Steinway is one of the best antique pianos. Is there any wonder that Steinway so breathes quality and supremacy that it is universally, unconsciously chosen as the symbol of perfection, thus now a grand antique to be treasured above other instruments of value! Such an authoritative claim by the great performing artists set Steinway apart from other manufacturers. Steinway and Sons dominated the artistic piano market. Even Baldwin Company declared that the “Steinway prices determined the Baldwin prices.” Steinway legacy identifies this piano as the ideal pianothus the ideal antique. Salesmanship was key to building up the Steinway. It was accomplished by using leading artists to use the Steinway. This was a great advertising method. In 1855, Steinway advertised daily in the New York Times. The firm never once offered sales or bargains, but only high quality endorsed by artists and cultural community musical enterprises. Steinway had only a gentleman’s agreement with the artists, which became a success in loyalty.
Steinway and Sons cultivated its own uniqueness, identifying its product synonymously with “piano” and the perfect piano. They created the slogan, “the instrument of the immortals.” They emphasized, “owning” the Steinway piano.
Steinway had a virtual monopoly in palaces, royal patronage, and great conservatories with the Steinway piano. These pianos were in comparison with fine sculpture or painting. It is described as ‘an eminently sound investment.” The advertising emphasized, “there are several Steinway styles and sizes, but only one Steinway quality.”
At the White House is the one hundred thousandth piano built by Steinway and Sons. It was presented to President Roosevelt for the American people. The total cost was about $ 20,000.00.
Henry E. Steinweg came to America with his sons. They learned the language and business methods. Then as they began their business in 1853, it seemed well to change the name to Steinway. This was his trademark, which we still see today. A square grand by Steinway in 1854 received prize medals, and again in 1855. The square grands are very antique at this time. In his factory, Steinway even would not permit any imperfection even in the building of this factory. Steinway was loved by his employers. His name will ever be revered. His sons kept up his traditions.
William, a younger son of Henry was bent on letting the world know, after the death of his father and brothers, that his factories turned out the best pianos that could possibly be made and he made the world believe it. Many honors have been bestowed on the house of Steinway.
