Johann W Rubenstein

[Bill Kibby]

The majority of piano names are not listed on the net, as it says at the top of thr forum page. I could tell you more about the piano from photos, but not about the make. See

http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/piano ... iases.html

The best bet with german pianos is to get your tuner to check the action (the working parts of the notes) to see if the action makers' name and number is on the rear of it. See also
http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-gen/datem ... ianos.html

[Philip]

Any information on Johann W Rubenstein Berlin upright piano? I have searched the web but can find no reference to this maker. Any info would be appreciated?

Thanks

I think I might be able to help you with your question. This piano was in fact made in Leeds or Bradford, England. I know this because it was my grandfather who designed the piano. He went into partnership with a Bradford based cabinet maker who made the piano. My Grandfather was Horace Grainge, he studied piano in London & Germany (Leipzig). He was also a piano teacher in Leeds. He designed the piano to a high specification possibly using german parts. I do not know the dates but I think it would be about the 1920's. I was told they went out of business because they were one of the first companies to sell pianos on Hire Purchase at that time but many people did not keep up the payments. They are quite rare pianos, I saw one advertised for sale in the Yorkshire Post a couple of years ago. They are supposed to be of good quality. The name Rubenstein was used I believe to give it a bit of marketing clout. This information was related to me by my own father who has since passed on so I cannot be absolutely certain about any other deatil. Hope this helps.

[Bill Kibby]

Thanks for the information, can you tell me your grqandfather's surname? Was the firm itself called Rubinstein?

[Philip]

Thanks for the information, can you tell me your grqandfather's surname? Was the firm itself called Rubinstein?

His surname was Grainge. Nearly all the information documents etc about him and the business was destroyed in an unfortunate accident at home including numerous musical scores which were all stamped with his musical qualifications. I was told by my father that a fellow student of his when he was in Leipzig was Eileen Joyce who I believe became very famous. The company was not called Rubenstein. Somewhere I have the name of the company written down, when and if I can find it I will let you know. But as I said it was a cabinet works which I am fairly sure was based in Bradford West Yorks. My father told me that my grandfather was insistant that the best piano was german overstrung - I am a afraid as a none pianist this is double dutch to me. Whether or not the Rubenstein was overstung or not, I just don't know. If anyone is in possession of a Johann W Rubenstein piano it would be really interesting if they had a really good search around inside to see if there are any markings, also what their opinion is on its quality - bearing in mind it was not competing in the upper end of the market.

[Jessa]

I know this forum is so old, so I am not sure I will get any reponse. But I have just purchased a piano with the same Rubinstein name on the front with the same double medal symbols on each side that are not a decal but embedded in the wood. It looks so similar to the one on the post here, almost identical and I have not been able to find but one other picture online. The only history I got on mine is that it was shipped here from London. I live in the USA, Illinois. The woman had a heavy accent, moved here 20 yrs ago, and her accent was Belgium. She had it for many years. There are no names on the metal inside, the back of the piano was painted black with paint at some point, and there seems to be a place where there was a four corner glued plaque or paper on the back but it is gone. I was told it is 100 years old and it came with a stool also. It has 2 pedals and 85 keys. They said it was made of Walnut and it is beautiful. I would love to find something or anything out about it, as I intend to make it a family heirloom for my sons and enjoy playing it with them. As soon as I get pictures downloaded I can post them if anyone is still interested or sees this response on here. I would love to find out if there is more information that anyone has found. I know Ive heard alot about "stencil" pianos but am hoping that this is not true of this piano, and the woman is sure just by the picture that these were indeed the ones that her grandfather handcrafted. I am interested in a value sure... but more in the history of the piece... that is where the love for it is. Thankyou for any input.

[Bill Kibby]

Some of the postings are old, and some of the people, but the forum is still going. I am not sure to which photos you are referring.

[Jessa]

After reading this I responded to a different conversation about a Rubinstein piano, because mine is not a Johann Rub"e"nstein, the name on the front states Rubinstein. I am still looking for some information, and let me say it is a challenge. I posted pictures on the other forum. Thankyou for responding though, I'd appreciate anything or a direction to go in if you have suggestions... but I think this is just going to be a search of history....

[Bill Kibby]

Have you seen my answer to your other posting?