It is rare for a family business to maintain excellence lasting for more than a century, but Julius Blüthner, the founder of the legendary piano company, created a business dynasty which has achieved just that. Julius Blüthner revolutionized the art of piano making, creating instruments that are enduring examples of outstanding craftsmanship and admired for their unparalleled beauty of tone.
All Blüthner Imperial Edition grand pianos are equipped with the Blüthner Aliquot patent. In the highest treble section of our grand pianos, each note is assigned a fourth string, which is slightly raised from the others and not struck by the hammerheads. The aliquot string resonates in unison with the note played, thereby amplifying it and creating a rich, warm and colourful sound. The system was developed by Julius Blüthner over a century and a half ago and is considered a key facet of the Blüthner Golden Tone.
The keyboard is the component through which the pianist expresses their musicality and connects with the piano. With over five-and-a-half thousand moving parts within the action and damper structure alone, utmost precision is required to enable a responsive touch from gentle pianissimo to vigorous fortissimo, whilst retaining full control. To achieve excellent stability, the key bed is manufactured of alternate layers of Red Beech and German Pine, whereas the keys of our instruments are made of fine Bavarian Mountain Spruce and high-density Ebony. White key tops are made of acrylic. Height and depth of touch are meticulously weighted and adjusted for ultimate precision and control.
The iron frame is cast in a quartz sand mould using traditional methods. To withstand the enormous tension of nearly twenty tonnes, the design of each frame is precisely calculated and manufactured. Each frame is seasoned outside for two years before being sprayed to a high quality-finish and individually fitted to an instrument.
From the Rococo style of the Louis XIV to the exquisite handcrafted marquetry of the Tsar Nicolaus II and the delicately carving of the President, each Imperial Edition piano tells a unique story that makes these pianos not just instruments, but historic statements.
Each Blüthner Imperial Edition piano is made bespoke to order. Our designers can work with you to create your own bespoke piano with your choice of accents, case painting, or bespoke hand marquetry and carving. Each and every detail is open to your personal expression.
Available in standard Blüthner grand piano sizes, ranging from baby grand to grand or concert grand.