The building of keyboard instruments began over 300 years ago. The development started with the celesta, continued through the pianoforte, and reached its high point with what today is known as the modern grand piano — which remains until now virtually unchanged. (The “Golden Years” of grand piano construction were between 1825 and 1925).

Grand pianos belong as much to the appreciation of art as the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rubens, or an authentically restored historical building, all of which have both high artistic and material value. Recognizing this has given me the exciting idea to create a renaissance of the full restoration of antique instruments for the pleasure of both art and music lovers.

An antique grand piano, more or less 100 years old, presents a unique form of aesthetics, both in music and appearance — as well as an instrument and as the focal point of a home. When one considers how many famous pianists or passionate piano players have already played on one or another of these grands (and how many are yet to play upon them), it is imperative to save these magnificent instruments from decay — and to give pianists and their entire surroundings the joyous gift a fully restored piano offers.

With this conviction in mind, the firm ELP European Luxury Pianos was established in Großostheim north of Bavaria — for the sale exclusively of grands that have been totally (100 percent) restored, maintaining their original tone quality. Every year more than 20 grand pianos become the property of new owners exclusively in the U.S. market itself. We feel it is our duty to follow the 19th-Century motto: »Build good instruments, and you will never have to worry about selling them.«

These long serving instruments are under continuous supervision and restored at the very highest quality levels. The maintaining of these exacting standards we owe to the pioneers of piano building and to our valued clients. (The details of the restoration process can be found in our “Rework” section.) 

In the United States, only about a third of the noted European piano builders are known. In general, one recognizes the traditional manufacturers: Steinway, Bechstein, Boesendorfer, Bluethner. One does not often hear about the oldest, but still existing piano building companies of Schiedmayer, August Foerster, Ibach, Grotrian-Steinweg, Andreas Streicher, Pleyel, Erard, among others. (In the “History” section, you will find summaries of these notable manufacturers of grands that were traditionally produced hundreds of years ago and have not experienced the “assembly line” techniques with which some pianos are built today in order to satisfy consumer needs for bargain prices.)

We take care for the CITES Certificat for the smoothly customs entry of ivory keys. Grands over 100 years old belong to antique article and are duty free.