August Förster

After years of apprenticing under cabinet makers and piano builders, German native August Förster opened a small piano workshop in the spring of 1859. By 1862, Förster had opened a much larger factory in the North-Eastern German town of Lobau, having established a strong reputation for quality. Though state-controlled for portions of its 150-year history, at which time quality levels were inconsistent, August Förster is again owned and operated by the Förster family, who have successfully re-established August Förster as a premium German brand.

Using many traditional production methods and extensive handwork, August Förster pianos represent a return to “old world” style craftsmanship, further exemplified by the fact the factory employs roughly only 40 employees. August Förster currently produces three upright piano models; the 46” 116, the 49” 125, and the 53” 134. Grand pianos consist of four sizes, with the 5’8” 170, 6’4” 190, 7’2” 215, and the 9’1” 275 concert grand piano.