Kemble Pianos

Kemble pianos have a special place in the hearts of UK musicians, and for good reason. This proudly British brand was founded in 1911 by Michael Kemble in London, and over the decades it built a reputation for crafting solid, great-sounding instruments at accessible prices.

Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and Kemble had become the largest piano manufacturer in the UK. Their pianos were everywhere, from family living rooms to schools and small concert venues, known for their compact size, warm tone, and reliability.

In the 1980s, Kemble joined forces with Yamaha, combining British craftsmanship with the precision and innovation of Japanese engineering. That partnership brought a noticeable jump in consistency and build quality, while still keeping the classic Kemble “feel” people loved.

Sadly, the UK factory closed in 2009, but Kemble’s legacy lives on. Whether you're after a beautifully kept upright for home practice or a characterful older model with vintage flair, Kemble pianos are a fantastic choice for pianists of all levels.

Why We Love Kemble Pianos:

• 🇬🇧 Made in the UK (pre-2009 models)

• Lovely warm tone – ideal for classical and contemporary playing

• Compact and stylish – perfect for modern homes

• Built to last – often come through our doors in great shape

• Excellent value for money

Looking for a reliable upright with some British personality? A Kemble might just be your perfect match.

The Kemble models:

One of the most well known Kemble models was the compact Kemble 'Classic' which was shorter, having just 85 notes rather than the standard 88.  This popular small piano can still be found on the market today.  We usually have atleast one pre-owned Kemble Classic upright piano in stock, or a very simliar style piano often branded as 'Chappell' 'Moore & Moore' or 'Cramer'.  All of these pianos have 85 notes and measure a mere 130cm in length.

Kemble Serial Numbers

Kemble's History:

The Kemble piano company was started in 1911 by Michael Kemble in Stoke Newington, North London.

Noteable Dates

• 1911 – Kemble Company started in Stoke Newington
• 1930 – Introduced the Rogers Eungblut brand
• 1933 – Introduced the Moore and Moore brand
• 1950 – Michael’s son Robert took over the running of the company and moved to Bletchley.
• 1960 – Take over the J. B. Cramer & Co brand
• 1960 – Take over the B. Squire & Son brand
• 1967 – Purchased John Brinsmead & Son Pianos
• 1968 – Partnered with Yamaha
• 1970 – Take over the Chappell brand
• 1977 – Take over the Schmidt-Flohr brand
• 1985 – Kemble manufactured pianos for Yamaha
• 1986 – Michael’s grandson Brian took over the running of the company
• 1992 – Granted the Queens Award for Export Achievement (the only piano company to get it)
• 2000 – Stopped making Chappell
• 2009 – Kemble collaborated with Bosendorfer to release a special edition Chopin piano for the 200th anniversay of Chopins birth.
• 2009 – Piano manufacture moved to Indonesia.
• 2011 – Kemble 100th anniversay