Sykes & Sons

We are very proud to offer this wonderful upright piano built in 1905, by one of the most revered manufacturers in the world.

Carl Bechstein established his company in 1853 in Berlin, Germany where this wonderful upright piano was built. 

Carl's brother-in-law, a piano-builder called Johann Gleitz, inspired him to take an apprenticeship with him; which is where Bechstein's career began. He travelled through France and learnt much of his skills from the French school of piano-building and after being inspired by the ferocity of Franz Liszt's playing decided to produce pianos that were capable of delivering to pianists of Liszt's calibre. By 1912 Bechstein had produced over 100,000 pianos. 

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Bechstein is still one of the world's most renowned piano manufacturers and is frequently referred to as one of the "Big Four", along with  Blüthner, Bösendorfer and 

Steinway & Sons. 

For most of its life, this Bechstein upright has been owned by the same family, who not only had the piano tuned and serviced on a very regular basis but also went to the major expense of having the piano completely restrung in 1991 along with a brand new pin block (wrest-plank) installed.

We think this is a rare opportunity to own a lovely traditional instrument from one of the biggest names in the piano world, which has been lovingly cared for all of its life.

This Bechstein is housed in a French polished rosewood case with the original ivory keys, which are in impeccable condition. The piano has a warm and rich mellow tone with a light and responsive touch; typical of Bechstein uprights. 

In our workshop the piano has been carefully reconditioned by our specialised technicians  The action has been thoroughly serviced too, with new tapes installed, felts, springs and loop cords before being expertly regulated tuned and toned.