolatier, establishing Dante Confections.
1995 – Last Falcone piano made at Haverhill Factory.
Steck was one of those restless natures who are never satisfied with the best of their work. As a scale drawer he had no superior. His scales for both grand and upright pianos have been industriously copied by makers of commercial pianos, because of their exceptional merit for clear and large tone. His concert grands have been highly endorsed by Richard Wagner, Sophie Menter, Annette Essipoff, Sir Julius Benedict and many others. Because of the exceptional solidity of the Steck piano, it has been chosen for years by many schools and colleges all through the United States, and has become known as the 'school piano.'Alfred Dolge from Pianos and Their Makers...
To request info on George Steck,
call: 713-352-7173
Video(s)
Igor Stravinsky Plays His Piano Sonata in a 1925 Duo-Art Recording on a 1920 George Steck Grand Piano
Original Piano Maker(s)
George Steck (1829 – 1897)
Date Established
1857
Original Location(s)
New York City
Notable Dates
1860 – Company renamed from Steck & Grupe to George Steck & Company.
1865 – Awarded Gold Medal for Square Piano National Exhibition of the American Institute in New York.
1865 – Steck Hall opened.
1871 – Steck Hall relocated to a larger venue, and atop the hall their main headquarters.
1873 – Awarded First Prize at the Vienna Exposition.
1884 – Incorporated and awarded profit-sharing.
1887 – Steck retired and was succeeded by George Nembach.
Innovation(s) / Patent(s)
1865 – Patent awarded for Bell-Metal Plate
1870 – Patent awarded for the Independent Iron Frame
Current Owner(s)
Manufactured for North America by Nanjing Moutrie Piano Company in Nanjing, China, and distributed by Welkin Sound Inc. in Ontario, California.
The distinctive characteristics of the Hobart M. Cable piano are remarkably sweet and pure tone qualities combined with unusual power. The construction of the piano is notable for its solidity and compactness and for a number of superior features, which contribute to the general excellence. [...] In a word, it may be said that the Hobart M. Cable piano is a remarkable instrument, possessing all of the essentials of a strictly high-grade piano.Bluebook of Pianos
To request info on Hobart M. Cable,
call: 713-352-7173
Video(s)
The Happy Wanderer on a Glass Fronted Hobart M. Cable
Original Piano Maker(s)
Hobart M. Cable (1841 – 1909)
Date Established
1900
Original Location(s)
LaPorte, Indiana
Notable Dates
1909 – Hobart passed away and his son Hobart M. Cable, Jr. became president of the company.
Pre-Depression – Manufactured Player Pianos in addition to uprights and grands.
Post-Depression – Manufactured spinets, consoles and baby grands.
Innovation(s) / Patent(s)
1913 – Awarded patent # US 1189253A for Piano-Action; specifically for the mechanism for operating the hammer.
1916 – Awarded patent # US 1189253A for Machine for Shaping Ribs on Piano Sounding-Boards.
Current Owner(s)
Manufactured for North America by Nanjing Moutrie Piano Company in Nanjing, China, and distributed by Welkin Sound Inc. in Ontario, California.
One of Kawai’s most important innovations is the use of ABS Styran plastic in the manufacture of action parts. More than 40 years of use and scientific testing have shown this material to be superior to wood for this purpose. ABS does not swell and shrink with changes in humidity, so actions made with it are likely to maintain proper regulation better than wood actions. The parts are stronger and without glue joints, so breakage is rare. These parts are present in every Kawai piano.Larry Fine from Piano Buyer
To request info on used Kawai pianos,
call: 713-352-7173
Original Piano Maker(s)
Koichi Kawai (1886-1955)
Date Established
1927
Original Location(s)
Hamamatsu, Japan
Notable Dates
1897 – Torakusu Yamaha "discovered" Kawai at the age of 11 and hired him to work for his company.
1928 – Kawai began manufacturing grand pianos.
1930s – Kawai produced reed organs.
1953 – Kawai awarded Blue Ribbon Medal of Honor from the emperor.
1955 – Kawai passed away and was succeeded by his adopted son, Shigeru Kawai (1922-2006).
1960 – Kawai introduced its electronic organ.
1985 – Kawai introduced its digital piano.
1989 – Hirotaka Kawai succeeded his father and became the third president of Kawai.
