![]() While he did make pianos with the name Baldwin on them, he produced instruments under other names as well, often to honor people whom he knew. But in 1887, when Steinway decided not to renew their contract with Baldwin, he shifted his focus to the production of his own line of pianos. For several years, his primary focus was retail, dealing with the resale of Chickering and Steinway pianos. With the help of Baldwin’s shrewd bookkeeper, Lucien Wulsin, Baldwin became the largest piano and organ dealer in the western states, eventually opening additional stores in Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis, Indiana. 4th Street in Cincinnati, and he remained there until 1955. He had a stock of pianos, but lost all but one in a fire in 1866. Over the next eight years, he transitioned out of teaching and into a position as a purchasing agent for Chickering & Sons with his own company, Baldwin Piano Company. Baldwinĭwight Hamilton Baldwin was a respected music teacher and church musician in Cincinnati in 1857. So I resisted the temptation and left it to go to another home. But it still works, so I could not justify purchasing it to take it apart and make art from it, and I already have a piano in my home to play. ![]() The price was right, and the piano was very lovely. I even found one within 200 miles from home, so that I could spare the shipping charges and go pick it up. They also were, and still remain quite affordable, being valued at between $1000–$3000, depending on their condition and there are several currently available on eBay, with prices ranging from $0.99 to $3,800. The Acrosonic pianos by Baldwin were both compact and elegant, being offered in a variety of different cabinet styles and finishes, from Louis XV to Danish mid-century modern. Spinet and console pianos are quite useful in small rooms, where an instrument is desired, but space is at a premium. ![]() Many people esteem the Acrosonic as the finest spinet piano ever built. This compact design was made possible by placing the action under the keys. Spinets and consoles are the shortest of the upright pianos, with the spinets measuring just 36-40 inches tall, and the consoles standing at 40-43 inches. According to Living Pianos, “Acrosonic is the biggest selling brand name in the piano industry of all time.” The name Acrosonic, coined from the Greek words akros (“supreme”) and sonus (“tone”), was trademarked and used by Baldwin specifically for their spinet and console pianos. Do not disregard the Acrosonic piano as one of inferior quality, or a knock-off brand. ![]()
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