PIANOS WE CARRY


Palatino pianos have built a solid reputation in the piano industry because of their remarkable value, outstanding quality and classic designs.

Palatino has set a new standard when it comes to showing us how much value you can actually get for your dollar. Chinese pianos have been arriving into the North American market now for over 10 years but most have not met the standards of discerning teachers, technicians and pianists. Palatino has raised the bar right from the beginning.

Larry Fine, author of the renowned “Piano Book” has even stated that Palatino pianos are “well prepared with good quality control”. Palatino dealers are amazed how little preparation these pianos require right out of the box.

Palatino pianos are built using the latest in computer technology for highly accurate, consistent results. With the use of high-quality German as well as Toyo CNC routers from Japan for woodwork and metal manufacturing, the tolerances of each instrument is tight and accurate, allowing perfect symmetry in tone. Many manufacturers either make all components on their own or simply default to the lowest bidder. This is fine if price is the only consideration. Palatino, on the other hand, imports high quality components from Europe, Japan, Canada and the U.S.

The Palatino piano is truly a global piano. It is manufactured in China and uses components from around the world, including Imadegawa hammers from Japan, Abel hammers from Germany, Mapes bass strings from the U.S., Roslau steel strings from Germany and an Italian keyboard, with Renner-style action.

Palatino continues to impress players with new styles and upgraded features. Grand pianos are crafted for all performance environments.

Upgraded features on select verticals include 6 back posts (very rare), AAA solid spruce soundboard from Canadian White Spruce, Abel hammers from Germany, reinforced keyboard action, bass agraffes and some models full 88 note agraffes.

With the highly affordable price, excellent parts and an innovative construction process, Palatino creates the finest world-class pianos. The grand pianos continue Palatino’s signature of excellent.

For home or professional use, Palatino offers everything you’ve been looking for in an incredible sounding piano.

More info: www.palatinopiano.com

"Dear Bob, Just want to say "Thank you" very much for the piano!! It is beautiful!! My husband and I love it and the kids even spend more time on it than they did on the old one. Again, thank you, thank you!!!"

- In Chang, Edmonton, AB

"Hi Bob, Once again, thank you for recommending a beautiful sounding piano and for all your time and effort to get the piano delivered all the way to Courtenay. I know I will enjoy the Palatino piano for many years. I will definitely recommend Fraser piano to anyone who wants a great quality and great priced piano. I can't wait until the piano is fine tuned and I hope you had a nice trip despite the long day. "

- Chichi, Courtenay BC

While the world’s most renowned pianos are beyond the reach of some, they provide an excellent point of reference for choosing a more affordable, quality–built instrument — the amazing Steigerman piano.

Our “Euro Asian Premium” series is an exceptional collection of quality instruments designed from the castors up to impress even the most discerning performer. As the name suggests, we draw on the strengths of two worlds to bring you a truly remarkable instrument at an astonishingly affordable price.

More info: www.steigerman.com

"On behalf of LCC International University situated in Klaipeda, Lithuania, I would like to thank you for making arrangements to have a Steigerman Grand Piano shipped to our university. The piano that we acquired at Steigerman Music in Langley arrived in Klaipeda in excellent shape and condition. The university is very pleased with the performance of the piano, and looks forward to sharing it with the university community as well as with the broader Klaipeda community. LCC frequently hosts world-class musical events and we are excited and grateful to have a piano of such excellent quality to offer our students as well as the many music lovers in the local community. It is without a doubt the newest and highest performing grand piano in the region.
Thank you again for your tireless work and assistance in purchasing and shipping the piano overseas on our behalf."

- Rene Neumann, LCC International University

"My wife and I do not play piano and knew very little about even owning one. Our goal was to have our three young children appreciate music and art. This, as well as to own a family heirloom is what brought us to Fraser Piano in Langley. After scouring the internet for information, and going into a few other music stores, we entered Fraser Piano in hopes of just having a few basic questions answered. The service and professionalism we received at Fraser Piano was outstanding. Bob assisted us in every way possible. We had the piano delivered and tuned without any hassles. Eight months later, our oldest daughter, aged 6, had her first recital and she glowed with excitement as she completed her set. We love the Steigerman grand piano and look forward to many years of our children enjoying it also."

