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1853: The Founding of Blüthner in Leipzig, Germany

Blüthner Pianos was founded in 1853 by Julius Blüthner, a master piano builder in Leipzig, Germany—then a major center of European music and culture. With a vision to produce instruments of uncompromising quality, Blüthner quickly gained recognition for his innovative craftsmanship and rich, lyrical piano tone.

Julius Blüthner – Founder of Blüthner Pianos, 1853

 

Late 1800s: The Golden Age of Blüthner

By the end of the 19th century, Blüthner had become one of Europe’s most prestigious piano manufacturers, supplying instruments to royal courts, conservatories, and concert halls across the continent. Composers such as Johannes Brahms, Franz Liszt, and Claude Debussy favored Blüthner pianos for their warm tone and responsive action.

In 1873, Julius Blüthner invented the Aliquot stringing system, a unique innovation that added a fourth, sympathetic string to certain notes—enhancing the piano’s resonance and tonal color. This feature remains a hallmark of Blüthner grand pianos today.

 

Early 1900s: International Acclaim

By the early 20th century, Blüthner was one of the largest piano makers in Germany, exporting instruments worldwide. Their pianos were used by concert pianists, orchestras, and even on early Zeppelin airships, where lightweight Blüthner pianos were specially designed for flight.

 

1914 - 1949: World Wars and Reconstruction

During both World Wars, Blüthner’s production was disrupted, and the original factory was heavily damaged in World War II. Despite these setbacks, the family-owned company rebuilt and continued to produce pianos by hand, preserving its legacy of precision and artistry in the face of enormous challenges.

Rudolph Blüthner-Haessler, who led the company through World War II and post-war reconstruction.

 

1949 - 1990: Post-War Era, Endurance Behind the Iron Curtain

Blüthner operated under the German Democratic Republic (GDR) as a state-supervised enterprise. Though working within the constraints of communist economic policies, Blüthner maintained its standards as one of the few handcrafted piano makers in Eastern Europe.

Despite limited access to Western materials and markets, Blüthner pianos were still exported internationally and remained prized for their warm tone and distinctive European voice. This period showcased the brand’s ability to survive—and even thrive—through political and economic adversity.

 

1990s - Present: Family-Owned and Internationally Respected

After the reunification of Germany, Blüthner was returned to family ownership and underwent a revival. Under the leadership of Dr. Christian Blüthner-Haessler, the company recommitted to traditional handcraftsmanship, premium materials, and modern precision engineering.

Today, Blüthner pianos are built in Leipzig, using time-honored techniques and featuring their signature Aliquot system. The company offers a full range of instruments—from uprights and baby grands to concert grand pianos—and remains one of the most respected piano brands in the world.

 

Legacy of Excellence

For over 170 years, Blüthner has been known for its warm European tone, distinctive character, and unwavering commitment to quality. From historic composers to modern pianists, the Blüthner name continues to symbolise German piano excellence, artistry, and tradition.

 

 

For more information about the different types of pianos, click the links below:

Uprights	Grands

Serial Numbers

1853 - 700	1855 - 1500	1860 - 2500
1862 - 4800	1865 - 6500	1868 - 8100
1870 - 9200	1875 - 13200	1880 - 18500
1885 - 25000	1890 - 31000	1891 - 32000
1892 - 34000	1893 - 36000	1894 - 39000
1895 - 42000	1896 - 45000	1897 - 47000
1898 - 49000	1899 - 52000
1900 - 55000	1901 - 57500	1902 - 60000
1903 - 62500	1904 - 65000	1905 - 675000
1906 - 70000	1907 - 72500	1908 - 75000
1909 - 78000
1910 - 81000	1911 - 84000	1912 - 87000
1914 - 90000	1915 - 94000	1916 - 95000
1917 - 96000	1918 - 97000	1919 - 98000
1920 - 100000	1921 - 101500	1922 - 103000
1923 - 105000	1924 - 107000	1925 - 109000
1926 - 111000	1927 - 112000	1928 - 113000
1929 - 114000
1930 - 115000	1931 - 115500	1932 - 116000
1933 - 117000	1934 - 118000	1935 - 119500
1936 - 120700	1937 - 122000	1938 - 123500
1939 - 124500
1940 - 125500	1942 - 126000	1943 - 127000
1946 - 128000	1947 - 128100	1948 - 128200
1949 - 128500
1950 - 128800	1951 - 129100	1952 – 129400
1953 – 129800	1954 – 130100	1955 – 130600
1956 – 131000	1957 – 131600	1958 – 132000
1959 – 132450
1960 – 133006	1961 – 135500	1962 – 136000
1963 – 136500	1964 – 137000	1965 – 137500
1966 – 138000	1967 – 138500	1968 – 139000
1969 – 139500
1970 – 140000	1971 – 140500	1972 – 141000
1973 – 141500	1974 – 142000	1975 – 142500
1976 – 143000	1977 – 143500	1978 – 144000
1979 – 144400
1980 – 144900	1981 – 145200	1982 – 145600
1983 – 146000	1984 – 146400	1985 – 146800
1986 – 147200	1987 – 147500	1988 – 147800
1989 – 148000
1990 – 148200	1991 – 146400	1992 – 148600
1993 – 148800	1994 – 149000	1995 – 149200
1996 – 149400	1997 – 149600	1998 – 149800
1999 – 150000
2000 – 150200	2001 – 150400	2002 – 150600
2003 – 150800