New Quality Seal To Identify German Made Pianos

The German Association of Piano Manufacturers (BVK) has created a new system to distinguish German-made pianos from copycat instruments. The move comes as an increasing number of manufacturers are falsely claiming instruments to be European made, when in fact many are produced in the Far East.

‘Of the more than 300 companies active worldwide in the piano industry, 95 per cent claim their products are manufactured in Germany,’ said Burkhard Stein, chief executive of the BVK. ‘In fact, there are only 13 German companies that still manufacture high-quality uprights and grand pianos. These companies are distinguished by a high level of manual craftsmanship, centuries of experience and tradition, successful design, prestige and the particularly excellent sound and playing quality of the instruments they manufacture. This makes the slogan ‘Made in Germany’ desirable for piano manufacturers worldwide and entices them to mislead customers and suggest that they are choosing an instrument made in Germany, although it is not the case.’

The ‘Made in Germany’ certificate was recently unveiled during a music trade fair in Shanghai. In order to acquire the certificate, the piano manufacturer must be a member of the BVK and prove that various production stages take place in Germany. These include work such as fitting casting plates, the installation of the musical mechanisms, and tuning the instruments.

The logo of the German Chamber of Commerce will also appear on the ‘Made in Germany’ mark.