Steinway & Sons
Germany → USA
Media, Entertainment & Communications
Summary
Steinway & Sons was founded in 1853 in a Manhattan loft by Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg, a master cabinetmaker and piano builder from Wolfshagen, in the Harz mountains of Germany. After fleeing political unrest in 1850, Steinweg anglicised his name to Henry Steinway and, with his sons, built what would become the most influential piano manufacturer in history. The firm pioneered the overstrung scale and the modern grand piano frame, securing more than 125 patents over its first century. Steinway pianos remain the instrument of choice in nearly every major concert hall in the world.
European Contribution
German craftsmanship in cabinetmaking, acoustic engineering, and piano construction.
American Impact
Established the United States as the world centre of concert-grade piano manufacturing and shaped Western classical performance for 170 years.
Timeline Highlights
- 1850 Steinweg family emigrates to New York
- 1853 Company founded in Manhattan
- 1859 Patent for overstrung grand piano scale
- 1880 Hamburg factory opens to serve European market
- 2013 Acquired by Paulson & Co., remains operational