Wilhelm Schimmel

1st Generation: Foundation and growth The history of Schimmel Pianos began on 2 May 1885 as Wilhelm Schimmel founded his own workshop in Leipzig, Germany. In May 1894, Wilhelm Schimmel produced his 1000th instrument. At the World Exhibition in 1913 and 1914, the instruments received first gold medals. After the war ended the factory was rebuilt, first focusing on various kinds of woodwork and furnishing until the production of pianos was continued in 1949. Regarding the transforming market the company expanded their product line and developed the new product series "Schimmel Konzert" for the premium section. Over the next 10 years, 6 new grand piano and 3 upright piano models were developed. The newly developed and patented method of construction based on the construction of a grand concert piano, which is used for all instruments. Furthermore, the company invested in research and development and founded another production plant in Kalisz in Poland. Here the series "Wilhelm Schimmel" is produced, which competes with Asian instruments regarding the price, but is produced in Europe. The 2008 financial crisis had a large impact on Schimmel Pianos. In 2009, the company filed for self-administered insolvency, ending successfully on 30 March 2010. In the following years Schimmel expands on the Asian market, focusing especially on China, the world's largest piano market. To enter the Chinese market successfully the company founded a strategic alliance with the Pearl River Piano Group, the world's largest piano producer in 2016. Pearl River became the majority share holder of Schimmel Pianos with the Schimmel family keeping 10% if the company. Schimmel "Konzert" and "Classic" production will continue in Braunschweig, Germany and "Wilhelm Schimmel" production will continue in Kalisz, Poland. Schimmel developed a new piano brand, "Fridolin Schimmel" especially for the Asian market, The model is designed by Schimmel for piano beginners and is manufactured in the Pearl River Piano Group factory in Guangzhou, China. == Products ==

Schimmel produces the models "Konzert" and "Classic" in the Schimmel Pianos factory in Braunschweig, Germany. The series "Schimmel Konzert" includes six grand pianos and three upright piano models, each available in different designs and colors. The series "Schimmel Classic" includes three grand pianos and twelve upright pianos also in different models. == Current Grand Piano Models ==

Schimmel Konzert Schimmel Classic == Current Upright Piano Models ==

Schimmel Konzert Schimmel Classic == Special models ==

A contemporary design has ever since been a prominent feature of Schimmel pianos. In the course of the company history, extraordinary instruments have been designed. In 1913 the Schimmel piano Wilhelmina has been awarded for its outstanding design with a gold medal at the world fair in Leipzig. == Art collection ==

Together with renowned artists the German piano manufacturer developed the Schimmel Art Collection. 1952 Schimmel Pianos caused a sensation with the presentation of the first transparent acrylic glass piano. The piano is positioned on an acrylic glass plate so the piano seems to hover in mid-air. The stool is part of the piano body and the lid opens automatically. The grand piano designed by the artist Otmar Alt attracts attention with its colorful, flamboyant design. == Brands ==

In addition to the Schimmel brand, Schimmel Pianos manufactures two other brands: Wilhelm Schimmel for the mid-level market and Fridolin Schimmel for the entry-level market. Wilhelm Schimmel Made for the mid-level piano market, the Wilhelm Schimmel brand consists of two grand pianos and four upright piano models in different designs. Fridolin Schimmel Made for the entry-level piano market, the Fridolin Schimmel brand consists of four upright piano models in different colors and designs The brand is named after Fridolin Schimmel, the older brother of Wilhelm Schimmel, who founded his own piano workshop in 1893 in the U.S. The instruments are made for beginners. The instruments are designed by Schimmel and build by Pearl River Piano Group factory in Guangzhou, China. == Awards ==

Instruments by Schimmel Pianos have received numerous awards, making Schimmel the most highly awarded German piano brand. Awarded instruments, Konzert series • K 230 T: Diapason d’Or by Diapason, Choc by Le Monde de la musique, Maestro by Pianiste Magazine • K 132 T: Diapason d’Or by Diapason, Maestro by Pianiste Magazine • K 125 T: Diapason d’Or by Diapason, iF Product Design Award 2011, German Design Award 2012 Nominee • K 122 E: Diapason d’Or by Diapason, Choc by Le Monde de la musique Awarded Instruments, Classic series • C 213 T: Choc by Le Monde de la musique • C 189 T: Maestro by Pianiste Magazine • C 169 T: Diapason d’Or dans Diapason, Choc by Le Monde de la musique • C 130 T: Diapason d’Or dans Diapason • C 120 E: Choc by Le Monde de la Musique, Choc by Classica • C 116 T: Diapason d’Or by Diapason, Maestro by Pianiste Magazine • C 116 Modern Cubus: Focus Open Silver 2011, iF Product Design Award 2011, German Design Award 2012 Nominee • C 116 M: reddot design award winner 2008, GOOD DESIGN by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, Designpreis 2009 Nominee by Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie, German Design Award 2011 Nominee, German Design Award 2010 Nominee Awarded instruments, Wilhelm Schimmel series • W118: Diapason d’Or by Diapason, Maestro by Pianiste Magazine • W114: Maestro by Pianiste Magazine == References ==