Elegance of tone, precision craftsmanship and an extraordinary history. These are the qualities that, over the years, have made the Chickering brand the undisputed leader in the world of piano manufacturing. Traversing the path from tradition to innovation, from classic patterns to revolutionary ideas, has made Chickering an icon whose heritage continues to inspire and fascinate. In this article, we invite you to explore the instruments that changed the face of music forever. To discover the innovations that have made an indelible mark on the music industry. Learn about the age and value of your Chickering piano. We invite you on a fascinating journey through time and sound, into the world of Chickering – a place where tradition meets innovation and music takes on a new, magical dimension.

Chickering

The story of the largest piano manufacturer in the US

Chickering is one of the most renowned names in the world of piano manufacturing. Known for its excellent quality and innovative solutions. Its history dates back, all the way to 1823, when it was founded by Jonas Chickering in Boston, Massachusetts. The company soon became one of the most important piano manufacturers in North America in the 19th century.Unfortunately, in the following century, the helm of the family business was taken over by other piano brands such as: Aeolian, Wurlitzer or Baldwin. Chickring specialised in the production of both upright and grand pianos as well as table pianos, which are no longer produced today. Chickering concert grand pianos were the most popular concert pianos of their era. It was only Steinway that took the lead in the 20th century.

Jonas Chickering

Next to the founder of Chickering, Jonas Chickering

If you are interested in the history of this brand, then be sure to take a look at the Klaviano Chickering website. There you will find out which pianos from this brand are the rarest and what does it have in common with the famous Steinway & Sons?

Chickering innovations from the 19th century applied to today’s pianos

Jonas Chickering was known for his innovative approach to instrument design. It is to him that we owe the one-piece cast iron frame, which is able to withstand greater string tension. He also figured out how to put more strings in a smaller space. Instead of stacking them side by side, they started to stack the strings in two rows, one above the other. With this solution, the bass strings could be arranged in a more resonant part of the piano. This idea was so groundbreaking and effective that the strings are still arranged in this way today. Both in upright pianos and grand pianos.

Solid cast iron frame, Chickering 1849
Solid cast iron frame, Chickering 1849

How old is my Chickering piano?

To get the answer to this question, be sure to check the serial number of your piano and then locate it within the date range below. Usually in a grand piano this will be 5 or 6 digits. Chickering grand pianos with 4-digit serial numbers are very rare. The same is true of upright pianos, only a few have less than a 5-digit serial number. For square pianos, both 4 and 5-digit serial numbers are common.

List of serial numbers of Chickering pianos (click to open)

1823 – 100
1825 – 316
1830 – 716
1835 – 1980
1840 – 4235
1845 – 6490
1850 – 10000
1855 – 15400
1860 – 22000
1865 – 28000
1870 – 35500
1875 – 46000
1880 – 55500
1885 – 70000
1890 – 78500
1895 – 85000
1900 – 93000
1905 – 105000
1910 – 115000
1915 – 124000
1920 – 132500
1925 – 139700
1930 – 148400
1935 – 155200
1940 – 167200
1943 – 179500
1947 – 187000
1950 – 195000
1955 – 204000
1960 – 212750
1965 – 221117
1970 – 230300
1975 – 237578
1980 – 245989
1981 – 247477


Wurlitzer acquires the Chickering
1986 – 1885000
1987 – 1935000
1988 – 2002000


Baldwin acquires the Chickering
1994 – 328723
1995 – 329830
1996 – 335502

Square piano by Chickering
Square piano by Chickering

What is the value of a Chickering piano?

Prices for Chickering pianos and grand pianos can vary depending on a number of factors. Such as the type of instrument, model, condition of the instrument, its age, location and the current state of the market. Prices for Chickering upright pianos range from a few to tens of thousands of dollars. The prices of Chickering square pianos remain in a similar range. Of course, there are also copies of upright pianos and square pianos of this brand at the bargain price of just a few hundred dollars! In such cases, however, check their condition carefully before buying them. A Chikering grand piano, on the other hand, costs several thousand dollars, although in the case of more unique pieces, prices can reach almost several hundred thousand dollars.

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