On their newest pianos, Schimmel stamps the brand name and factory location on every piano.
“It’s a very loyal business, and they’re proud to sell and proud to own a Schimmel.”
“My favorite part about working for Schimmel is the people who purchase the pianos and the people who sell the pianos,” said Clutter. His favorite part about working for Schimmel is the people he works with every day. Recently, PianoWorks had a visit from Glenn Clutter, Director of Sales and Promotions for Schimmel Pianos. A few weeks ago, PianoWorks had a visit from Glenn Clutter, Director of Sales and Promotions of Schimmel Pianos. Schimmel pianos are well-known for being the largest company in Europe, as well as winning several awards across the country. In 2010 Schimmel Pianos celebrated their 125th anniversary. All elements of each instrument must all be meticulously synchronized with exact precision: from the fitting of the strings, the positioning of the hammer-heads and the regulation of the action to the fine art of tuning and voicing. In addition, over 10,00 metal, wood and felt elements make up a Schimmel keyboard and action. This requires a well-trained ear, and cannot be replaced by machine. These workers have been known as fine craftsmen and the “masters of good tone.” Some of these workers are the artists that create the instrumental timbre, that is formed by extensive needling, which is needed several hundred times per hammer. Many of the factory workers are sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters of factory workers from the early Schimmel years. The Schimmel Sons aren’t the only generations in the company.
In 2003, Hannes Schimmel-Vogel took over management and developed the Konzert Series even more with the Vogel. Over 20 years, Nikolaus developed the Konzert Series, which was the key to their current position in the piano market. Later, Nikolaus Wilhelm took over management and really focused on expanding the Schimmel brand. He relocated the company to Braunschweig, where Schimmel is now located. The second generation in the Schimmel family was Wilhelm Arno who took over management in 1927. That little piano business, started in 1885 in Leipzig, Germany, is now four generations strong, and the Schimmel family is building some of the world’s finest pianos. Whilhelm Schimmel built his entire piano business. We will highlight the pianos we have in the showroom along with a little company information. Once a month, we will be discussing the Products and Brands that PianoWorks currently carries.