- Josef A. Havelka, Langley BC

Kohler and Campbell Industries was established in 1896 with the partners Charles Kohler and John Campbell. Today Kohler and Campbell pianos are made in large ultra modern facilities using a combination of handcrafted skills and C.N.C. machinery and are the second best selling piano in North America.

With the introduction of the “Millennium” series, designed by world famous German scale designer Klaus Fenner, Kohler and Campbell pianos have become one of the most affordable professional pianos available anywhere today and represent exceptional value for the dollar.

More info: www.kohlerandcampbell.com

Wm. Knabe Co. were established in 1837. They are handmade, limited production pianos created in the finest tradition of piano crafting. The tone is warmly melodic, often compared to the lyric richness of the human voice.

All Knabe grands come equipped with German Renner actions www.rennerusa.com and are rated in the “Piano Book by Larry Fine” in the same general category as the top Japanese brands. The Knabe tone is the result of superior scale design created to the uncompromising standard of leading artists.

Priced far below other pianos in the professional category, the Knabe continues to be popular with teachers and serious amateur pianists around the world.

More info: www.knabepianos.com


"Dear Robert, I was fortunate to purchase a piano from you last November and I would like you to know how happy I am with the product. I appreciated the time that you took to show us the many choices available and to point out characteristics of each. You were informative and helpful and followed through promptly with the delivery and tuning service. The piano I purchased was made by the Wm. Knabe company and I am more than happy with the quality. I feel I received great value for my money. I have had many musical friends come over and remark on how beautiful it looks and sounds. Wishing you the best in the future in life and in business, "

- Genevieve Pfeiffer, White Rock BC

Joseph J. Pramberger's father Anton Pramberger immigrated his family from Vienna, Austria to New York City in 1950 and began working at Steinway and Sons piano company. In 1958 his son Joseph J. Pramberger joined his father at Steinway Pianos and dedicated the next 29 years of his life there learning and refining his art and piano craft, inventing and re-innovating unique designs and U.S. patents including the popular 'bushings' which are commonly used in piano actions today.

In 1987 Joseph J. Pramberger created his own family owned and operated Pramberger Pianos in New York City and the Pramberger piano company was born specializing in the restoration and rebuilding of world class pianos. Painstaking attention to nuance, design and detail has always been his personal philosophy in piano making and since that time, Pramberger Pianos have never looked back, building some of the finest pianos available today in their price range. See more information at:
www.prambergerpianoco.com
www.samickmusick.usa


"We live in Edmonton, and we know the Fraser Piano through my son’s piano teacher. I must say that the experience we have had with the Fraser Piano has been positive and pleasant, and the service we have received so far is second to none. Not only did Mr. Loewen respond swiftly to any questions and problems in shipping, tuning, and minor troubleshooting, but he also follow everything through in a timely fashion, and most importantly, to our satisfaction. Best of all, with all the information and help we received from Mr. Loewen, the piano we purchased blindly (Pramberger Platinum we never touched before the purchase) widely beats our expectation of quality, tune, touch, and price. Thank you for the wonderful services and the beautiful piano!"

- Mingqian Zhang, Edmonton AB

“Piano music should be written only for the C. Bechstein”
– Claude Debussy

“I have been playing your instruments for 28 years now, and they have maintained their supremacy”
– Franz Liszt

“I consider myself fortunate to live in the age of the C. Bechstein”
– Wilhelm Kempff

Handcrafted in Germany since 1853, Bechstein pianos are revered throughout the world for their unique rich tone and old world craftsmanship. The phenomenal power of a Bechstein is another reason so many performing artists choose Bechstein. Fraser Piano Center is the exclusive representative for Bechstein for British Columbia.

Since 1853 Bechstein has been world renowned for outstanding concert quality. The new Bechstein pianos have more power, while still retaining the depth of sound and clarity of tone that sets them apart from all other piano builders. Bechstein has the greatest dynamic range of any piano, which is easily brought forth with the extremely responsive “Gold Line Action” which is found in all C. Bechstein pianos and the “Silver Line Action” found in all Academy series Bechstein pianos. These actions have been specially designed by Bechstein to meet their rigorous demands and standards.

