Schimmel

Schimmel Pianos

Schimmel is one of Germany’s best-known piano makers, founded in 1885. Like Bechstein, the name now covers more than one thing, from hand-built German flagships to cheaper lines built abroad, so it pays to know which is which.

A German name, now under new ownership

Wilhelm Schimmel founded the firm in Germany in 1885, and for over a century it was one of the largest German makers, based in Braunschweig. In 2016 the Chinese firm Pearl River took a controlling stake. The top pianos are still made in Germany, but the range now spans three tiers built in three countries.

The three lines, and where they are made

This is the key thing to understand:

  1. Schimmel Konzert and Classic. The flagship lines, still hand-built in Braunschweig, Germany. These are the real German Schimmels.
  2. Wilhelm Schimmel. A more affordable line, built in Kalisz, Poland.
  3. Fridolin Schimmel. The entry line, built in China at the Pearl River factory.

All are decent for their price, but they are very different pianos, so always check which one you are looking at.

The tone

Schimmel is known for a clear, precise, versatile tone, a little brighter and more modern than the older romantic German makers, which makes it popular for a wide range of music.

Schimmel or a Yamaha

A German Konzert Schimmel is a fine top-end piano at a top-end price. The cheaper Schimmel lines compete directly with a good Yamaha, so if you are looking at one of those, a reconditioned Japanese Yamaha is well worth hearing alongside. See Schimmel vs Yamaha.

Our used Yamaha grand pianos
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