Virtual Visit: Object Stories - Steinway Grand Piano

1. The Steinway is 6 feet long and weighs over 700 pounds.
2. The Steinway Piano in the Executive Mansion was built in 1925.
3. The piano has 7 ¼ octaves (88 notes).
4. Steinway has built over 600,000 pianos.
5. Steinway was founded on March 5, 1853 in Manhattan.
6. Several prominent schools including Julliard and Yale University are All-Steinway Schools.

When was the Steinway piano in the New York State Executive Mansion produced?
The instrument’s construction was completed on August 3, 1925, and was shipped the following month to Cluett and Sons at 265 River Street in Troy, NY.

What was the 1961 Fire?
In 1961, a fire broke out in the New York State Executive Mansion as a result of an electrical issue. Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller advocated to restore the Mansion rather than tear it down post-fire.

Who was the final Steinway family member to be president of the company?
Heinrich’s great-grandson, Henry (1915-2008) would be the last member of the Steinway family to be president of the piano company. He would personally sign all custom-made pianos.

What other famous celebrities own a Steinway?
Composer John Williams, musicians Lang Lang and Billy Joel, are just to name a few.

Where are Steinway pianos produced?
Steinways are produced and manufactured in the United States.

When did Steinway become an American citizen?
After changing his name from Heinrich Steinweg to Henry Steinway, Steinway became an American citizen in 1863.

How many parts make up a grand piano?
A Steinway grand piano is made up of 12,116 individual parts.

In 2000, the Steinway piano John Lennon used to compose the song "Imagine" was sold for over $2 million dollars to which famous pop star?
Singer George Michael

Which President received a Steinway on December 10, 1938?
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Which television/media company owned Steinway at one time?
CBS owned Steinway in the 1960s and 1970s