Built to last a lifetime and beyond, Bechstein pianos will provide many years of musical enjoyment and will increase in value with time. Flawless German craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail are what makes the Bechstein the most sought after piano, played by concert pianists throughout the world.

More info: www.bechstein.de or www.bechstein-centren.de/america


(made by C. Bechstein Europe s.r.o.)

Bohemia pianos are hand made in the Czech Republic.

Fraser Piano Center is the exclusive Bohemia dealer for British Columbia and has chosen to represent this piano because of its superb workmanship, beautiful lyrical tone and reasonable price.

On April 3, 2007 the Bohemia factory, located in Jihlava, Czech Republic, was acquired and is now 100% owned by C. Bechstein of Germany and has subsequently been renamed C. Bechstein Europe s.r.o. Even though the Bohemia piano has always been recognized as a quality Europan piano, now that the production and quality control are directed by Bechstein, the status and quality will take yet another leap forward. All Bohemia pianos say “made by Bechstein Europe” on the bottom right of the fallboard.

"My husband and I purchased a new Bohemia piano from Fraser Piano in February of 2009. At the time we knew very little about what type of piano to buy or what we should be looking for when purchasing a piano. After doing extensive research on the internet, my husband came across Fraser Piano. We called Bob several times and he was always willing to spend the time answering our questions and educating us about the different types of pianos. We found him to be very knowledgeable and appreciated his genuine interest in helping us make the best purchase that would suit our needs. We finally decided to purchase the Bohemia Piano. Bob gave us a good price and delivered the piano in perfect condition to our home. We are very pleased with our purchase! The Bohemia Piano has quality craftsmanship that is evident from the inside out. It is an attractive instrument that responds to a very sensitive touch. The Bohemia has a very full and rich sound, making it a pleasure to play! I am currently taking piano lessons and enjoy practicing every day. If you are currently in the market for a piano, I would encourage you to consider the Bohemia Piano at Fraser Piano. "

- Debra, Kamloops BC

The Bohemia piano has challenged the status of other European and Japanese manufacturers by offering unique, high quality pianos that possess character, style and musical qualities all at prices similar to lesser-rated mass produced pianos. Such qualities have been eagerly sought by buyers in North America – especially those interested in resale value, who appreciate hand crafted European products and/or those who are looking for, well, something a little better. These hand crafted pianos can be purchased for about the same (if not less) than the famous Japanese brands and the piano and its components are 100% European.

In spite of limited production Bohemia piano sales have increased dramatically over the last few years. See www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-161011393.html. For this reason Bohemia pianos are not discounted. The factory and their distributor are not sitting on mountains of inventory that need to be liquidated.

In Larry Fine’s latest and authoritative “Supplement to the Piano Book” the Bohemia piano is rated a “GROUP 2” (or “High Performance”) piano. This is a category dominated by small cherished European brands that are relatively unknown to the average North American buyer. This elevated status also places it above and in a higher group than the standard Yamaha, Kawai and Boston (made by Kawai) pianos.

History of Bohemia Pianos

The history of manufacturing commenced as early as 1871 in Jihlava, where J. Bĕlohlávek founded a small workshop and with it a tradition of manufacturing acoustic pianos in Jihlava. In 1924 J. Breitner acquired the workshop which was subsequently extended under the auspices of the Viennese firm “Hoffmann and Czerny”. In 1948 manufacturing was nationalized. In 1993 the limited liability company “Bohemia Piano” s.r.o. was founded with the object of producing vertical and grand pianos and shortly afterwards purchased the state owned manufacturer.

Thanks to the Czech designer M.Tauchman, in an exceptionally short time a new range of models of uprights and four grand models were developed. The instruments are exported worldwide and thanks to the superior materials used, these instruments are able to withstand the climatic extremes of Canada as well as the tropics of Asia. The company has a team of top quality experts, and by educating the younger generation guarantee the continued success of the tradition founded in 1871.

