Richard Lipp & Sohn

Colour: Burr Walnut Satin
Year: 1885

The Richard Lipp and Sohn is a superb antique German upright piano dating from 1885, presented in a stunning burr walnut satin cabinet with decorative inlay work, reflecting the highest standards of late Victorian piano making. Priced at £3,295, this is a genuinely rare and beautiful instrument from a respected Leipzig maker with a long heritage in fine piano construction.

Richard Lipp and Sohn were a well-regarded German piano manufacturer producing instruments of real quality during their active period. This example has been assessed and prepared by our team at The Piano Gallery. Available to purchase online or in person at our Oxfordshire showroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were Richard Lipp and Sohn?

Richard Lipp and Sohn were a respected German piano manufacturer based in Stuttgart, producing instruments of genuine quality during the 19th and early 20th centuries. German piano making of this period was at the height of its craft, and Lipp instruments were regarded among the better output of the era. While not as internationally famous as Bechstein or Bluthner, Lipp pianos were well made and musically capable instruments.

What makes the burr walnut cabinet special?

Burr walnut is one of the most visually spectacular timber finishes available, produced from the irregular grain formations found in walnut burrs. No two burr walnut panels are identical, which makes each instrument unique. Combined with the decorative inlay work on this piano, the result is a cabinet of genuine aesthetic distinction that would grace any traditional or period interior. It is a far cry from the standard black polyester finish found on most used pianos.

How does a German antique like this compare to a Yamaha or Kawai?

A Yamaha or Kawai is a modern, consistent, and highly reliable instrument with a predictable tone. A German antique from 1885 offers something fundamentally different: a more complex, individual sound shaped by over a century of history, and a visual presence that no modern piano can replicate. The right choice depends entirely on whether you value consistency and modernity, or character and heritage. We stock both types and are very happy to let you compare them.

Is an 1885 piano reliable for everyday playing?

An instrument of this age needs careful assessment and preparation, which this piano has received from our team. The core structure of a piano, the cast iron frame and the soundboard, can last well over a century. Action components, strings, and dampers may have been replaced or serviced. We are fully transparent about the condition of this instrument and happy to discuss it in detail before any purchase decision is made.

How long will a Richard Lipp and Sohn upright last?

A well-maintained antique German upright like this should continue to give musical service for many more decades. The quality of construction used by the best German makers of this period was exceptional. Regular tuning, correct placement, and periodic attention from a skilled technician are all that is needed.