| A 1932, Neo-Bechstein. The First Electric Grand Piano For Sale

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Neo-Bechstein Grand Piano For Sale  

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Neo-Bechstein Electric Grand Piano For Sale with a Mahogany Case

Neo-Bechstein grand Piano for sale.

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A Neo-Bechstein electric grand piano with a mahogany case.

At the early part of the 20th century, the invention and consequent sales of the radio and record player had popularised the passive enjoyment of music. By the 1930's, sales for acoustic grand pianos had dropped by almost 93%. The Neo-Bechstein was initially developed in an attempt to combat falling piano sales. In 1929, Bechstein alongside the Nobel Prize Holder Professor Nernst, Siemens and Telefunken pioneered the construction of a home entertainment system incorporating the first electric grand piano, radio, record player and amplifier. The Neo-Bechstein was born. This instrument allowed the pianist to play alone or accompany the built-in tube radio (Telefunken 121w or Siemens BW22) or the record player (Telefunken Arcofar T1000).

The Neo-Bechstein incorporates many pioneering inventions and features the first electromagnetic pick-up. Developed by Prof. Nernst, every five notes share one pick-up. The standard hammer action of an acoustic piano was too powerful and so had to be altered. Professor Nernst and his assistant Mr Driescher developed "micro-hammers", a smaller version of the usual hammer. This smaller vibration was picked-up and sent to the loudspeaker. The first electric piano was born.

Research and development of the Neo-Bechstein had cost Bechstein 500.000 Reichsmark. In 1931, this instrument hit the market at the low price of 2.800 Reichsmark. In comparison, the smallest acoustic Bechstein grand was 3.500 Reichsmark. A handful of Neo-Bechsteins were sold worldwide, ten to the New York Radio Hall, a few to Great Britain, even some to Japan, then sales dropped like a stone. Come the latter part of 1932, only 6 Neo-Bechsteins were sold and in 1933 the last Neo-Bechstein left the factory. The new electric piano was "dead". In total, Bechstein made about 150 Neo-Bechsteins. To prevent the company from going out of business, it received financial aid from the government. Bechstein sold the patent for this piano to another piano company called Petrof, who built another ten Neo-Petrof before they also realised that this piano was unsellable.

The problem with this new piano was its new, unknown sound, and specialist handling. Volume was increased by pressing the left pedal, however it also altered the tone of the piano. At lowest volume it is reminiscent of a spinet. With more volume an electric piano. However at full pelt it sounds like a rock guitar. You could say the Neo-Bechstein appeared 30 years before its time. Its unique tone would have been more at home in the 1950's or 1960's.

In 1932, this piano ( serial number:138994 ) was delivered as one of six Neo-Bechsteins to a Bechstein Dealer in the City of Breslau. The Box and record player bears the serial number of another Neo-Bechstein. It is likely they were delivered to Breslau at the same time. The piano and the box were then sold by a second hand piano dealer, Max Porth, in Berlin before the WWII. This Neo-Bechstein and the box were recovered in a radio and television shop in east Berlin in 2013 under a huge amount of cardboard boxes.

Today, only 22 Neo-Bechstein pianos are known to exist worldwide and of those, only three are fully functional. One is in the Technical Museum of Vienna, another in the Musical Museum in Prague and this is the third. This Neo-Bechstein has been fully restored, it is 83 years old and still is complete with record player and loudspeaker.

The wonderful Matthew Bourne on this Neo-Bechstein at Besbrode Pianos
Connect with Matthew Bourne:
Web: www.matthewbourne.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mortbutane
Twitter: @MortButane
British Pathe clip from 1933. Peggy Cochrane demonstrates a new "radio-piano". It is called a "Neo-Bechstein" >

We are still operating by appointment only, please call Steven Leeming, Head of Sales to book your Meet & View appointment on +441132448344 or +447775603828 or email info@besbrodepianos.com. Steven will be available show you around our premises and answer all of your questions.