1991 – Kawai & Steinway joined forces to create Boston Pianos.
2002 – Kawai introduced Shigeru Kawai EX Concert Grand.
Innovation(s) / Patent(s)
1928 – Awarded patent for Universal Action.
1933 – Awarded patent for Piano Action and Regulating Apparatus of Keyboards.
1934 – Awarded patent for Soundboard Bridges.
1935 – Awarded patent for Reeds on Harmonicas.
Current Owner(s)
Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has the following subsidiaries: Kawai America Corporation, Midi Music Center Inc., Kawai Canada Music, Kawai Europa GmbH, Kawai UK, Kawai Piano (Russia) LLC, Kawai Australia Pty.Ltd., Kawai Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., PT. Kawai Music Indonesia, and PT. Kawai Music School Indonesia.
Its pianos are manufactured in four factories: Ryuyo Acoustic Piano Facility, PT. Kawai Indonesia, Kawai Musical Instruments (Ningbo) Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Kawai Emi Co., Ltd.
My Dear Sirs, For what a magnificent organ I have to thank your kindness! It is worthy of all praise and admiration! Even average players could attain much success on it.Letter to Mason & Hamlin from Franz Liszt
The fame of the Mason & Hamlin cabinet organs is not confined to America; these excellent instruments are widely known in Europe, and in my opinion they deserve the warm expressions of praise which have been bestowed upon them. I know of no similar instruments anywhere, at all comparable to them.Testominal Letter from Johann Strauss
To request info on used Mason & Hamlin,
call: 713-352-7173
Video(s)
The Mason & Hamlin Story – Part 1
Original Piano Maker(s)
Henry Mason (1831-1890) & Emmons Hamlin (1821-1885)
Date Established
1854
Original Location(s)
Boston, Massachusetts
Notable Dates
1854 – Manufactured Organ Harmonium with Hamlin’s reed voicing (later known as Cabinet Organ).
1867 – Awarded 1st Prize at the Paris Exhibition for their American Cabinet Organ.
1869 – Henry Mason retired as president of the company and his brother Lowell Mason, Jr. (1823-1885) succeeded him.
1881 – Began manufacturing pianos.
1885 – Upon the death of Lowell, Henry Lowell Mason (1864-1957) (Henry’s son) succeeded him.
1906 – Richard W. Gertz became president of the company.
I'm very impressed. I just love the action. I like the clarity of the upper keys; and the depth in the bass. It's very clear. To me when a piano is clear that's all I look for. The intonation will be good throughout the piano. [...] Overall, when you ask me what do you think of this piano, I love this piano. I really do. Would I play it in concert? I would love to.Giovanni Marradi (Composer, Pianist, Arranger), Endorsing the Pearl River at the Factory Tour
To request info on Pearl River,
call: 713-352-7173
Video(s)
Tara Shankar Playing Bach Aria and Variation 1 from Goldberg
Original Piano Maker(s)
Since its inception, the Chinese Government owned the company. In c. 2012, Pearl River went public.
Date Established
1956
Original Location(s)
Guangzhou, China
Benefits & Features
"World's Best-Selling Piano Manufacturer, Sold In Over 100 Countries"
Grand piano rims made of walnut, permitting a lower tension scale design (for warm, rich tones and longer sustain)
100% close-grained spruce soundboards, tapered to improve flexibility
"Seasoned" woods acclimatized to ensure reliability, reducing swelling & contracting
Wet sand cast plates on all models, providing incredible strength to support string tension
Cut-thread tuning pins for greater precision in tuning
Vertically laminated maple bridges & multi-ply rock maple pin-blocks
Notable Dates
1980s – Pearl River obtains import/export rights.
1992 – Tong Zhi Cheng (born c. 1942) appointed Chairman of the Board; originally hired in 1958, he is one of the longest-term employees of Pearl River.
1995 – Joint venture with Yamaha to produce low-end Yamaha uprights.
1996 – Pearl River ends affiliation with Yamaha.
1999 – Pearl River acquires Ritmüller.
2000 – Pearl River begins manufacturing Ritmüller pianos.
2005 – Joint venture with Steinway & Sons to create Essex pianos, manufactured in Guangzhou.
c. 2007 – Pearl River becomes the largest piano factory in the world.
