While many try to find the differences between all these, it is getting difficult for even experts to clearly discern between each make or model. It is a bit reminiscent to the times when in Europe and North America there were literally hundreds of different makers, all competing with each other.

But it wasn’t always about *competition* and often much more about the region and music tradition in such area. There also were clearly favourite art forms and expressions of music. Just think of the use of harpsichords for which much of the early music was written for, including Bach, Haendel and so on.

Originating from Germany myself, it has always amused me that in some think only certain makes such as Yamaha or Steinway are suitable instruments with regards to music-making, something that is in clear contradiction considering the the history of music, especially on the European home continent itself.

Today’s globalization and methods of production and transportation have allowed the type of rapid penetration of markets previously deemed difficult. There are German pianos available in even the remotest part of the Orient today and in reverse, oriental pianos in every single country of Europe.

Add to this the many joint ventures between such companies as Steinway and Pearl River China, Kawai and Boston Japan, Bechstein and Hailun, China, Steingraeber and Ritmuller [Pearl River] China, Brodmann and Steinberg, Germany and so on and it’s easy to loose orientation of what’s exactly what these days. Or is it?

All of this is increasingly reflected in the sound and  “quality” of the various instruments with seemingly more and more similarities emerging between the various makers and models all the time.

For this reason we believe the only way to experience the diverse world of pianos today  is to sample the different makers, perhaps between the very high and lower end  but certainly within same or near same price range!

Perhaps for this reason, more and more people are drifiting towards those pianos which are not only cheaper but offer near same quality to those of much higher price range. Just like this family whose highly advanced son who had looked at pianos over 60 k before.

And then found one under 30k offering virtually  same!

Read about this here:

http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1881823/Huge%20thank%20you%20Norbert%20for%20hel.html#Post1881823

Piano Buyer addresses many of the questions people have when considering to buy a piano. It also offers a “rating system” by which pianos are rated by quality into different categories.

For us at Heritage Pianos it is not interesting what the ‘name’ of a piano is or where it is presently positioned   –  but where it will be in future. Call us   ‘stockbrokers of pianos’ if you like…..

In this regard no other piano has performed  better than ESTONIA. Virtually unknown only few years ago, it now is ranked in same category as New York Steinway.

Being virtually sold out at all times, Estonia pianos undoubtedly become the most “in demand” piano of our time. Just sit down and play one, you’ll quickly know *why*.

Similar to real estate, there are pianos making a for a superior investment especially when still heavily undervalued. Comparing pricing in the last 10 years, ESTONIA has clearly proven to be the fastest appreciating piano in recent history.

We are very proud to point out that many people living in Richmond B.C. now see fit to travel to us in Surrey to look at  German or European pianos in Surrey

Among “Consumer Grade Pianos”, the best performers in recent years have been Brodmann, Ritmüller and Hailun. These makes have improved at such rapid rate that they are already outperforming several Japanese pianos including the Steinway designed Essex line of pianos.

Still willing to “pay more for less”?  Not if you are careful and watch things.

In today’s market, prices must reflect a piano’s performance –  brand name alone won’t help.  Instead of having to buy “entry level” smart shoppers now can choose pianos of much higher quality – for less!

Being highly  specialized in the selection of “finest pianos for $$”  we would love to show you the differences, the options especially the  ”opportunities”  awaiting you.

Having grown up in Germany among  first class pianos & instruments it would be my pleasure to give you “the tour” from a European perspective. Our competitors know when were here: your ears and perception of things will not be the same as before….

WELCOME  - let’s play and LISTEN!!

Yes we are selling pianos and are making our living this way, but we am totally dedicated getting you the absolute finest piano for money spend. Show me the $$ and I will show you the piano!

Chances are you will shake your head, most likely leaving with a nice smile….

