Discover the Artistry of Schimmel Pianos at Piano Gallery of Idaho

At Piano Gallery of Idaho, we are honored to serve as Idaho’s exclusive dealer for Schimmel Pianos, a brand synonymous with over 130 years of German craftsmanship and innovation. Renowned for their exceptional soundboards and superior tone, Schimmel pianos have captured the hearts of musicians worldwide. From the premium Konzert series to the accessible Fridolin series, Schimmel offers an instrument for every musician. In this blog post, we explore the artistry behind Schimmel’s soundboards, the unique qualities of their piano lines, and why Piano Gallery of Idaho is the ideal place to experience these remarkable instruments.

The Heart of Schimmel Pianos: Superior Soundboards

The soundboard is the soul of a piano, transforming string vibrations into the rich, resonant tones that define a musician’s experience. Schimmel Pianos elevates this critical component to an art form, crafting soundboards from select mountain spruce sourced from high-altitude European regions, often from trees up to 300 years old. Reserved exclusively by the Bavarian forestry service, this rare wood is chosen for its superior resonance, delivering a tone that is both powerful and nuanced.

Schimmel’s grand pianos feature soundboards that are, on average, 15% larger than those of standard grand pianos of similar size, thanks to a broad body shape with widened tails. This design enhances sound projection and depth, allowing for a fuller, more dynamic sound. To ensure longevity and tuning stability, Schimmel incorporates a patented tension collector, which distributes up to 21 tons of string tension in a controlled manner, protecting the soundboard from stress and maintaining tonal integrity. Additionally, laminated wood components, such as bridge caps, enhance the strength and durability of the sound-producing elements, ensuring Schimmel pianos remain exceptional for generations.

Schimmel’s Premium Piano Lines

Schimmel Pianos offers four distinct series, each crafted to meet the needs of different musicians while maintaining the brand’s commitment to excellence. All series benefit from Schimmel’s superior craftsmanship and technology, ensuring a consistent, high-quality sound across the range.

Konzert Series

The Konzert series represents the pinnacle of Schimmel’s craftsmanship, hand-crafted in Braunschweig, Germany. These pianos incorporate advanced technologies, such as triplex scaling, which allows technicians to tune the harmonics produced by the duplex scale, adding depth and color to the tone. Models such K175 (5’9”), K195 (6’4”), and K280 (9’2”) share the same action and treble scale design as the largest concert grands, ensuring a consistent, professional-level touch and tone. With reinforced keys for optimal energy transmission and real ebony sharps, the Konzert series is ideal for professional musicians and those seeking the ultimate in performance and precision.

Classic Series

Also made in Germany, the Classic series embodies traditional European craftsmanship. Models like the C213 offer excellent tonal balance and a timeless design, making them a favorite among serious pianists who value heritage and rich sound. These pianos are built with meticulous attention to detail, featuring widened tails for enhanced soundboard resonance and a warm, expressive tone that suits a wide range of musical styles.

Wilhelm Series

Manufactured in Kalisz, Poland, the Wilhelm series brings Schimmel’s renowned quality to a more accessible price point without compromising on sound. These pianos use the same high-quality soundboard spruce as the German-made Konzert and Classic series, delivering an authentic European sound. Models such as the W180 and W206 feature a “Dynamic Sound Bar,” which regulates energy flow in the soundboard, enhancing tonal dynamics across different playing volumes. The Wilhelm series is perfect for ambitious players seeking premium quality with a balanced touch and rich sound.

Fridolin Series

Designed for the educational market, the Fridolin series offers an entry into the world of Schimmel Pianos with solid, robust instruments that maintain the brand’s high standards. Manufactured in Guangzhou, China, under Schimmel’s strict supervision, Fridolin pianos are based on the designs of the Wilhelm series and use high-quality materials like German hammer felt and Rösslau strings. Available models include the F116 (46”), F121 (48”), F123 (49”), and F130 (51”), as well as the F156 grand piano (5’1”), catering to various spaces and needs. Despite being crafted in China, Fridolin pianos benefit from Schimmel’s technical designs and German craftsmanship oversight, ensuring a brilliant tone and fast response. These pianos are ideal for students, families, and institutions seeking a premium instrument at a more accessible price point.

Why Musicians Choose Schimmel Over Steinway

Schimmel Pianos are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied tone and responsive action, often surpassing other top brands in the eyes of discerning musicians. At Piano Gallery of Idaho, we’ve witnessed numerous customers trade in their Steinway pianos for Schimmel models, citing the superior tone and feel as their primary reasons. Online discussions, such as those on Piano World Forums, highlight that some pianists prefer Schimmel’s nuanced tone and touch in blind tests, describing them as offering a more personalized playing experience. One customer noted that after comparing a Steinway and a Schimmel in their home, they chose the Schimmel for its exceptional sound and craftsmanship. This trend underscores Schimmel’s ability to deliver instruments that resonate deeply with individual musical preferences.

Experience Schimmel at Piano Gallery of Idaho

As Idaho’s exclusive Schimmel dealer, Piano Gallery of Idaho offers a unique opportunity to explore the full range of Schimmel pianos, from the premium Konzert series to the accessible Fridolin series. Visit our showrooms in Idaho Falls (2995 E 17th St, Ammon, ID 83406) and Pocatello (338 Yellowstone Ave, Pocatello, ID 83402 to play and compare these instruments alongside other top brands like Yamaha, Kawai, and Seiler. Our family-owned business brings decades of expertise to guide you in finding the perfect piano.

Check Out Our Current Schimmel Inventory

Conclusion

Schimmel Pianos represent the epitome of piano craftsmanship, with soundboards that are as much a work of art as they are a functional masterpiece. From the carefully selected mountain spruce to the innovative tension collector and enlarged soundboard design, every element of a Schimmel piano is crafted to deliver an unparalleled playing experience. Whether you choose the premium Konzert series, the traditional Classic series, the accessible Wilhelm series, or the robust Fridolin series, you’re investing in an instrument that embodies over a century of German artistry and innovation.

Discover why so many musicians prefer Schimmel over other top brands and experience the difference for yourself. Visit Piano Gallery of Idaho today to find your perfect Schimmel piano, or contact us to arrange delivery of your dream instrument.