Danemann
W. Danemann & Company were a significant British manufacturer of high quality pianos, based in Islington, London. W. Danemann had a reputation for producing high quality pianos renowned for their fine tone and touch. From 1893-1980 they produced a wide range of pianos, with actions of high quality built by Renner and Schwander, from small to large uprights, 5' 2" grands, 6' 8" grands and 9' 6" concert grands. Among their customers were British embassies, the P&O Lines, Harrods and many educational institutions. Their pianos were exported world wide including tropicalized versions for India and Africa.
History
William Danemann trained with John Brinsmead of London, prior to setting up his business in 1893. Many fine examples of these pianos can be found in the UK. For schools they are very sturdy pianos, and the company also made pianos for other companies, including Pohlmann.
After the Second World War Danemann concentrated their efforts into making instruments of very high quality rather than supplying to the mass market. The pianos Danemann made were constructed from the very best materials available at that time and the school pianos Danemann produced all came with built in safety features, such as solid toe pegs located at the front and back of the piano, safety falls (key hoods) and double rubber castors so the piano could be wheeled around a school hall and over small thresholds with ease. – Macauley Sykes (Piano Technician, M.L Pianos Manchester)
In 1963 Stanley Murdoch, piano buyers for Harrods, commissioned W. Danemann and Company to build "the best upright in the world"; the result was the HS2, based on the classic Danemann upright.
In 1982 Broadwood purchased Danemann Pianos and the factory. Manufacture of Danemann pianos ceased in 1983, although the Danemann name is carried on in the piano business.
Because of their reputation for building long lasting instruments, Danemann pianos were supplied to schools and colleges all across the world. Thousands of them are still in use every day.
In 1985, Gardner Pianos in Cardiff purchased the rights and designs of the Danemann company, and production of the pianos based on the original designs started in Cardiff. The Danemann name was sold by Gardners Pianos very recently.
Tim Danemann, great grandson of the founder, now runs Tim Danemann Pianos, restoring, tuning and selling pianos, and based in Ashprington, Devon.