2009 – Through the work of designer Lothar Thomma, Ritmüller becomes reinvigorated as a high-end piano in North America, along with Kayserburg in other parts of the world.
c. 2012 – Built state-of-the-art, 1.2 million sq. ft. factory.
2013 – The Kayserburg Artist Piano introduced; they are hand-made pianos designed under Stephen Mohler, a protégé of Lothar Thomma.
The director of the Royal Dutch Opera wrote of Perzina in 1900: "The Perzina pianos distinguish themselves through their remarkably beautiful tone and sound. They are very pleasant to play and are of sound and solid construction. The prices of these instruments are moreover much lower than that of the other first-class pianos. I can hence, with full conviction, warmly recommend 'the Perzina piano.'"from Perzina Explained
To request info on Perzina,
call: 713-352-7173
Video(s)
Perzina Grand Piano, 2005
Original Piano Maker(s)
Brothers, Julius and Albert Perzina
Date Established
1871
Original Location(s)
Schwerin, Germany
Benefits & Features
Full line of professional verticals (48"- 51") and professional grands (5'0" to 6'2")
Built using original German scale designs
Special floating soundboard and concave soundboard crown (for clear resonance and precise expression of tone)
Upper-grade solid spruce soundboards and ribs
Renner-designed action on grands, for precision control of tone (action regulated by European standards)
German "Röslau" strings and German Meyne hammers
Fine veneers of pure color and bright lacquer finish
Notable Dates
c. 1880s – Perzina awarded first prize at the Schwerin Exhibition.
1883 – Perzina named 'Pianos Supplier to the Court' by the grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
c. Late 1880s – Albert Perzina left the company.
1897 – Daniel Huss (Julius Perzina's son-in-law) appointed head of the company.
1901 – Perzina the largest piano factory in northern Germany.
1904 – A fire destroyed the existing factory and had to be rebuilt in a new location.
1906 – Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, along with the Majesty the King of Portugal and the Duke of Anhalt, chose Perzina to be the Royal Piano Factory.
1917 – Anthony 'The Flying Dutchman' Fokker (1890-1939) became a major owner to Perzina.
1918 – Otto Libeau took charge of the company (known as Perzina's 'dark ages').
1930s – Friedrich Geil purchased the company.
After the unification of Germany, the company is sold to CEO Ronald Gerdinus Bol of Music Brokers International B.V.
Innovation(s) / Patent(s)
Paul Perzina invented a reversible double key-bottom for the Janko Keyboard.
Current Owner(s)
Music Brokers International B.V.of the Netherlands. The pianos are German designed under Dutch supervision – with 90% of the materials supplied from Europe.
I have seldom been in a position to speak of any instrument which I have at any time played in terms of such unqualified satisfaction as I am now able to do with reference to Ritmüller’s Concert Grand Piano, upon which I performed last evening. But I am mistaken—it was only a small Drawing-Room Grand Piano; nevertheless, a Drawing-Room Grand Piano to which I must unconditionally give the preference in every respect, even in comparison with the Concert Grands of the most renowned manufactories of Stuttgart, Leipzig, etc.Dr. Hans von Bülow – Conductor, Virtuoso Pianist, Composer
To request info on Ritmüller,
call: 713-352-7173
Video(s)
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes - Disney's Cinderella
Original Piano Maker(s)
Andreas Georg Ritmüller and Gotlieb Wilhelm Ritmüller
Date Established
1795
Original Location(s)
Göttingen, Germany
Benefits & Features
Re-engineered by master piano designer, Lothar Thomma, to infuse the precision of old German craftsmanship
Combining old-world, European tradition with modern state-of-the-art manufacturing
Louis Renner premium hammer felt from Germany
Vertically laminated maple bridges with solid maple caps
Röslau strings & ebony wood sharps
Action made from select hornbeam and maple wood
High grade, solid spruce soundboards
Notable Dates
1884-1885 – Ritmüller awarded various medals and diplomas in Germany and London.
1891 – Bernhard Schröder took over the company
Current Owner(s)
Pearl River Piano Group. Since 2006, designed by Lothar Thomma. Manufactured in Guangzhou, China.
