Bösendorfer

Bösendorfer is one of the oldest surviving piano manufacturers and a prominent Austrian luxury musical-instrument brand. Founded in Vienna in 1828 by Ignaz Bösendorfer, the company developed a reputation for building concert and domestic pianos with unusually rich bass, a singing treble, and a tonal approach often described as distinctly Viennese. Its instruments are made in Vienna and are positioned at the premium end of the international piano market, serving concert artists, conservatories, recording projects, private collectors, and luxury interiors. The company’s history is closely connected with Vienna’s musical culture. In 1830 it received recognition as an official piano maker to the Austrian imperial court. Ignaz Bösendorfer’s son, Ludwig, took control in 1859 and moved production to new premises the following year. The associated Bösendorfer-Saal operated from 1872 until 1913 and became one of Vienna’s notable concert venues. Ownership later passed through several hands, including the Hutterstrasser family, the American Jasper Corporation, subsequently known as Kimball International, and the Austrian BAWAG PSK Gruppe. Yamaha Corporation agreed to acquire the company in December 2007, with the transaction completed in 2008. Bösendorfer has continued to operate as a Yamaha subsidiary while retaining its Vienna manufacturing identity and specialized craftsmanship. A defining feature of the brand is its willingness to build instruments beyond the conventional 88-key piano format. The Imperial Grand, Model 290, has 97 keys and covers eight octaves. The innovation originated in a commission associated with Ferruccio Busoni, who required a lower range for an organ transcription. Bösendorfer later incorporated extended bass keyboards into regular production, including the 92-key Model 225. These extra keys are positioned at the bass end and are visually differentiated on modern instruments. Bösendorfer grands also use construction methods intended to emphasize acoustic resonance. Their rims are assembled from joined solid spruce sections rather than being made solely from conventionally bent veneers. The company’s designs have also included a removable capo d’astro bar and single-stringing arrangements in which strings have individual hitch pins. These details contribute to the brand’s engineering identity and are part of its differentiation from larger-volume piano manufacturers. The product range includes grand pianos of different lengths, upright pianos, more accessible Conservatory Series instruments, limited and artist-designed models, and digital reproducing systems. Model numbers generally indicate the instrument’s approximate length in centimeters, from compact grands to the 290 Imperial. Bösendorfer has also produced special instruments associated with composers, anniversaries, architects, and luxury materials, including a Swarovski crystal-decorated grand. Its earlier SE reproducing pianos and later CEUS system extended the brand into computer-assisted recording and playback while preserving the acoustic instrument as the central product. Bösendorfer’s cultural reputation has been reinforced by its association with major classical, jazz, and contemporary pianists. Artists linked with its instruments include Franz Liszt, Wilhelm Backhaus, Leonard Bernstein, Sviatoslav Richter, Alfred Brendel, András Schiff, Oscar Peterson, Victor Borge, Tori Amos, Keith Jarrett, and others. The brand remains active internationally, combining limited-volume Viennese production with Yamaha’s global distribution and corporate resources.