Reference Number: 2129
Make:

Neo-Bechstein

Serial Number: 138994
Age: 1932
Wood: Mahogany
Finish: Polished
Size [cm]: length:   width:
Size [inches]:  
Condition: Restored
Status: Out of Stock
Location: Besbrode Pianos Showroom Leeds
Description: Pre-owned
Price: £POA
Spread the cost of your purchase
with our range of finance options Find out more >
This piano comes with the Besbrode Pianos Warranty.
Price includes:
  • Up to £45 towards first tuning. Usually 4 weeks after piano delivery to allow "settling in".
  • Free piano stool
  • Free delivery to a ground floor residence within mainland UK.
RESTORED:
Click to view other Bechstein pianos available in store now >
Neo-Bechstein Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein manufacturers logo on fall

 
Neo-Bechstein Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein piano lyre

 
Neo-Bechstein Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein piano lidstay

 
Neo-Bechstein Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein record player and loudspeaker

 
Neo-Bechstein  Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein record player detail

 
Neo-Bechstein  Grand Piano for sale.

The Neo-Bechstein record player sits at the top of the loudspeaker and has closeable doors

 
Neo-Bechstein  Grand Piano for sale.

The Neo-Bechstein radio sits within the piano cabinet

 
Neo-Bechstein Grand Piano for sale.

The Neo-Bechstein radio sits within the piano cabinet

 
Neo-Bechstein   Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein the first electric grand piano

 
Neo-Bechstein Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein serial number

 
Neo-Bechstein Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein electric piano action

 
Neo-Bechstein  Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein the first electric piano. Every five notes share one pick-up

 
Neo-Bechstein Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein valve detail

 
Neo-Bechstein  Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein. Every five notes share one pick-up

 
Neo-Bechstein  Grand Piano for sale.