More info: www.bohemiapiano.cz


"Its soon going to be 6 months since I bought our new Bohemia Grand Piano from you and what a 6 months its been. After enduring many years of playing a console-style piano, the Bohemia is a dream come true for me. It is like playing a totally different instrument. You may recall the day it was delivered. You had to work late because you had other deliveries that day so it was late in the evening by the time it was set up and I decided to ‘save’ my first experience for the next morning when I was fresh and not so tired. The next morning I was at the piano at 7 am and I played until noon before I got up to have some lunch. The sound was so incredible I just couldn’t leave it alone. The piano is located in our family room, not far from some large windows with a view out over the Fraser Valley, and I often open the doors (for the fresh air affect) and sit and play for hours. Although its been almost 6 months since the new Bohemia arrived at our home it still feels like a new toy for me. I have an office at home so during the day I like to take breaks from my work and sit down at the piano. I find it takes my mind completely off the office toils and after a short reprieve I’m back in the office reloaded and ready to go. So, Bob, I have to thank you for introducing me to my new Bohemia piano. I honestly can’t use strong enough words to say how much it means to me to have it in my house and available to play whenever I want. For me, its like having a little piece of heaven in my own living room. From the first time we met when I played many of the pianos you had in your show room I knew that I wanted that Bohemia and you made it come true for me. I can’t thank you enough."

- Doug Gosling, Abbotsford BC

W. Hoffmann Pianos
(made by C. Bechstein Europe s.r.o.)

Quality has a name — W. Hoffmann-World, a traditional, established brand, made for quality conscious musicians with a discriminating ear. The W. Hoffmann-World pianos enjoy tremendous success throughout the world because they reflect the quality philosophy developed by C. Bechstein Berlin, one of the greatest piano makers.

Just compare the numerous advantages of W. Hoffmann-World pianos with their competitors, and you will soon agree that quality is not necessarily a matter of price.

W. Hoffmann-World is the brand for you if you are looking for an excellent piano-and not the most expensive one!
W.Hoffmann-World pianos are developed and constantly improved at “C. Bechstein’s German Piano-making Research, Development and Quality-Management Center”, a unique institution for state-of-the-art competence in piano engineering and piano making.

More info: www.bechstein-centren.de/america/bechstein_america/main/pianos/w_hoffmann

According to many aficionados - The finest hand-made piano available today:

“Mason and Hamlin Pianos are the Top Rated American Made Pianos in the Highest Quality Category for Performance and Confidence.”
- Larry Fine, The Piano Book (Fourth Edition)
See the Steinway vs. Mason and Hamlin comparison chart below

If you’re considering the purchase of another famous top tier American grand then you better not close the book until you’ve experienced a Mason and Hamlin.

Mason and Hamlin was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1854 by composer and pianist Henry Mason, son of Lowel Mason and Emmons Hamlin. Mason’s father, was one of the most famous American hymn composers of his day, with the music for "Nearer My God to Thee" and "Joy to the World" among his credits. Emmons Hamlin was a mechanic and inventor who had worked for melodeon makers Prince and Co. in Buffalo, New York.

"I would like to thank Bob Loewen at Fraser Piano Center for the opportunity to purchase one of my favourite pianos, the Mason & Hamlin "AA". This piano is truly a work of art. From the thundering church bell like base notes to the clear and singing treble it produces a warm sonic & bright tone which envelopes my soul. Tone brightness combined with warmth is rare amongst most pianos. The Mason can sure deliver. This piano inspires me to stay at the keyboard and enjoy every moment. Many thanks "

- Bill Lashmar, Richmond BC

Mason and Hamlin pianos are truly the sleeping giant in today's piano industry, because they are now properly being recognized as the World's best sounding and playable pianos available anywhere, also making them one of the most sought after. Despite their numerous awards, recognition, increased popularity, and acclaim, Mason and Hamlin still limits their annual production to only 400 pianos per year. This is because every single Mason and Hamlin piano is constructed with only the highest quality materials available, strict adherence to design specifications and built entirely by hand by expert craftsmen. For Mason Hamlin it has never been about the quantity, it has always been about the quality! More info: www.masonhamlin.com.

Mason and Hamlin pianos have a six star rating even in Europe. See www.pianoshop.co.uk/info/ratings.php. There are only a small handful of pianos in the world that enjoy this status.

When a new Mason and Hamlin piano arrives at our store the task of final preparation is at hand and the instrument is subjected to many critical adjustments concerning voicing, regulating and tuning. This will bring out the full potential of the piano. Our own technicians are highly trained specialists in this final, but highly crucial stage of piano production. By painstakingly addressing the pianos from all directions, stretching strings adjusting termination and strike points and modifying the hammer felts through voicing techniques, our technicians (some of them good pianists) are able to elicit the features that best reveal the special charm of each new Mason and Hamlin. 