The Steinways commenced making grand pianos about four years since, and […] completely overshadowed the fame of the famous Érard, and have almost driven it out of the concert room and out of the market. In depth, volume and brilliancy of tone they surpass the Erard’s, while in point of ‘touch,’ in which Érard’s were supposed to be unapproachable, they are fully its equal.from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, 22 Sept. 1860
To request info on used Steinway pianos,
call: 713-352-7173
Video(s)
The Making of a Steinway Model B Grand Piano
Original Piano Maker(s)
Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg (1797-1871), and his sons
Date Established
1853
Original Location(s)
New York City, New York
Notable Dates
c. 1851/1852 – Steinweg and his children changed their German names to sound more American, and subsequently became Steinway.
1855 – Steinway awarded a gold medal at the New York American Fair for their square piano.
1856 – Steinway began making grand pianos.
1862 – Steinway began making upright pianos.
1866 – Steinway Concert Hall opens on E. 14th Street; the building eventually serves as the company's headquarters.
1867 – Awarded medal at the Paris World’s Fair.
c. 1870s – Steinway’s operation moves to Astoria, Long Island, New York.
1925 – Steinway Hall relocates to W. 57th Street until 2014(the new one is currently being built and will be located on the Avenue of the Americas).
1955 – Henry Ziegler Steinway (1915 – 2008), son to Theodore E. and great-grandson of Henry E. Steinway, became president of the company (holding that position until 1977 where he then became chairman until he retired in 1980); he was the last family member to run Steinway & Sons.
1972 – Steinway sold to CBS, Inc.
1985 – CBS, Inc. sold to an American investment group, known as Steinway to Steinway Musical Properties.
1995 – Steinway Musical Properties merged with Conn-Selmer, Inc., renaming the company Steinway Musical instruments.
Innovation(s) / Patent(s)
1859 – Henry Steinway, Jr. (1831-1865) awarded patent for the over-stringing of grand pianos.
1868-1885 – Theodore Steinway earned more than 40 patents; an awarded in 1875 for ‘Improvement in Grand Piano-Forte Action’ is attributed to bringing modern action to the grand piano.
Current Owner(s)
Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., an American investment group.
I believe you cannot give up the first time you face defeat or disappointment. It took me many tries to perfect the Yamaha organ. People said I could never make a good organ. Never give up the first time you meet adversity. It is also important that you always have a quest for knowledge. I traveled to America to seek a better method of making musical instruments. Go where the knowledge leads you. These are the two lessons I impart to you about having success in the business world.Torakusu Yamaha
To request info on used Yamaha pianos,
call: 713-352-7173
Original Piano Maker(s)
Torakusu Yamaha (1851 – 1916)
Date Established
1887
Original Location(s)
Headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan
Notable Dates
1887 – Yamaha introduced the first Japanese harmonium.
1897 – Yamaha hired Koichi Kawai who was only 11 at the time.
1899 – Japan's Ministry of Education sent Yamaha to the US on a research trip to learn about the mechanics of a modern piano.
1900 – Yamaha introduced its first upright piano.
1902 – Yamaha introduced its first grand piano.
1904 – Yamaha awarded honorary prizes at the Saint Louis World's Fair.
1930 – Yamaha opened world’s first research laboratory.
1932 – Magnum Organ introduced.
1954 – Yamaha opened up its first music school in Tokyo.
1958 – Yamaha began producing electronic instruments.
1950s – Yamaha became the largest piano manufacturer.
1987 – The company officially changed its name to Yamaha Corporation.
– Quote: Dolge, Alfred. Pianos and Their Makers: A Comprehensive History of the Development of the Piano from the Monochord to the Concert Grand Player Piano, Volume 1. Covina: Covina Publishing Company, 1911: pg. 348. Google Books. Web. 18 Nov.. 2015.
– Video: McKinney, Dan. "Sampling My Baldwin Piano." Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 20 Feb. 2014. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. Standard YouTube License.
Palmieri, Robert, ed. The Piano. Second Edition. New York: Routledge, 2003. Google Books. Web. 14 Nov. 2015.
Keene, Cindy Atoji. "Former Piano Maker Lands a Sweeter Gig." Boston. NY Times Co., 8 Feb. 2009. Web. 14 Nov. 2015.
Harris, William. "Falcone: The Handmade American Piano." Community.Middlebury.Edu. Middlebury College, n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2015.
