Questions and answers

You find the serial number in black digits on the front in the upper part of the cast-iron frame, near the tuning pins. With very old instruments, it can also be found on the soundboard near the C. Bechstein logo.

If the authenticity or the completeness of the numbers found are doubtful, can you still ascertain the year of manufacture?

Answer: Unfortunately not.

Can the year of manufacture be determined from the numbers that I find in the back of the sounding board or in other places on the instrument?

Answer: Unfortunately not. These are accompanying production numbers for which no records have been kept.

If I don’t find a number, can the year of manufacture be determined from a photograph?

Answer: Unfortunately not.

Who do I contact if spare parts such as a new cast iron plate, a new action, a new keyboard or the like are needed?

In regards to original spare parts, please contact: technicalservice@bechstein.de; fax: +49 (0)3586-404106.

We will discuss how to proceed, inquire about details of your needs and make suggestions on how to best implement solutions.

What can a person do when an old cast-iron plate is cracked in one or more places?

First ask a qualified local technician to assess the damage and repair options. For further advice or support and repair by us, please contact: technicalservice@bechstein.de. fax: +49 (0) 3586-404106.

It is quite possible to fix cracks. It is important in advance to contact competent professionals. In the case of Bechstein you are in good hands.

If I want to have an assessment of value, can this be done based on a photograph mailed to you?

Unfortunately not. Appraisals are a matter of trust. Remote diagnosis would be inappropriate here. Only through a personal examination by a certified technician on site or in our factory can we clearly see the condition of your unique Bechstein instrument. Upon request, we will be happy to tell you the costs involved. For this purpose, please contact: technicalservice@bechstein.de, fax: +49 (0) 3586-404106.

Can I have my C. Bechstein instrument repaired or restored by C. Bechstein?

Yes, we offer this service in our special workshops or recommend to you a suitable workshop in your country. For this, please contact:
technicalservice@bechstein.de. fax: +49 (0)3586-404106.

Hundreds of satisfied customers around the world prove it is worth having competent repair.

Not usually. We only sell C. Bechstein instruments that we have restored ourselves.

Depending on age, type and condition of the instrument, the recommended voice pitch is about 440-443 Hz. If you are in doubt, please contact:
info@bechstein.de.

Both design variations serve the same purpose: to clearly mark the upper limit of the freely vibrating part of the string. The freely vibrating portion of the string is its most important part. The pitch is determined by its length and tension. Agraffes are the brass parts on the cast-iron plate behind the tuning pins through which the strings are first guided. Alternatively, in the same place you can find capodaster bars which serve the same purpose as agraffes. Both versions are intended to define the pressure point for the freely vibrating part of the string. Many older C. Bechstein uprights and grand pianos have agraffes up to the treble range. Today, C. Bechstein and Bechstein Academy grand pianos have capodasters instead.

Yes absolutely. In accordance with pianists’ wishes, however, agraffes were preferred for some time. That has now changed again.

The "Neo-Bechstein piano” has made history. In collaboration with Nobel Laureates Nernst and Siemens, the first instrument worldwide with electronically generated sound appeared in the late 1920s. This instrument was the fore-runner of a development that was only decades later demanded by the market and accepted.

This instrument was a fore-runner of a development that was only decades later demanded by the market and accepted.

Yes, please contact:
info(at)bechstein.de.

Since 1992 in Seifhennersdorf, Saxony. Previously, since 1853 in Berlin (West) until the Wall came down when as a result of urban structural changes many manufacturing businesses were forced to leave the city.

C. Bechstein production has a great vertical range of manufacture. For areas in which suppliers are used (such as cast iron frames, action parts, etc.), C. Bechstein has selected its suppliers since 1853 according to the highest specification requirements. C. Bechstein defines the exact specifications for all parts supplied. Our outstandingly equipped research and development department sets standards for the optimal design and manufacturing process as well as for its own production and supply parts. Premium manufacturers like C. Bechstein are the guarantee for best quality. C. Bechstein does not represent itself through its suppliers, but rather the other way around. Please understand that due to this premise we don’t name our suppliers individually. A tour of our impressive manufacturing plant can give you insight into the world of our unique production.For technicians and retailers there is a recent DVD about our grand piano factory which you can obtain. C. Bechstein and BECHSTEIN Academy are made in Germany. W. Hoffmann is created in our European manufacturing plant C. Bechstein Europe in the Czech Republic.

Yes, you can order any instrument with such a system.