Norbert Marten, owner  www.heritagepianos.com

http://hailun-pianos.com/images/stories/pdf/Hailun_Music_Trades_Article.pdf

The company’s owners stated goal is building the finest quality piano in the Orient. Like their world class pianists, monumental evidence is quickly mounting supporting the fact that the top performers among the Chinese better be taken seriously.

http://hailun-pianos.com/people/owners.html

Those still in denial will live to see their money wasted on pianos made elsewhere being no better and in many cases already -not even as good…

http://www.pianobuyer.com/spring12/45.html

Designed by Baldwin‘s and Mason Hamlin‘s previous designer George F.Emerson, the pianos have become a showcase among some of  the finest of the West – alas VERY affordably priced!!

http://hailun-pianos.com/home.html

Today the Hailun team consists of engineers and piano craftsmen from over a dozen different nations. Each one is recognized as an authority in the chosen specialty of piano engineering.

http://hailun-pianos.com/people/engineers/george-f-emerson.html

Hailun company uses the newest and most advanced technologies: their 7′ semi- concert grand was recently featured in Vienna’s Golden Concert Hall – the first time in history a Chinese-made instrument was so spotlighted!
•Vertical sizes 48″ – 50″ – 52″
•Grand sizes 4’11.5″ – 5’4″ – 5’10″ – 6’5″ – 7’2″

http://hailun-pianos.com/products/grand-pianos.html

•All finishes are high polished polyester ebony, walnut or mahogany

If you are in a market for a wonderful sounding upright or grand you owe it to yourself to check out HAILUN first!  Or ‘last’…..

Amazing faces plus big smiles a common occurance when discovering this incredible piano, even when  having tried out a mighty  Steinway, Fazioli, Bosendorfer,Bechstein, Yamaha or Kawai  before here in Vancouver.

Dare we say “better” than these others? No, but perhaps ”as good” or coming “awefully close”.  All at a fraction of the cost!! Why not come visit and simply try yourself?

Warning: trying a HAILUN could lead to love “for life” – just listen to this:

First, major Chinese manufacturers such as Hailun, Pearl River/Ritmueller or Brodmann available today among Vancouver pianos, have established relationships with world class piano designer such as Steinway, Bechstein and others. As part of their investment, these companies have completely revamped the scale designs of  their Chinese partners elevating their quality to virtually top international level today.

Second, European and American piano manufacturers have established numerous joint ventures and OEM manufacturing relationships with Chinese piano manufacturers such as Hailun, Brodmann or Pearl River/ Ritmueller, which has transformed the industry from regional to global.

These Chinese manufacturers have improved their manufacturing techniques and quality control to an astounding and increasingly enviable level. There is such a free interchange of parts today that it is now common for pianos to be assembled in China using high quality German made parts such as Renner hammers, Strunz  soundbords, Roslau strings and more.

At same time the trend is becoming reversed by Chinese parts and components finding their way increasingly into some of Europe’s or America’s top makers.

The end result is that there are now no bad pianos being made by the leading manufacturers in China. As long as you are buying from a reputable company, for much less than expected you can now get an extremely good upright piano or amazingly fine grand.

Just consider that a Steinway S baby grand will set you back at least $ 40,000 while for even less you could obtain a magnificent, stunning sounding Brodmann, Hailun or Ritmueller 7′ semi-concert  grand.

Putting these pianos side by side one would hardly suspect these pianos costing anywhere same.

As a result this new top group of Chinese pianos has created a  completely new standard for the industry. At same time they have created opportunitues for consumers as never seen before.  Uprights in the price range of $6,000 to $10,000 and grands from $10,000 to $20,000 are easily replacing those in today’s market costing double.

The quality and tone of these pianos is absolutely amazing leaving one stunned and in a state of virtual awe when experienced first.

The High End: Because the market has gone worldwide, there are also great values at the higher end of the market. The best example is the Estonia piano, a piano based on 200 years of European craftsmanship and tone. An Estonia sells for about 35% less than better-known European brands, like Bosendoerfer, Bluthner, or Bechstein, yet many people consider it to be every inch their equal - if not even better.

Just listen to some of these pianos or better yet: come and try yourself!