An Investment of the Ages - All Ages

Since 1854, the Mason and Hamlin piano has been recognized by many as one of the finest instruments in the world. The Combination of Old World craftsmanship with time tested designs and materials make Mason and Hamlin one of the few investment-grade pianos built today. As evidence of Mason and Hamlin's unparalleled commitment to quality, less than 350 pianos are manufactured each year. Thus, each piano is truly a one-of-a-kind original - a limited edition - and no doubt will perform and increase in value for decades to come.

The performance of a lifetime is assured by Manson & Hamlin's patented crown retention system - unique among piano manufacturers - which insures your piano's soundboard retains its original contour and performance qualities. Consequently, a seventy-five year old Mason and Hamlin piano often sounds better than - and retains a resale value exceeding that of other higher priced new pianos. Mason and Hamlin pianos have been acclaimed by professionals and piano aficionados for over 150 years. And now, astute investors are taking note of Mason and Hamlin's remarkable investment potential.

Other premium pianos have appreciated in value higher than such notable symbols of luxury as gold, silver, wine, and Mercedes Benz automobiles. How much more your Mason and Hamlin, which is even more rare, unique and of unsurpassed quality than other pianos on the market today? Acclaimed, collected and investment-grade. Mason and Hamlin is the ultimate piano investment.

Exclusive Dealer

Fraser Piano Center is the exclusive Mason and Hamlin dealer for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island and are privileged to be able to provide the entire Metropolitan Vancouver area with, which many consider to be the best new pianos built in the world today: pianos crafted to the highest possible standards at the Mason and Hamlin factory in Haverhill, MA and then refined to those very same high standards for final sale and delivery by the Fraser Piano staff.

More info: www.masonhamlin.com/newsroom/PDF/MasonHamlinExpanded.pdf

Mason and Hamlin vs. Steinway and Sons

Attributes Mason and Hamlin Model A Steinway and Sons Model O
Price (ebony) Dramatically more affordable than the Steinway O $56,800
Length 5 feet, 8.5 inches 5 feet, 10.5 inches
Width 58.75 inches 58 inches
Weight 860 pounds 610 pounds
Rim Materials hard rock maple hard rock maple
Rim Thickness 3 inches 2.5 inches
Pinblock 7-ply hard rock maple 7-ply hard rock maple
Soundboard Eastern White Spruce Sikta Spruce
Soundboard Size 2016 square inches 2002 square inches
Bridges hard rock maple hard rock maple
Tension Resonator Yes No
Full Rim Plate Yes No
#1 Bass String Length: 59 and 3/8 Inches 59 and 1/4 Inches
Ribs: Sugar Pine Sugar Pine
Action: Mason and Hamlin/Renner Steinway (Renner in Hamburg only)
Tension Resonator: Yes No
Manufacturer's Warranty 12 years (full); Limited Lifetime 5 years
Country of Manufacture USA (Haverhill, Mass) USA (Astoria, NY)


Attributes Mason and Hamlin Model BB Steinway and Sons Model B
Price (ebony) Dramatically more affordable than the Steinway B $73,600
Length 7 feet, 0 inches 6 feet, 10.5 inches
Width 62.75 inches
 58 inches
Weight 1020 pounds 760 pounds
Rim Materials hard rock maple hard rock maple
Rim Thickness 3.125 inches 2.75 inches
Pinblock 7-ply hard rock maple 7-ply hard rock maple
Soundboard Eastern White Spruce Sikta Spruce
Soundboard Size 2745 square inches 2271 square inches
Bridges hard rock maple hard rock maple
Tension Resonator Yes No
Full Rim Plate Yes No
#1 Bass String Length: 59 and 3/8 Inches 59 and 1/4 Inches
Ribs: Sugar Pine Sugar Pine
Action: Mason and Hamlin/Renner Steinway (Renner in Hamburg only)
Tension Resonator: Yes No
Manufacturer's Warranty 12 years (full); LImited Lifetime 5 years; Limited Lifetime
Country of Manufacture USA (Haverhill, Mass) USA (Astoria, NY)