Litchfield Piano Works - CT Piano Dealer

Pramberger Pianos

History

Joseph Pramberger’s father, Anton, began his apprenticeship at an early age handcrafting fine works of art, becoming a Master Artisan in the tradition of Old World European craftsmen. Anton recalls his grandfather handing down the family secrets of fine woodworking and instructing young Anton to “meticulously observe only the best work of others, and absorb every possible detail and nuance of their craft.” The Pramberger family decided to leave war-torn Europe for the United States at the urging of Anton’s uncles and cousins, who had been working at Steinway & Sons® since 1913. Anton had been promised work at the Steinway piano factory in Astoria, New York. There, he put his formidable skills to work, dedicating 25 years as a pattern maker, designing and creating the complex equipment required to build fine pianos.

When Anton came to America in 1950, he brought his son, Joseph Pramberger, who would become the modern-day link in the Pramberger lineage of piano makers. Beginning in 1958, Joseph honed his craft in the halls of Steinway & Sons®, where he ultimately spent 29 years perfecting his skills, first as a Design and Project Engineer, then as Vice President of Manufacturing and Chairman of the International Technical Exchange Group. Through his hands-on involvement in every aspect of piano making, he was able to gain detailed knowlege in all phases of fine piano construction and manufacturing. Joseph further expanded his skills as a mechanical engineer (New York University B.E.M.E. 1966), by studying, refining and documenting established piano making operations. He traveled the world visiting and consulting key suppliers and major piano manufacturers in Europe, Japan and Korea.

In 1987, after 29 years at Steinway, Joseph, in the tradion of the Prambergers before him, formed his own company, Pramberger Piano Ltd., where he and father Anton worked together specializing in the restoration and rebuilding of world class pianos.

Sound Production

German made Diamond Brand tuning pins and Roslau music wire are both recognized worldwide as the finest available. Straight rod steel drawn through meticulous processes provide renowned tuning stability and pure tonal quality.

Prior to the 1940s, fine piano hammers had many qualities that have been difficult for modern hammer makers to duplicate. Timbre, power and sustain were unique to instruments of the era. The Renner “Premium Blue” is a recreation of those hammers. They have been specifically designed to perform with a classically beautiful voice throughout years of playing.

The Renner-Pramberger Action was designed to give a lifetime of reliable performance. Its premium balanced touch is able to express every nuance of an artist's touch. Louis Renner was founded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1882. They specialize in supplying piano action components to leading piano makers and piano technicians in over 80 countries.

André Bolduc soundboards are known throughout the world for their reliability, and unsurpassed quality. Each winter-cut, North American white spruce log is meticulously examined by the Bolducs at their home in Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Québec. White spruce has long been a favorite soundboard wood due to its ability to generate powerful tone throughout a wide dynamic range.

Appearance

After the design is completed the materials must be selected. It has been known for at least the last 200 years that hardwoods are best for the grand piano’s rim. Maple, oak and beech are selected by the makers who will not compromise to save cost. The JP Pramberger uses an all maple rim for strength, durability and tonal excellence. The bottom beams on grand pianos and the back post on verticals are made of the tone wood, spruce.