HAILUN SOUND

BRODMANN SOUND

ESTONIA SOUND

Among many of the new features of these new pianos were supposed to include entire new designs, top quality woods, on inside as well as outside.

They approached retired C. BECHSTEIN piano designer Lothar Thomma, of Basel Switzerland, with the project of re-designing their Ritmüller line of pianos.

After several years of discussion, Mr. Thomma agreed under two conditions: First, that he would control all facets of production, including materials and labor, and second, that he could design his OWN line of pianos – from the ground up – where he controlled everything, the parts, origin of components, specific manufacturing techniques and specific factory workers who would produce the new instrument.

Ritmueller piano upright in Vancouver

In 2010 the new line of Ritmüller pianos was introduced and received immediate industry and consumer acclaim.

http://www.ritmullerusa.com/

We are very proud to announce that HERITAGE PIANOS has been selected to be the FIRST Canadian representative for Mr. Thomma’s RITMUELLER line of pianos, designed completely by Mr. Thomma and incorporating traditional German manufacturing techniques and components, at very affordable price-points!

The result have been incredibly warm, beautiful sounding pianos in typical for old European tradition!

SOUND SAMPLE:

PIANO BUYER:

Link to Review of the new Ritmüller pianos by Larry Fine’s Piano Book

A new shipment of these magnificent instruments has just arrived with most uprights selling within one week. Come on in…we look forward to you experiencing the magnificent quality of these pianos that set a new paradigm for the piano industry.

These pianos don’t always have same value to stores as smaller grands selling at much larger numbers. As a result a large, powerful grand piano can sometimes be acquired at fantastic savings – right now our 50% off SALE is one of those times.

During our current “CELEBRATION PIANO SALE” we have several such specimen that fit this category. These pianos are incredibly rich in tone and would fit smaller concert halls, churches and other performance venues. Amazingly,  some these pianos normally retail in Vancouver area for close to $ 50,000, can now be had for closer to $ 20,000 or even less!!

Let us show you some of these samples:

“BRODMANN”

“HAILUN”

Above example show that piano buying can result in amazing deals when done right!

At Heritage Pianos we take great pride to make the finest buys available in the Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, North Shore and Lower Mainland area.

People visit us, often already owning a fine Yamaha, Kawai or Steinway upright yet they discover that when it comes to grands, it often doesn’t makes sense to spend mega dollars to get first rate quality.

Please let us cordially invite you to see for yourself some of the finest pianos in the industry – all amazingly priced. In fact some of these deals represent some of the finest in our entire history.  7′ grands are taking a lot of space, so we decided to clear them at or below actual wholesale cost. A truly unique opportunity!!

We also have one very special deal on a 2 years old 190 Estonia grand that was being used on our concert stage. This piano is one of the finest we ever had and was tuned to concert level at all times. Never sold, it is one of the finest specimens ever in our possession – now it can be yours at the fraction of normal cost!

We are also proud to make real quality pianos available at very nominal cost – far less than regular retail stores. As direct importers for Sauter, Estonia, Ritmüller, Brodmann and Hailun pianos, we can offer pianos at costs not easily matched by others.

In the end however, it’s not the ‘cost’ but the quality of our pianos that attract people from all over. Always nice to receive testimonials by those who have  shopped us and ended up with a great piano for themselves.

What is simply ‘business’ for some, is our pleasure to serve our customers coupled by a unique passion for pianos. Please let us cordially invite you for your own visit some time soon – like the below attached, we guarantee you’ll be very impressed!

TESTIMONIAL

At no time has the industry changed more rapidly than in recent years. When at one time a name brand indicated reliable quality, today this is no longer true – at least not in all cases. Vancouver piano buyers have opportunities as never before – let’s celebrate them!!

With the orient emerging as the largest market for pianos worldwide, most major manufacturers have long had their eyes on that part of the world.

Steinway is producing their Essex line of pianos in China, Yamaha and Kawai both have large manufacturing facilities there, Bechstein, Bluethner plus several others are building pianos or have joint ventures with Chinese companies today.