– Quote: Dolge, Alfred. Pianos and Their Makers: A Comprehensive History of the Development of the Piano from the Monochord to the Concert Grand Player Piano, Volume 1. Covina: Covina Publishing Company, 1911: pg. 318. Google Books. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. – Video: bartolomochristofari. "Igor Stravinsky Plays His Piano Sonata in a 1925 Duo-Art Recording on a 1920 George Steck Grand Piano." Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 2 Sept. 2009. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. Standard YouTube License.
Additional References:
Spillane, Daniel. History of the American Pianoforte: Its Technical Development, and the Trade. New York: D. Spillane, 1890. Google Books. Web. 18 Aug. 2015.
– Quote: Bluebook of Pianos. "Cable, Hobart M." Bluebook of Pianos. Bluebook of Pianos, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. – Video: Mills, Colin. "The Happy Wanderer on a Glass Fronted Hobart M. Cable." Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 28 Aug. 2015. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. Standard YouTube License.
Additional References:
Dolge, Alfred. Pianos and Their Makers Development of the Piano Industry in America Since Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, 1896. Volume Two. Covina: Covina Publishing Company, 1913. Google Books. Web. 14 Nov. 2015.
"Machine for Shaping Ribs on Piano Sounding-Boards." Google Patents. IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
Ehrlich, Cyril, and Edwin M. Good. "Kawai." OxfordMusicOnline. Oxford University Press, 2007 – 2015. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
"Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. – Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd." ReferenceForBusiness. Advameg, Inc., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
– Quote: La Mara, ed., and Constance Bache, tra. Letters of Franz Liszt Vol. II From Rome to the End. New York: Haskell House Publsihers Ltd., 1894: pg. 437. Google Books. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
– Quote: Gellerman, Robert F. The American Reed Organ and the Harmonium. Vestal: Vestal Press, Ltd., 1996: pg. 58. Google Books. Web. 18 Nov. 2015 – Video: Pianojanna. "The Mason & Hamlin Story – Part 1." Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 4 March 2007. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. Standard YouTube License.
Perzina GEBR. "Welcome to the house of Perzina Pianos." LaguiadelPiano. Perzina, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2015.
Dolge, Alfred. Pianos and Their Makers: A Comprehensive History of the Development of the Piano from the Monochord to the Concert Grand Player Piano, Volume 1. Covina: Covina Publishing Company, 1911. Google Books. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.
– Quote: Carrodus, John Tiplady, et al. The Strad. Volume 5. London: Lavendar Publications, 1895: pg. 367. Google Books. Web. 20 Nov. 2015.
– Video: domokun. "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Piano Solo) – Disney’s Cinderella." Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 6 July 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2015. Standard YouTube License.
Additional References:
Pauer, Earnest. A Dictionary of Pianists and Composers for the Pianoforte: With an Appendix of Manufacturers of the Instrument. London & New York: Novello, Ewre and Co., 1895. Google Books. Web. 20 Nov. 2015.
Dolge, Alfred. Pianos and Their Makers: A Comprehensive History of the Development of the Piano from the Monochord to the Concert Grand Player Piano, Volume 1. Covina: Covina Publishing Company, 1911. Google Books. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.
– Quote: Hoover, Cynthia Adams. "The Steinways and Their Pianos in the Nineteenth Century." Journal of the American Musical Instrument Society. Vol. VII, 1981” pg. 57. AmericanHistory. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.
– Video: Steinway & Sons. "The Making of Steinway Model B Grand Piano." Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 15 Sept. 2015. Web. 27 Feb. 2016. Standard YouTube License.
Additional References:
Barron, James. Piano: The Making of a Steinway Concert Grand. New York: Times Books Henry Holt and Company, LLC, 2006. Google Books. Web. 21 Nov 2015.
Ratcliffe, Ronald, and Stuart Isacoff. Steinway. San Francisco: Chronicle Books LLC, 1989. Google Books. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.
Hoover, Cynthia Adams, and Edwin Good, eds. "William Steinway Diary Project." American History. Smithsonian National Museum of American History, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.
"Over-Stringing of Grand Piano." Google Patents. IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.
"Improvement in Grand Piano-Forte Actions." Google Patents. IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.
Palmieri, Robert, ed. The Piano: An Encyclopedia. 2nd Edition. New York: Routledge, June 1, 2004. Google Books. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
Braun, Hans-Joachin, ed. Music and Technology in the Twentieth Century. Baltimore and London: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000. Google Books. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.