Bluthner

Colour: Walnut Satin
Year: TBC

The Bluthner upright (C1162) is a fully restored, full-sized walnut satin upright piano from one of the world's most celebrated piano manufacturers, a Leipzig firm with a heritage stretching back to 1853 and a reputation for instruments of exceptional tonal beauty. This example has undergone a comprehensive rebuild, significant time and expertise has been invested in bringing it back to a standard that does full justice to the Bluthner name.

Bluthner uprights are rarer than their grands and are highly sought after by pianists who appreciate a warm, rich, singing tone with a distinctive character quite unlike Japanese instruments. The restoration of this instrument means a buyer is getting not just the exceptional heritage of a Bluthner, but a piano that has been comprehensively renewed and is ready to give many more decades of outstanding musical service.

At £6,995, this restored Bluthner represents outstanding value. Available to purchase online or to try in person at our Oxfordshire showroom. Contact us to arrange a viewing or to discuss delivery and finance options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restoration work has been carried out on this Bluthner?

This instrument has been comprehensively rebuilt by our team, a significant investment of time and specialist expertise. The restoration process addresses the action, strings, dampers, and all the key mechanical components that affect playability and tone. The result is a piano that performs as a Bluthner should, combining the tonal character of a fine historic German instrument with the reliability and consistency of a freshly prepared one. We are very happy to talk through the specific work carried out in detail before any purchase.

Is a restored Bluthner better than a standard used one?

Significantly better, for most buyers. A restored Bluthner has had its worn components replaced and its action and tone brought back to the level the instrument was capable of when new, or in some cases beyond it. A standard used Bluthner may have accumulated decades of wear without proper attention. The restoration work on this piano means you are buying something that plays and sounds as a Bluthner should, not just a historic name in a cabinet.

What makes the Bluthner tone different from a Yamaha or Kawai?

Bluthner pianos are famous for their warm, singing, lyrical tone, quite different from the brighter, more even character of Japanese instruments. Where a Yamaha or Kawai tends toward clarity and precision, a Bluthner offers a more complex, harmonically rich sound with a natural sustain and tonal depth that many serious pianists find more musically engaging. The difference is immediately audible to most players and is one of the primary reasons people seek out German instruments.

Why choose a walnut Bluthner over a black one?

Walnut is a warmer, more visually distinctive finish than standard black polyester and suits a wide range of traditional and contemporary interiors. A walnut Bluthner is relatively uncommon on the used market, which makes this a particularly attractive proposition for a buyer who cares about the appearance of the instrument as well as its musical qualities. The satin finish is also more forgiving of everyday wear than a high-gloss polish.

Is this a good investment?

A restored Bluthner upright in a beautiful walnut cabinet is one of the stronger propositions in the used piano market. Quality German uprights from makers like Bluthner have generally held their value well, and the additional investment in a full restoration makes this example more attractive still. While we always recommend buying primarily for musical reasons, a properly restored Bluthner is unlikely to depreciate and may well appreciate over time.