Schimmel C130 Upright Piano

Product Overview

This German piano maker has been at the forefront of piano making since 1885, and like any company approaching 140 years in business, Schimmel has surely seen it’s share of ups and downs. Today, they stand as one of the most prolific of all European piano manufacturers, building more than 3,000 pianos per year in Europe.

Shimmel’s Classic and Konzert series lines are entirely handmade in Germany to this day, with the Classic series offering a “throwback” to traditional German piano making, while the Konzert series represents a more technologically advanced, cutting-edge design for the future.

Schimmel recognizes that there are thriving markets for both types of instruments, and despite their lower price point, there are many adherents who feel the Schimmel Classic series is as good as it gets in terms of German upright pianos.

Enter the Schimmel C130. The flagship of the Classic lineup which is 5 entries long, the C130 is a commanding 51” in height, and offers room filling sound easily mistaken for a small to mid-sized grand piano.

For those who appreciate the quality of prideful hand craftsmanship and are looking to own an instrument that is emblematic of Schimmel’s rich history, the C130 is the ultimate option.

Action

The C130 receives an action built in Germany by Renner to Schimmel’s precise specifications. After installation, these actions are regulated and refined at the factory for weeks, resulting in an action of liquid like fluidity, that’s both highly responsive and easy to control.

Tone

Power, sustain, clarity, brightness. These are some of the adjectives that come to mind when hearing the C130 in person. The bass is thunderous but not overpowering, while the midrange and treble offer a level of clarity that many other pianos can only try to aspire to.

The C130 is much brighter than it’s Konzert series alternative, and for folks who prefer a brighter tonal profile, this is more than welcomed.

Hammers

Schimmels uses beech core double felted hammers in the C130. While many other German uprights in this class feature Mahogany core hammers, Beech represents a different approach that undoubtedly contributes to the C130’s specific tonal profile.

The wool is sourced from specially bred Merino sheep from Spain. This is brized breed of sheep known for their extremely high quality wool.

Soundboard

Only 300 year old, AA Bavarian Solid white spruce is selected for use in the C130 soundboards. Schimmel also takes the extra step of tapering the soundboards further enhance the acoustic properties of the spruce.

Cabinet

The C130’s cabinet really speaks for itself. Embodying the classic upright aesthetic with high attention to detail cabinetry and mountain spruce backposts, the C130 will surely serve as the centerpiece of any room.