Neo-Bechstein piano leg

 
Piano Stools:
This piano comes with a free piano stool:
Besbrode Pianos Free Piano Stool Free Standard, Piano Stool
PRICE: FREE
Piano Stool Upgrades:
Besbrode Pianos Adjustable, Real Leather, Concert Piano Stool. Brass studs around cushion. Eight buttons on cushion. Adjustable, Real Leather, Concert Piano Stool - Available in black and brown
PRICE: £450.00 + VAT
Besbrode Pianos Bespoke Piano Stool Bespoke, Adjustable Piano Stool - Available in different finishes and leg styles - This is an example of a burr walnut finish
PRICE: £1000.00 + VAT
Piano Carpet:
Add To Your Order: Grand Piano Carpet
This grand piano carpet is specially designed to protect your grand piano from rising hot air produced from underfloor heating as well as reducing noise levels. Also provides excellent damp resistance. Reduces the need for castor cups. Available in black only This grand piano carpet is specially designed to protect your grand piano from rising hot air produced from underfloor heating. Also provides excellent damp resistance. Reduces noise levels. Reduces the need for castor cups.
Available in black in 9 lengths from 5ft to 9ft
5ft - £385.00 5ft 6in - £395.00 6ft - £405.00 6ft 6in - £415.00
7ft - £425.00 7ft 6in - £435.00 8ft - £445.00 8ft 6in - £455.00
9ft - £465.00
Castor Cups:
Add To Your Order: Castor Cups in Black, Beech, Laurel or Rubber
Castor cups.  Sold individually. Available in 45 mm, 70 mm and 100 mm diameters in black, beech, laurel or  rubber Castor cup. Sold individually.
Available in 45 mm, 70 mm and 100 mm diameters in either black, beech, laurel or rubber
45mm - £7.25 70mm - £8.75 100mm - £12.25
Add To Your Order: Castor Cups in Chrome or Brass
Castor cups.  Sold individually. Available in 40 mm and 80 mm  diameters in either chrome or brass Castor cup. Sold individually.
Available in 40 mm and 80 mm diameters in either chrome or brass
40mm - £18.25 80mm - £33.25
Add To Your Order: Castor Cups in Glass
Castor cups.  Sold individually.  Available in 55 mm in glass. This cup will raise the piano by approximately 2.5 cm Castor cup. Sold individually.
Available in 55 mm in glass. This cup will raise the piano by approximately 2.5 cm
55mm - £18.25
Piano Covers:
Add To Your Order: Nylon Proofed Grand Piano Cover
Nylon Proofed Grand Piano Cover made from 4 oz PU coated nylon with a water repellent finish. Available in black only. Nylon proofed grand piano cover made from 4 oz PU coated nylon with a water repellent finish.
Available in black only
Up to 6ft 6in - £109.00 Over 6ft 6in - £129.00
Add To Your Order: Basic Cotton Grand Piano Cover
Basic cotton grand piano cover. This cover acts as a dust cover only. Skirt length  is 18 inches. Available in black, conker brown and olive green Basic cotton grand piano cover. This cover acts as a dust cover only. Skirt length is 18 inches.
Available in black, conker brown and olive green
Up to 6ft 6in - £119.00 Over 6ft 6in - £134.00
Add To Your Order: Vinyl Fleece Lined Grand Piano Cover
Vinyl fleece lined grand piano cover  made from leather-look vinyl with a soft fleece lining. Perfect protection for your piano. Wipe clean.. Vinyl fleece lined grand piano cover made from leather-look vinyl with a soft fleece lining. Perfect protection for your piano. Wipe clean.
Available with or without D Rings in black and brown
Up to 6ft 6in - £194.00 Over 6ft 6in - £214.00
Upto 6ft 6in + D rings - £214.00 Over 6ft 6in + D rings - £234.00
Add To Your Order: Heavy Cotton Proofed Grand Piano Cover and Fleece Lining
Heavy cotton proofed grand piano cover with bonded protective fleece lining. Ideal for home use. Skirt length is 18 inches. Available in black and tan.. Heavy cotton proofed grand piano cover with bonded protective fleece lining. Ideal for home use. Skirt length is 18 inches.
Available in black and tan
Up to 6ft 6in - £234.00 Over 6ft 6in - £264.00
Upto 6ft 6in + D rings - £259.00 Over 6ft 6in + D rings - £289.00
Add To Your Order: Quilted Grand Piano Cover with Fleece Lining
Quilted grand piano cover. PU coated outer,  compressed needle polyester wadding in the centre and protective fleece lining. The fabrics are quilted together with a 3 inch quilting line and  an overall thickness of 10mm. Skirt length is 18 inches. Available in black, blue, brown and green Quilted grand piano cover. PU coated outer, compressed needle polyester wadding in the centre and protective fleece lining. The fabrics are quilted together with a 3 inch quilting line and an overall thickness of 10mm. Skirt length is 18 inches.
Available in black, blue, brown and green
Up to 6ft 6in - £269.00 Over 6ft 6in - £299.00
Upto 6ft 6in + D rings - £294.00 Over 6ft 6in + D rings - £324.00
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SHOP OPENING HOURS:
10 - 4 Monday
10 - 4 Tuesday
10 - 4 Wednesday
10 - 4 Thursday
(Strictly Trade Only)
10 - 4 Friday
10 - 4 Saturday
Sunday by appointment
 
If you require buying advice, we recommend making an appointment before coming down to the showroom. This ensures we can offer you the best customer care available.
 
We buy secondhand Steinway pianos. We are looking for any model of Steinway grand or upright piano. Any age or condition. Instant cash paid. +44(0)113 2448344
 
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26.10.03
"I would like to thank you for the Yamaha U3 you recently supplied to me. It is in wonderful condition and looks like new despite being over 25 years old. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Besbrode Pianos Leeds to anyone looking for a piano".
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Want to sell your piano? We buy secondhand, used grand and upright pianos. We are especially looking for all models of Steinway pianos. We offer a complete and friendly piano removal service to meet your needs. Ring us for more information 0113 244 8344
 
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