Ignaz Bösendorfer established Bösendorfer in Vienna in 1828, making the company one of the earliest piano firms still operating under its historic name. Its early growth occurred during a period in which Vienna was a major European center of piano building and concert life. In 1830 the firm received official recognition as a piano maker to the Austrian emperor, strengthening its standing among the city’s musical institutions and elite clientele. Ludwig Bösendorfer, Ignaz’s son, assumed control in 1859. The company moved to new premises in 1860 and expanded its production and reputation during the second half of the nineteenth century. Bösendorfer’s connection with Vienna’s performance culture was particularly visible through the Bösendorfer-Saal, a concert hall associated with the company that operated from 1872 until it closed in 1913. The venue hosted musical activity during a formative period in the city’s cultural history. In 1909 Carl Hutterstrasser purchased Bösendorfer. His sons Alexander and Wolfgang later succeeded him in 1931. Around the same period, the company became associated with one of its most important technical developments. Ferruccio Busoni sought an instrument with a lower range than the conventional 88-key piano for the transcription of organ repertoire. Bösendorfer developed the extended-range Imperial Grand, later known as Model 290, with 97 keys. The instrument’s success led to the adoption of extended keyboards in additional models, including the 92-key Model 225. Ownership changed again in 1966, when the Jasper Corporation, the parent company of Kimball Pianos and later known as Kimball International, assumed control. During this period Bösendorfer developed the SE reproducing piano system. Between 1984 and 1987, the company produced a limited number of SE instruments based on Imperial Line models. These pianos used sensors, electronics, and electromechanical mechanisms to capture and reproduce a performer’s notes, dynamics, and pedal actions. The system was technically ambitious but costly and was not developed into a large-scale product family. Its research nevertheless contributed to later work on Bösendorfer’s CEUS computerized reproducing system. In 2001 Bösendorfer returned to Austrian ownership when it was acquired by BAWAG PSK Gruppe. On 21 December 2007, BAWAG signed an agreement to sell the company to Yamaha Corporation. The acquisition was completed in 2008, making Bösendorfer a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha. The change provided access to the resources and international reach of a major musical-instrument group, while Bösendorfer continued to operate from its Vienna factory and maintain a lower-volume, handcrafted production model. The modern company produces grand pianos ranging from compact instruments to the 290 Imperial and also makes upright pianos. Its Conservatory Series was designed to offer some of the brand’s characteristics to educational institutions and other buyers requiring a lower-cost alternative to the standard premium range. Bösendorfer has additionally created limited editions and artist, architect, and anniversary designs, including models connected with composers and a crystal-decorated instrument made with Swarovski. Technically, the brand differentiates itself through construction and voicing choices. Grand-piano rims are assembled from solid spruce sections joined together, a method intended to support sound transmission. Other features associated with Bösendorfer include single-stringing and a removable capo d’astro bar. The company’s instruments are used in concert halls, studios, conservatories, private residences, and recordings. Its historical and contemporary artist associations have helped sustain its image as a specialist luxury piano maker rather than a mass-market manufacturer.

1. 2008Becomes a Yamaha subsidiary

   The acquisition made Bösendorfer a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation.

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2. 2007Yamaha acquisition agreement announced

   BAWAG PSK Gruppe agreed to sell 100 percent of Bösendorfer to Yamaha Corporation.

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3. 2001Returns to Austrian ownership

   BAWAG PSK Gruppe acquired Bösendorfer.

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4. 1984SE reproducing pianos enter limited production

   Bösendorfer began producing a limited run of computer-assisted SE reproducing pianos.

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5. 1966Jasper Corporation assumes control

   The parent company of Kimball Pianos acquired control of Bösendorfer.

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6. 1931Hutterstrasser sons succeed their father

   Alexander and Wolfgang Hutterstrasser took over leadership of the business.

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7. 1909Carl Hutterstrasser acquires the company

   Ownership passed to Carl Hutterstrasser.

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8. 1909Extended-key Imperial Grand developed

   A Busoni-associated commission led to the development of the 97-key Imperial Grand concept.

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9. 1872Bösendorfer-Saal opens

   The associated Bösendorfer-Saal began its long period as a prominent Vienna concert venue.

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10. 1860Production moves to new premises

    The firm began operating from new premises as its manufacturing activity expanded.

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11. 1859Ludwig Bösendorfer takes control

    Ignaz Bösendorfer’s son Ludwig assumed leadership of the company.

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12. 1830Recognized as an official imperial piano maker

    The company received official recognition as a piano maker to the Austrian emperor.

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13. 1828Company founded in Vienna

    Ignaz Bösendorfer established the piano manufacturing business that became Bösendorfer.

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Luxury, handcrafted Austrian piano maker emphasizing Viennese tonal character, traditional craftsmanship, extended-range concert instruments, and artistic customization.

• Grand pianosAcoustic grand piano

  Bösendorfer’s principal product family consists of handcrafted grand pianos in a range of lengths, with model numbers generally corresponding to centimeters. The range extends from compact grands for smaller venues and residences to large concert instruments. The instruments are associated with a resonant bass, singing treble, spruce-based rim construction, and a tonal style intended for demanding performers and premium private settings.

• Model 290 Imperial GrandExtended-key concert grand1909

  The Imperial Grand is Bösendorfer’s signature extended-range concert piano. Its 97-key keyboard reaches eight octaves, adding bass notes below the conventional 88-key range. The design originated in response to Ferruccio Busoni’s requirements for an organ transcription and became one of the world’s most recognizable large concert grands. Its additional strings and unusually broad compass are intended for repertoire and performers that benefit from an expanded low register.