Designers like Lothar Thomma, Frank Emerson, E.Shigeru have created an entirely new generation of new quality pianos that beg to be seen and tried.

China is no longer a dirty world and new, truly amazingly pianos are coming from there.

The top among them include RITMUELLER, BRODMANN and HAILUN, certainly the three most amazing lines of pianos all of which have been elevated by PIANO BUYER to the Upper Level of “Consumer Grand Pianos” in recent years.

As such, these pianos represent unusual value in today’s market having in some cases already surpassed those pianos made by either Yamaha or Kawai.

Heritage Pianos is very proud to represent above makes with many of our customers  hailing not only from Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam or the North Shore but from all over Western Canada.

We are even more honored to have so many of them having published testimonials about their purchase on PIANO WORLD, world’s largest site about pianos.

As a result of this, we have declared March a gigantic GRAND PIANO SALE by some pianos being priced at EXACTLY HALF !!

You heard right: “HALF PRICE” !!

This event will not be held over and only includes those piano we have presently on the floor!

If you ever wanted to own a fine quality grand but didn’t have the funds for it, this is a time you don’t want to miss!! We guarantee you will be totally stunned!

EVENING AND SUNDAY VIEWINGS POSSIBLE BY APPOINTMENT!!

Norbert Marten, owner
Heritage Pianos
Tel: 604-951-8642

As was last year, this year’s NAMM Music Show in Anaheim,Ca again featured the magnificent new Estonia 225 semi-concert grand piano. Played by Dr.Indrek Laul, owner of Estonia piano company, this piano has become a huge success for Heritage Pianos in Surrey, suburb of Vancouver B.C. Just last week, a well known Calgary concert pianist specifically flew to our Surrey showroom to select this magnificent piano. Estonia grand pianos have long become known for not only their superb handcrafted workmanship, but their exceptionally sweet and highly romantic tone. This is exactly what sets this piano apart from many others and,  as was the case again, became the eventual choice for someone having tried virtually all of world’s finest makes before.  Heritage Pianos is proud to feature a world class piano that not only stands out from the crowd but entices people to travel,  often from far away. While many pursue the dream of owning a perhaps more ritzy, flashy and certainly much more expensive piano, it is  the Estonia grand piano that keeps people turning heads and returning to play perhaps just one more time.  This was especially interesting to watch again during this year’s NAMM Music show where Estonia grand pianos were respectfully displayed right besides famed Fazioli.

While all of world’s top pianos are very special, the Estonia grand piano offers something unique in that it has not taken part in all too common “louder is better” race, sometimes called “Yamahazation” by most of the current manufacturers of today.

Instead Estonia grand pianos have become recognized for the sensibility and musicality of an era gone by, even forgotten. Perhaps for this reason, the new 225 Estonia semi-concert grand became an instant hit combining the romantic, sweet tone of this age old maker with a new model of great power and expression.

Let me invite all of you to come by and try the mesmerizing sound of Estonia grand pianos! We’re not ritzy, loud or flashy -  just incredibly memorable and inspiring. Plus a lot more affordable than some of the admittedly more eye-catching ‘race-car’ names out there…

Among Vancouver pianos, we have chosen a particularly potent group of pianos which rival many of those costing many times more. It is a  special blessing for us to share in the beauty of music and the time people have given us in the quest for the perfect piano.

While everybody likes to listen to or show off a great grand piano, few get to perform or listen to a truly great upright piano. Here’s my own rendition of Silent Night I sent to all my friends as Christmas card – listen to the great bass of this upright piano!

Luckily I own a 49″ SAUTER  ‘Vista’ piano  myself, a piano I immediately fell in love with when visiting Sauter factory in Germany few years back.

Among all Vancouver pianos, the Sauter piano is definitely one to check out!

Wishing everybody a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

“Whether you are looking for pianos in Vancouver, pianos in Surrey B.C.,
or pianos in Richmond B.C. Heritage Pianos at www.HeritagePianos.com is
your by far best choice of high quality, affordable pianos in Canada”