Made Moon Blog

Johannes Ibach, maker of antique pianos, studied with several of the best masters of Germany and returned home a master of the art of piano and organ manufacturing. He remodeled the great organ at Beyenburg with excellence. Soon after, his entire attention was spent on pianos. At fifty nine, because of health, he gave his business to his son, Carl, who did well with the business. He attended World Fairs and traveled, promoting his pianos, and receiving honors for them. Rudolf took over from his father, naming the company Rudolf Ibach Sohn. He soon had to enlarge the factory to keep up with demand for the Ibach pianos. Because of Ibach exquisite designs, other piano makers found it profitable to follow the Ibach example. Walter studied felt and hammer making and joined his father Rudolf in the company. Later Rudol’s sons joined the company.

Johannes Ibach started making pianos near Barmen in 1794. The house of Ibach has been in the front rank for artistry in antique piano case design. Their “Memorial”, published in 1894, marked the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of their firm, containing an excellent and collection of designs.

Nunns Piano Company, another producer of antique pianos, was operated by two sons of Charles S. Fischer and were taught piano making in Vienna. They, John and Charles, became expert antique piano makers. They came to New York City in 1839, where they immediately began working with William Nunns. Soon they were partners in Nunns and Fischer. Nunns retired in 1840, and then the name became J. and C. Fischer. The sons of Charles came into the business. They became great producers of pianos, always improving the quality. William Steinway came to New York with a good knowledge of English and French, and played the piano acceptably. He had a musical ear and could tune a three stringed grand piano to perfection. He chose to learn piano making and apprenticed to William Nunns Company, one of the best known New York piano firms of the time.