[Stuarts]

Hi, We have a Chappell piano - Serial No: 93035 circa 1977. We would like to know if this piano was made by Chappell or Kemble. When did Kemble start to manufacture Chappell pianos. Thanks

[Bill Kibby]

I believe that Kembles were already making Chappell pianos under license in the sixties, when I joined the trade, and they continued to do so until recently. Under the bottom key, there should be a key maker's label giving the date, and it may mention Kemble. These were some of the best upright pianos around in my early days.
_________________
I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue pre-1890 pianos in the UK.

Have a look at the Datemarks page on my own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Piano History Centre

[Barrie Heaton]

When I asked Kembles they were unsure they acquired John Brinsmead and Cramer Pianos 1964 and it was just before that. The problem is when they moved out of London a lot of records were lost. In 1980 they acquired Chappell of Bond Street, London, However, Warner Brothers hold the sole rights to the name “Chappell” and Chappell Music” Kemble have the licence to use the name "Chappell pianos " till 2006

I did ask Warner Brothers UK and in the US but I am still waiting for a reply

Your piano will have been made by Kembles

Barrie,
_________________
Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page