Schimmel is one of Germany's best-known piano makers, founded in 1885. Since 2016 it has been owned by the Chinese firm Pearl River, with its top models still made in Germany and its cheaper lines built in Poland and China. We are Yamaha specialists, so the guides below are honest and independent, covering the models, which line is which, the prices, buying advice, and how a Schimmel compares with a Yamaha.
Models
Schimmel Models
Schimmel Pianos
Schimmel pianos: the German maker since 1885, now Pearl River-owned, with three lines built in Germany, Poland and China. How to tell which is which.
Schimmel Grand Pianos
Schimmel grand pianos: the German-made Konzert and Classic against the cheaper Wilhelm and Fridolin lines built abroad, their tone, and what they cost.
Schimmel Upright Pianos
Schimmel upright pianos: the German-made Konzert and Classic against the cheaper Wilhelm and Fridolin lines, who they suit, and the Yamaha comparison.
Prices
Schimmel Piano Prices
What a Schimmel costs, by line: the German Konzert and Classic against the cheaper Wilhelm and Fridolin lines, used prices, and a Yamaha comparison.
Buying Guide
Are Schimmel Pianos Good?
Are Schimmel pianos good? It depends which line: the German Konzert and Classic are top-tier, the Polish and Chinese lines are good for their price.
Buying a Used Schimmel
An honest guide to buying a used Schimmel: work out which of the three lines it is, what to check, what to pay, and the Yamaha comparison worth making.
Comparisons
Schimmel vs Yamaha
Schimmel or Yamaha? It depends which Schimmel: the German Konzert sits above Yamaha, the cheaper lines compete directly. Tone, price and resale compared.
History
The History of Schimmel
The story of Schimmel, from Wilhelm Schimmel’s 1885 German workshop to one of Germany’s largest makers, and the 2016 Pearl River takeover.