The History of Schumann Pianos

In 1847, the Schumann Piano Company was founded in Illinois. W. N. Van Matre became a stockholder in the early piano company in 1885, and by 1895 he himself was interested in building pianos using original design and piano engineering ideas.

In 1900, he purchased a controlling interest in the company and held the power to make decisions for the future of the company. [1] Once he assumed the role as company president, Schumann Pianos began to grow at a rapid rate, which forced them to move to larger factories in 1903 to Rockford, Illinois. 

After the Great Depression, Schumann was sold to the Estey Piano Company, then later to Kimball. Today the Schumann name is still being used for pianos produced in a line of Asian-imported pianos, by the Nanjing Schumann Piano Manufacturing Co. [1] [2]

About Schumann Pianos

Schumann built a full line of uprights, player pianos, and baby grands, and they were popular in the early 1900s. Under the leadership of Van Matre, Schumann Pianos also made Barnes & Sons and Plymouth pianos. Schumann pianos have now resurfaced again (as recently as 2006) and are made in the brand new Moutrie factory in Nanjing. They use Renner hammers and German strings. [1] 

Restoring a Schumann Piano

If you are interested in restoring a Schumann piano, give us a call and our experts can help walk you through the process. It’s as simple as that!

References:

[1] Pierce, W. Robert. Pierce Piano Atlas: Anniversary Edition, 2017 Our 70th Year. Albuquerque: Ashley,2017. Print.

[2] http://www.bluebookofpianos.com/agess.htm#SCHUMANN