Restored Schimmel Pianos: Discover the Refined Artistry
- pianosnowportland
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 17

If you are seeking a piano that combines European craftsmanship, tonal depth, and timeless design, a restored Schimmel piano may be the perfect fit. Known for their elegant engineering and musical sensitivity, Schimmel pianos offer an exceptional experience for both beginners and advanced players alike. At Pianos Now, we specialize in restoring pre-owned Schimmel instruments to their full musical potential, offering you a concert-level piano without the cost or complications of buying new.
Every Schimmel piano we sell has been hand-selected and restored in house by our team of expert technicians. These pianos are carefully prepared to sound beautiful, play smoothly, and endure for decades to come. Whether you are furnishing a music room or starting your child’s musical journey, a Schimmel piano from Pianos Now offers serious quality and lasting value.
Click here to browse our current inventory of restored Schimmel pianos or speak with a technician to find the right instrument for your home.
A Brief History of Schimmel
Founded in 1885 by Wilhelm Schimmel in Leipzig, Germany, Schimmel quickly became known for building innovative and reliable pianos with a lyrical voice and smooth action. The company’s guiding principle has always been to combine traditional craftsmanship with progressive design. Over the years, Schimmel has won international awards for both design and sound, and many of its models are used in conservatories and performance halls across Europe.
In the 20th century, Schimmel introduced several technical innovations that improved tone, tuning stability, and action performance. These included their unique full-size concert action in upright pianos, offering a grand-like playing experience even in a vertical cabinet. The company remains family-run and continues to build pianos in Braunschweig, Germany, with a strong emphasis on quality materials and detailed workmanship.
While new Schimmel pianos can be quite costly, restored pre-owned models offer the same European tone and construction at a fraction of the price.
What Makes a Schimmel Piano Special?
When shopping for an acoustic piano, it is important to understand what separates an excellent instrument from a merely adequate one. Schimmel pianos offer a range of musical benefits that are immediately noticeable, even to beginning players.
Refined tonal palette
Schimmel pianos are known for their clarity, warmth, and long sustain. The tone is rich without being overly bright, offering the kind of complexity that rewards expressive playing and supports a wide range of musical styles.
Precise, smooth action
Schimmel pianos feature action components that respond to even the lightest touch. This sensitivity allows developing players to build technique properly and more advanced players to perform with control and nuance.
European design and materials
Many Schimmel pianos use spruce soundboards from the Alps, hardwood rims, and Renner action parts. These details contribute to the instrument’s stability, responsiveness, and long-term durability.
Elegant cabinetry
Schimmel upright and grand pianos often feature polished ebony or satin walnut finishes with clean, modern lines. Their look is as refined as their sound and works beautifully in both formal and casual settings.
Strong long-term value
A properly restored Schimmel holds its value and continues to perform at a high level for decades. It is an investment in both music and lasting quality.
Our In-House Restoration Process
Every Schimmel piano sold at Pianos Now has been restored in our own workshop by trained, master-level technicians. We never rely on cosmetic refurbishing alone. Our focus is to restore the instrument’s mechanical function, tonal balance, and structural integrity.
Each Schimmel restoration includes:
Full inspection and repair of soundboard, bridges, and pinblock
Regulation of the action for consistent key weight and responsiveness
Replacement or reshaping of hammers as needed for tonal clarity
Voicing of the instrument to ensure an even and expressive tone
Multiple tuning sessions for pitch stability and musical accuracy
Cleaning, polishing, and cabinet touch-ups to refresh appearance
Final testing and approval by our senior technician before delivery
Our restorations are performed with care and precision. The result is a piano that looks beautiful, plays easily, and delivers a sound that reflects the original builder’s intentions.
Why Buy from Pianos Now?
At Pianos Now, we are more than a piano store. We are a technician-led business with a commitment to restoring and delivering pianos that bring lasting joy to their owners. Our approach is personal, informed, and focused on quality.
Here is what makes us different:
Expert restoration by in-house technicians
All work is done on site by experienced piano technicians who understand both the musical and mechanical aspects of the instrument.
Free delivery anywhere in the continental U.S.
Your piano will arrive professionally transported and ready to play, with no hidden fees or surprise costs.
Technician-owned and operated
Our business is led by someone who has spent years in piano service and restoration. This hands-on experience guides every piano we sell.
Thoughtful, pressure-free guidance
We work with you to understand your space, playing goals, and musical taste. You will never be pressured into a decision that is not right for you.
Curated, restored inventory
We do not sell hundreds of pianos. We offer a carefully selected group of instruments that we believe in, and we stand behind their quality and performance.
Common Schimmel Models We Restore
While Schimmel offers a wide variety of pianos, here are some models we frequently restore and recommend:
Schimmel Studio Uprights (around 47 to 50 inches tall)
These uprights feature full-size actions and long strings, providing grand-like performance in a vertical cabinet. Ideal for serious practice and compact living spaces.
Schimmel Baby and Medium Grands (5’3” to 6’3”)
These grands offer remarkable tonal richness and dynamic range in a manageable size. Well suited for players who want a responsive touch and concert-level sound.
Polished Ebony and Natural Wood Finishes
Schimmel pianos are often available in both classic black and beautiful natural woods. Each finish is carefully restored to showcase the piano’s original charm.
If you are looking for something specific, we may already have it in our workshop or can help you source and restore it.
A European Piano That Delivers More Than Just Sound
Schimmel pianos represent a combination of heritage, tone, and reliability that few brands can match. They are built to satisfy the demands of experienced players while remaining approachable to those just starting out. When restored by skilled hands, a Schimmel offers lasting beauty, clear tone, and elegant presence in any room.
At Pianos Now, we are honored to work with these fine instruments and to deliver them to homes across the country. If you are looking for a piano that will serve you well for decades and grow with you musically, a restored Schimmel is a choice worth making.
Click here to explore our Schimmel inventory or contact us for a consultation. We are here to help you find a piano that fits your space, your goals, and your musical life.
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