• Model 225Extended-key grand piano

  The Model 225 is a large Bösendorfer grand with 92 keys. It incorporates the brand’s extended-bass approach in a format smaller than the Imperial Grand, offering additional low notes while remaining suitable for concert, institutional, studio, and private use. The model is part of the company’s broader effort to make extended-key architecture available beyond its largest instrument.

• Upright pianosAcoustic upright piano

  Bösendorfer produces upright pianos in approximately 120 cm and 130 cm formats. These instruments bring the company’s craftsmanship and tonal priorities to a vertical design intended for homes, teaching environments, studios, and spaces where a grand piano is impractical. They occupy the premium segment of the upright-piano market.

• Conservatory SeriesInstitutional grand piano

  The Conservatory Series was created for colleges, universities, and other institutions seeking a Bösendorfer instrument at a more accessible cost. Production time was reduced in less acoustically critical areas, and the instruments used more restrained finishes than the company’s standard polished models. The series extended the brand’s reach while retaining its association with professional musical education.

• SE reproducing pianoReproducing acoustic piano1984

  The SE system was a limited-production computer-controlled reproducing piano developed during the Kimball ownership period. Sensors and electromechanical components captured and replayed notes, dynamics, and pedal movements. Thirty-two instruments were produced between 1984 and 1987, based on Imperial Line models including the 225, 275, and 290. The system was technically significant but expensive and was not continued as a major mass product.

• CEUSDigital reproducing system

  CEUS is Bösendorfer’s computerized reproducing system for recording and replaying piano performances. It captures keyboard velocity and pedal information and stores performance data in a proprietary digital format. The system represents a later development of the company’s interest in combining precision electronics with its acoustic pianos.

• Artisan and designer modelsLimited-edition piano

  Bösendorfer produces limited and special-order instruments featuring unusual casework, artistic decoration, architectural design, anniversary themes, or associations with composers. Examples include models connected with Franz Schubert, Frédéric Chopin, and Franz Liszt, as well as instruments designed by Theophil Hansen, Josef Hoffmann, and Hans Hollein. These models reinforce the brand’s role as both a musical-instrument maker and a luxury design house.

• 2007Sell Bösendorfer to YamahaM&A

  BAWAG PSK Gruppe sought a buyer for the piano manufacturer.

  What changed. BAWAG signed an agreement to sell all of Bösendorfer to Yamaha Corporation.

  Aftermath. The transaction was completed in 2008, after which Bösendorfer continued as a wholly owned Yamaha subsidiary with Vienna-based production.

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• 2001Return to Austrian ownershipM&A

  After its period under Jasper and Kimball ownership, Bösendorfer changed hands again.

  What changed. BAWAG PSK Gruppe purchased the company.

  Aftermath. Bösendorfer operated under Austrian ownership until the subsequent Yamaha transaction.

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• 1966Transfer control to Jasper CorporationM&A

  Bösendorfer changed ownership during the postwar consolidation of the piano industry.

  What changed. Jasper Corporation, later known as Kimball International, assumed control of the Austrian manufacturer.

  Aftermath. The company remained a specialist Bösendorfer brand while operating under an international piano-industry parent.

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• 1909Add the Imperial Grand to the regular product rangeProduct launch

  Ferruccio Busoni required a piano with a lower register extending below the standard keyboard for an organ transcription.

  What changed. Bösendorfer developed a 97-key concert grand and subsequently made the Imperial Grand a regular offering.

  Aftermath. The Model 290 became a signature Bösendorfer instrument and encouraged the use of extended keyboards in other models.

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• 2008Bösendorfer continues Vienna-based handcrafted production under Yamaha ownership

  After the ownership change, Bösendorfer retained its Vienna factory and continued producing premium pianos under its established brand identity.

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• 2007Yamaha agrees to acquire Bösendorfer

  Yamaha Corporation signed an agreement with BAWAG PSK Gruppe to acquire all of the shares of Bösendorfer. The company subsequently became a wholly owned Yamaha subsidiary.

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1. Bösendorfer
2. Bösendorfer official website